'Killer Queen' - Queen

Question 1

1) What is the key of this set work? Why is this an unusual key for a rock song?

Answer 1

1) Rock songs are rarely written in flat keys, guitarists would have to use a capo or detune the guitar.

Question 2

2) Name the studio technique that is used to record the layered guitar parts.

Answer 2

2) Multi-tracking

Question 3

S1) Create a table with two headings: ‘heavy rock’ and ‘songs from musicals’. List the elements of ‘Killer Queen’ under the appropriate headings.

Answer 3

S2) Heavy Rock:

Songs From Musicals:

Question 4

S2) Write out the overall structure of ‘Killer Queen’ using fewer than 30 words.

Answer 4

S2)

Question 5

S3) Where is a ‘circle of fifths’ chord sequence used in ‘Killer Queen’?

Answer 5

S3)

Question 6

C1) Describe how the use of music technology has enhanced this song.

Answer 6

C2) panning for backing vocals and guitar (73/74-55/61)
flanger for word-painting (77/78)
multitrack recording and overdubbing for basic sounding of band
distortion for ‘creamy’, sustained tone
wah-wah (63)
reverb to create a sense of space
clever microphone positioning when recording guitars to produce different timbres

Question 7

C2) What are the key elements of ‘Killer Queen’ that reflect Mercury’s love of the theatrical?

Answer 7

C2) anthemic melodies, adventurous structures, unusual keys