Animal by Def Leppard

Delve into the captivating world of Def Leppard’s “Animal”, an iconic track from their 1987 album Hysteria. This note-for-note guitar lesson from Licklibrary.com breaks down every riff, lead, and lick, showcasing the techniques that define this timeless hit. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned player, this lesson will sharpen your skills while giving you insight into one of Def Leppard's most celebrated songs. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind "Animal"

The guitar work on “Animal” is the product of Phil Collen and Steve Clark, a dynamic duo whose interplay defined much of Def Leppard's sound during the Hysteria era. Phil Collen, known for his precision and melodic sensibilities, and Steve Clark, often referred to as the "Riffmaster," created guitar parts that were both technical and emotionally resonant. Their collaborative effort on tracks like “Animal” influenced countless rock guitarists and exemplified the power of dual guitar harmonies.

Key Techniques in "Animal" and Their Benefits

Palm Muting

Palm muting is heavily used in the rhythm sections of “Animal,” adding a percussive punch and clarity to the riffing. By mastering palm muting, you'll develop control over your dynamics, making your playing more versatile and articulate.

Learn more: Palm Muting

Dual Guitar Harmonies

The melodic lead sections showcase Def Leppard's signature dual guitar harmonies. This technique involves two guitars playing complementary melodic lines, creating a rich, layered sound. Practicing dual harmonies sharpens your sense of melody and timing while enhancing ensemble playing.

Learn more: Dual Guitar Harmonies

String Bending

“Animal” features expressive bends that add emotion and tension to the solos and melodies. String bending is essential for conveying emotion in your playing, allowing you to replicate vocal-like qualities on the guitar.

Learn more: String Bending

Slides

Smooth transitions between notes in “Animal” often rely on well-executed slides. This technique adds fluidity and a polished feel to your playing, enhancing the melodic flow of riffs and solos.

Learn more: Slides

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are featured in the chordal textures throughout the song, giving it a dynamic and harmonious feel. Practicing arpeggios improves your fretboard navigation and builds finger independence.

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Vibrato

Tasteful vibrato is used in solos to add depth and sustain to notes, giving them a singing quality. Developing a controlled vibrato enhances your tonal expression and adds a professional touch to your playing.

Learn more: Vibrato

Alternate Picking

The rhythm sections incorporate alternate picking for precision and speed. Practicing this technique will improve your overall picking accuracy and efficiency.

Learn more: Alternate Picking

Why Learn "Animal"?

Learning “Animal” provides more than just the ability to play along with an iconic song—it’s a masterclass in rock guitar techniques. You’ll gain insights into how intricate parts fit together to form a cohesive piece, develop a deeper understanding of rhythm and melody, and boost your confidence as a guitarist. The techniques you’ll learn here are applicable across various genres, making this lesson a valuable addition to your skillset.

Guitar Techniques Featured in the Lesson

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• String Bending
• Slides
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Arpeggios

Embark on this guitar journey with Licklibrary.com and master every nuance of Def Leppard’s “Animal.”