The song is driven by a funk-styled bass riff (played by Mercury) beginning in D minor and modulating to E minor throughout the song. John Deacon does not play bass guitar on this song—instead playing rhythm guitar on a Fender Telecaster.
The song is propelled by a bass line with a funky character, initiated in D minor and evolving into E minor, whereas John Deacon employs his rhythmic guitar expertise on a Fender Telecaster instead of the bass.