How Brian May Built His “Red Special” Guitar With His Father Using Wood From A Fireplace

April 2, 2025

Brian May stood in his garage, the smell of sawdust and old wood filling the air. It was the late 1960s, and the teenage guitarist was fueled by a burning desire to create something extraordinary—a guitar that would become a part of him. With his father, Harold, by his side, they were ready to turn an old dream into reality. Together, they would build what would later come to be known as the “Red Special,” a guitar that not only shaped Brian’s future but also influenced rock music for generations.

The project began with a simple idea: to use pieces of wood that they could find around the house. Brian’s father had a knack for woodworking, and they rummaged through their garage, discovering remnants from an old fireplace that had been torn out. “We can do this, Brian,” Harold said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. The wood was rough and weathered, but Brian didn’t mind. To him, it was perfect. As they cut and shaped the pieces, he felt a connection to every stroke of the saw and every twist of the screwdriver. It was a bonding experience, filled with laughter and shared stories, as they poured their passion into creating something that would carry Brian’s musical voice.

As days turned into weeks, Brian and his father worked side by side, bringing the guitar to life. They experimented with different designs, adjusting the body shape and picking out the pickups that would amplify the sound. Brian’s determination shone through even in the face of challenges—when a piece wouldn’t fit just right or when the neck warped unexpectedly. Each obstacle taught him patience and resilience, and as he watched his vision take form, he grew more confident in his abilities as a musician and a craftsman.

Finally, after months of hard work, the Red Special was ready. Brian picked up the guitar, feeling the warmth of the wood against his hands and the weight of all the effort that had gone into it. He strummed a chord, and to his amazement, the sound was rich and vibrant. It was unlike anything he had ever heard. From that moment on, the Red Special became his trusted companion, helping him express his innermost feelings through music. The guitar was not just an instrument; it was a symbol of his passion, perseverance, and the unbreakable bond he shared with his father.

When Brian formed Queen and took the stage, the Red Special was by his side, becoming an integral part of their electrifying performances. The unique sound that emanated from the guitar captivated audiences around the world. Brian’s music resonated with millions, and he often credited the Red Special for his distinctive tone. As he strummed the strings, he remembered the countless hours spent in the garage with his father, the laughter, and the lessons learned. That guitar was a reminder that creation is often born from love, hard work, and shared dreams.

Looking back, Brian May realized that building the Red Special was not just about the guitar itself. It was about the journey he took with his father, the resilience they both demonstrated, and the passion they instilled in one another. Every note he played was a tribute to that moment in time when two dreamers dared to build something beautiful together. The Red Special taught him that music has the power to connect, inspire, and create legacies, a lesson that would resonate throughout his incredible career.