Killer queen flashcards

What is the main time signature of 'Killer Queen'?

12/8

What is the tonality of the piece?

Eb Major

Which key does the chorus modulate to?

Bb Major

What rhythmic feature is heard at the start of every verse and chorus?

Anacrusis (upbeat)

What is the tempo marking for 'Killer Queen'?

112 bpm (moderate tempo)

What studio effects are used in the recording of 'Killer Queen'?

Multi-track recording, EQ, flanger, distortion, reverb, wah-wah, and panning

What is the vocal range in 'Killer Queen'?

Wide range, with leaps including intervals of 6ths and octaves

What type of word setting is used throughout the song?

Syllabic word setting

What is the main texture of 'Killer Queen'?

Homophonic

Which instrument plays a 'jangle' piano effect?

A slightly out-of-tune piano recorded over the main piano line

What unusual tonality feature is used at the beginning of the first verse?

Tonal ambiguity starting with a C minor chord

What is the structure of 'Killer Queen'?

Verse-chorus structure

What guitar techniques are featured in the instrumental sections?

Slides, bends, pull-offs, and vibrato

Which vocal technique is used in 'Killer Queen' to reach high notes?

Falsetto

What is the texture during the guitar solo?

Three-part texture

What harmonic feature is used in the chorus to move between chords?

Circle of fifths progression

What type of modulation is found in 'Killer Queen'?

Frequent key changes (modulations)

What rhythmic device is used to extend phrase lengths?

Occasional extra bars of 6/8 time

What is the harmonic rhythm during the phrase 'guaranteed to blow your mind'?

One chord per beat

What effect is added to the backing vocals to create an antiphonal texture?

Panning

What era and style of music influenced Queen's 'Killer Queen'?

Glam rock and musical theatre

What is the function of overdubbing in 'Killer Queen'?

To layer multiple guitar parts and backing vocals

What is the main lyrical theme of 'Killer Queen'?

A high-class prostitute's luxurious and flamboyant lifestyle

What melodic feature is used on the word 'queen'?

An upward slide

What type of phrases are common in the melody?

Uneven melodic phrases

What recording technique is used to create a fuller sound in 'Killer Queen'?

Multi-track recording

Which chords are often altered or extended in 'Killer Queen'?

7ths and 11ths

What is the dynamic level during the chorus?

Generally forte

How does the outro return to the original key?

By repeating an Eb chord

What is the time signature of most of 'Killer Queen'?

12/8

What rhythmic feature is heard in bar 18?

Triplets

What type of textural feel is created by interweaving guitar and vocal parts?

Polyphonic

What is the main instrument playing the melody?

The lead vocals by Freddie Mercury

How do the backing vocals contribute to the texture?

By using wordless vocalisations like 'oohs' and 'aahs'

What key is 'Killer Queen' in during the outro?

Bb Major

Which instrument maintains a steady four-in-a-bar beat?

The piano

What is the role of the guitar solo in 'Killer Queen'?

It borrows ideas from the chorus and verse sections

What genre of music does 'Killer Queen' belong to?

Glam Rock

Which modulation makes the tonality ambiguous at the start?

C minor before moving to Eb Major

What is the term for a steady, swung rhythm heard throughout?

Swung rhythms