Bohemian Rhapsody violin sheet music and practice tips

Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen is one of the most iconic rock songs of all time. It’s also one of my favorite songs to sing with friends! Its dramatic shifts in style and unforgettable melodies make it an exciting challenge to bring to life on the violin.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to get started, including:

• Free video tutorials for beginners and intermediate violinists
• Play-along tracks with piano accompaniment
• Sheet music arrangements
• A free warmup in E minor, the same key as the piece

Whether you’re just starting out or already have experience, you’ll be able to enjoy playing this legendary rock anthem on violin.

Piano Accompaniment

Feel like you’re playing your violin at karaoke night by downloading and practicing with my piano accompaniments below!

Bohemian Rhapsody Violin Tutorial

Bohemian Rhapsody is one of Queen’s most popular songs, and it was written by their front-runner Freddie Mercury. The original song is six minutes long and, rather than following a more repetitive pop song structure, it’s made up of five unique sections: an introduction, ballad, an operatic section, hard rock interlude, and a coda!

Check out my video tutorials and play along with the sheet music in the videos below.

Easy Tutorial

Follow along with my tutorial for a structured practice session! First I show you how it sounds, then you can practice slowly with me and then with just the piano accompaniment. Finally, we practice it at full speed together, then you can try with just the piano!

Intermediate Tutorial

Practice Tips

Before you begin, let’s go over a few practice tips!

1. Warm up in the key of the music

It’s always a good idea to warm up in the same key as the song you’re about to practice, which is why I offer free scale warmups on my site. 

Bohemian Rhapsody is in E Minor, and I have a free scale warmup sheet you can download for free to get your fingers moving!

2. Break the piece into sections

Each part of Bohemian Rhapsody has a different mood. Practice in short chunks before trying the whole song. If any section gives you more trouble than others, go back and continue practicing just that chunk to use your time wisely and effectively.

3. Smooth out string crossings

There are so many string crossings in this song. How can we make our playing sound more like Freddie’s smooth voice?

Focus on keeping the sound even when jumping between strings. Practice slowly, then speed things up.

4. Shape your phrases like a singer

Ask yourself: where would a singer breathe? Use that to guide your phrasing. If you wouldn’t stop to take a breath, don’t let your bow leave the string or stop moving.

If you feel like you have trouble figuring out how to phrase it, try singing the music! Then try to recreate what you just did on your violin.

5. Stay relaxed

Avoid tension while you’re playing, especially in this long, challenging song! Staying relaxed, especially in your hands and shoulders, will make the faster parts easier to play.

Learn More

Now you have everything you need to bring Bohemian Rhapsody to life on your violin.

Start with the arrangement that matches your level, use the play-alongs to practice step by step, and don’t forget to warm up with the E minor scale first.

Which part of Bohemian Rhapsody is your favorite to play? Please share in the comments; I’d love to hear!

Looking for more violin sheet music and piano accompaniments with practice insights and lessons? Check out my Sheet Music Library here or consider joining Julia’s Violin Academy, where you can learn your favorite songs and essential techniques through video lessons and personalized feedback. Hope to see you there!

Remember to purchase your copy of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen and download the free E minor warmups before you go. Happy practicing!