MR T HITS Queen 2

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 2

MR T HITS – Queen: Killer Queen

Revision notes template

Killer Queen Revision notes


Melody:
1. The melody opens with mainly stepwise movement with some leaps of 3rds and 4ths. E.g. the
word chandon is a leap pf a 4th in bar 3.

2. The melody uses a wide range of notes, beginning in a lower register. It uses sequence (bar 7),
and also uses an up-beat/anacrusis to begin each of the verse and chorus. There is also the
use of word-painting in verse 3 (to absolutely drive you wild), the melody becomes very high
and the line is completed by the backing vocals.

3. The lyrics are unusual and very wordy, written before the song which means they dictate the
length of notes used. They are mostly syllabic with few melismas (in verse 2) there is also some
spoken text before chorus 2.

Rhythm & Metre:


1. The time signature is compound quadruple time. E.g. four dotted crotchets per bar, originally
it was written in 4/4. It has a swung feel to the piece

2. There is frequent syncopation used and it is a main feature of the song

3. The time signature briefly changes to 6/8 sometimes to create an extended phrase. Each time
it is only for one bar.

Tonality:
1. The tonality of the song is quite unusual. The key of E flat major is used and Queen were
known for exploring unusual keys in the pieces

2. The tonality is ambiguous because the first chord is C minor, followed by a B flat 7 chord.

3. There are many changes of key with quick modulations. E.g. in verse 1 there is C minor, E flat
major and then G minor, before reaching B flat major for the chorus. All achieved through perfect
cadences

Harmony:
1. The harmony uses many extended chords of sevenths, sometimes there is one chord per bar,
sometimes two, and occasionally one chord per beat. The rate of harmonic change varies
throughout the song.
2. There is a brief use of the circle of 5ths in the chorus
3. The harmony shows blues and harmonies from musicals influences, the blues influence is the
use of chords I, IV & V.
MR T HITS – Queen: Killer Queen
Revision notes template

Instruments/forces:
1. The instruments used are typical for a pop song, vocals, piano, electric guitar, bass and drums.
The vocals and electric guitar are all played by the same person, but through technology and
multi-tracking in the studio there are multiple layers of sound and harmonies. E.g. in chorus 1
there are 3 chord harmonies by the backing vocals

3. The guitar uses various techniques such as slides, bends, pull-offs and vibrato. The voice uses
falsetto and just before chorus 2 some spoken text for dramatic effect. Other effects used are
EQ, flanger, distortion, reverb, wah-wah, panning and overdubbing.

3. The drummer makes a significant contribution to the texture and dynamics by altering his use
of the hi-hat between verse and chorus, it also uses fills and cymbals and is more jazz like than a
rock group.

Texture:
1. The texture alternates and varies throughout the song, many parts come and go but the piano
seems present most the time. There are homophonic moments in the chorus when the vocals
and backing vocals sing together on the words she’s a killer queen. And generally the backing
vocals add and thicken the texture.
2. It opens with layers of sound, beginning with finger clicks, then vocals, and piano left-hand
then piano right-hand. Finally the guitars and drums enter.
3. There is an increase in polyphony in verse 2 as more parts are introduced. There is also a
‘hocketing’ effect of texture used in the guitar solo section

Structure:
1. The song uses a verse/chorus structure with an instrumental before verse 2 and an extended
guitar solo section after chorus 2, before verse 3. There is a brief introduction and an outro to
the song.

2. Chorus 2 is shorter than chorus 1, it only uses 5 bars instead of 8.

3. There is also an extra 3 bars added to verse 3 before chorus 3.

Dynamics:
1. The dynamics are fairly constant but there are subtle difference made from the layered
entrance of instruments in the opening, the added backing vocals increase the dynamics
and as instruments come and go it alters the level of dynamics heard.
2. The clever use of drum kit, has a major contribution as the drummer changes the
dynamics by altering his use of hi-hat between the verse and chorus.

You might also like