Learn to Play "Animal" by Def Leppard | Guitar Lesson

Step into the glossy, arena-filling sound of the late '80s with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Animal” by Def Leppard. Taken from their mega-successful Hysteria album, “Animal” marked a major shift in the band's sound—blending classic rock attitude with the sleek, radio-ready production that defined the era. This track delivers an ideal mix of tight rhythm work and melodic lead lines, making it a perfect song for guitarists looking to enhance both their technical skills and musical expression.

At LickLibrary, our expert breakdown covers every guitar part with precision, and this lesson focuses on four core techniques that shape the sound of “Animal”: power chords, whammy bar tricks, alternate picking, and palm muting. Whether you're aiming to tighten up your rhythm chops or add some expressive flair to your lead playing, this song provides a fun and accessible way to build key elements of rock technique. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

Power chords are a defining element of the rhythm guitar parts in “Animal.” They deliver the track’s punch and drive during the choruses and main riffs. These simple yet effective chord shapes are essential for any rock guitarist. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play power chords cleanly and efficiently across different fretboard positions, while also working on muting techniques and dynamic control. Mastery of power chords is foundational for playing in a tight, locked-in rock style and will help reinforce your rhythm timing and tone.

Whammy Bar Tricks

The subtle use of whammy bar tricks in “Animal” adds atmosphere and expression to lead lines and fills. These include controlled dips, gentle vibrato-style shimmers, and expressive bends—all of which help bring more life to sustained notes and transitions. Our lesson will show you how to use your whammy bar tastefully, improving your control over pitch and sustain without sacrificing musicality. It's a great technique for players looking to explore more expressive lead guitar vocabulary and add flair to their solos.

Alternate Picking

The melodic phrases and some of the faster-picked passages in “Animal” make use of alternate picking—a technique that involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes to increase speed and accuracy. This lesson provides detailed breakdowns of the alternate picking sections, helping you improve your picking hand synchronization, precision, and efficiency. Whether you're working on rhythm accuracy or melodic articulation, mastering alternate picking is a major step toward becoming a more confident and consistent player.

Palm Muting

The verses and tight rhythmic breaks in “Animal” rely heavily on palm muting to add clarity and control. By resting the edge of your palm lightly on the strings near the bridge, you can reduce sustain and create a percussive, chugging sound that locks in with the drums. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to dial in the perfect palm muting technique—balancing pressure, tone, and groove. It's a critical skill for achieving a tight, controlled rhythm sound in both studio and live settings.

Why Learn “Animal”?

Learning to play “Animal” offers more than just a chance to jam along with one of Def Leppard’s most beloved tracks—it’s a deep dive into the production-driven style of '80s rock and the guitar techniques that define it. From its huge choruses to subtle embellishments, this track teaches you how to combine rhythm precision with melodic taste and dynamic awareness. It’s an ideal challenge for intermediate guitarists wanting to build expressive phrasing and versatile rhythm chops.

With LickLibrary’s in-depth video lesson, you’ll get full song breakdowns, slow-play sections, on-screen tab, and professional insights that help you play the track with accuracy and feel. It’s the perfect way to experience what made the Hysteria album such a landmark in rock guitar playing.

About the Guitarists: Phil Collen & Steve Clark

The guitar work in “Animal” showcases the legendary Def Leppard partnership of Phil Collen and Steve Clark. Together, they were responsible for crafting the band’s unique dual-guitar approach—blending rhythm and lead seamlessly while maintaining a massive, polished sound. Clark’s blues-inspired feel and rhythmic sensibility mesh perfectly with Collen’s precise, articulate lead work. On this track, their dynamic partnership shines through in every phrase, offering students an excellent case study in how two distinct guitar styles can work together to support a song with power and finesse.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting

Bring the spirit of stadium rock to your playing with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Animal” by Def Leppard. Perfect your rhythm, refine your lead style, and gain insight into one of the most iconic guitar pairings in rock history.