Killer Queen (Queen)

Question 1

Structure

Answer 1

Strophic - verse/ chorus (has intro and guitar so,o as bridge)
Unusual phrase lengths (3,4,5 bars) - reuses phrases

Question 2

Key

Answer 2

E flat major (weird for rock)

Question 3

Tonality

Answer 3

Used many modulations
Uses harmonic sequences
First two chords clearly set key - Cm (VI) and Bflat7 (Dominant 7th)

Question 4

Instruments

Answer 4

Percussion, drum kit, bass guitar, electric guitar, ‘jangle’ piano, piano, vocals (+ clever backing vocals)
Limited - used multi tracking

Question 5

Instrumentation

Answer 5

Multi tracking/overdubbing - layer parts
Backing vocals - gospel inspired
Guitar mimics other instruments
NO SYNTHS

Question 6

Time signature

Answer 6

12/8 - compound time

Question 7

Rhythm and tempo

Answer 7

Fast tempo
Swung feel - 120bpm syncopation
Important rhythmic motif occurs throughout

Question 8

Melody

Answer 8

Similar melodic motif reoccurs
Syllabic vocal line
Guitar solo develops vocal melody

Question 9

Texture

Answer 9

Melody Dominated Homophony
Homophonic (first verse), polyphonic (second verse), antiphonal (panning - left and right speakers)
Clear contrast between sections
Texture not crowded - parts carefully placed - intro (piano comes in one hand at a time)

Question 10

Music technology

Answer 10

Multi tracking/ overdubbing
Flanger/ wah wah/ distortion
Panning - left and right speakers - antiphonal

Question 11

Guitar techniques

Answer 11

String bends/ slides/ vibrato/ pull offs
No strumming
Each note carefully articulated

Question 12

Harmony

Answer 12

Chromatic descending - bar 7
Extended chords
Circle of fifths (20-21)
Pedal notes

Question 13

Form and structure

Answer 13

-introduction - bars 1 and 2
-verse 1 - bars 2 to 14
-chorus 1 - bars 15 to 22
-instrumental link - bars 23 to 26
-verse 2 - bars 27 to 38
-chorus 2 - bars 39 to 43
-guitar solo - bars 44 to 61
-verse 3 - bars 62 to 69
-chorus 3 - bars 70 to 78
-outro - from bar 79 until the end