Learn to Play "Armageddon It" by Def Leppard | Guitar Lesson

Get ready to unleash the swagger and arena-rock finesse of one of Def Leppard’s most infectious hits with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Armageddon It”. Taken from the legendary Hysteria album, this track showcases everything that made Def Leppard guitar work so iconic—tight rhythm playing, hook-laden riffs, melodic leads, and expertly layered textures.

In this comprehensive lesson from LickLibrary, you’ll learn every detail of the guitar parts performed by the powerhouse duo Steve Clark and Phil Collen, focusing on four essential techniques: double stops, vibrato, arpeggiated chord progressions, and string bending. These elements not only define the sound of “Armageddon It,” but they also provide a practical workout for players aiming to enhance their musical expression, fretboard control, and rock rhythm chops. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Double Stops

Double stops—two-note phrases played simultaneously—are a staple in “Armageddon It,” used to add grit, weight, and melodic strength to both lead and rhythm lines. Whether it’s in the intro riffs or chorus licks, these double stop figures create a harmonically rich and rhythmically powerful sound. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play these with clarity and precision, improving your fretboard accuracy, finger independence, and ability to control tone when playing more than one note at a time.

Vibrato

One of the standout lead techniques in this song is vibrato, used to add expressiveness and vocal-like movement to sustained notes. Steve Clark’s vibrato, in particular, is a defining element of his solo phrasing, and this track is no exception. Our lesson focuses on teaching you how to develop controlled, expressive vibrato—covering how to apply it naturally at the end of phrases, maintain pitch control, and match the emotional tone of the part. It’s an essential skill for lead players aiming to add more soul and individuality to their playing.

Arpeggiated Chord Progressions

Throughout the verses, “Armageddon It” uses arpeggiated chord progressions to create texture and clarity. These picked-out chord tones allow the guitars to breathe within the mix, contributing to the track’s polished, layered sound. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to execute arpeggios cleanly and with good timing, improve your alternate picking consistency, and develop the ability to voice chords melodically. This technique is ideal for building fretboard familiarity and dynamic control in rhythm playing.

String Bending

Def Leppard’s leads always balance taste with technicality, and string bending plays a big role in “Armageddon It.” Used to accentuate melodic peaks in the solo and fills, string bends are essential for adding expression and sustaining emotional energy. Our lesson breaks down the approach to bending in tune, developing finger strength, and integrating bends into scale-based phrases. It’s an ideal technique for soloists who want to develop more musical, vocal phrasing in their playing.

Why Learn “Armageddon It”?

“Armageddon It” is a shining example of melodic hard rock songwriting, and its guitar work is a goldmine of classic techniques used in a modern, polished context. From layered rhythm textures to soaring lead phrases, the song has something for every guitarist. It’s a perfect piece to develop both your rhythm and lead skills, while also learning how to play in a stylistically accurate way that reflects the signature Hysteria sound.

With our detailed LickLibrary video tutorial, you’ll get full breakdowns of each section, on-screen tab, slow-motion demos, and expert guidance to help you master every phrase. Whether you're a fan of Def Leppard or looking to boost your technical versatility, this lesson is a must-have in your learning journey.

About the Guitarists: Steve Clark and Phil Collen

The guitar tones and parts on “Armageddon It” are the product of the unmistakable chemistry between Steve Clark and Phil Collen. Steve brought a classic rock sensibility with bluesy phrasing and emotive vibrato, while Phil infused a sharper, more technically refined edge. Together, they blended feel and precision to create the sleek, radio-friendly yet guitar-heavy sound that defined Hysteria. On this track, their interplay delivers catchy hooks, punchy rhythms, and harmonised leads that demonstrate the effectiveness of a dual-guitar attack done right. Studying their work gives invaluable insight into creating both rhythmic and melodic interest in a song.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Double Stops
• Vibrato
• Arpeggiated Chord Progressions
• String Bending

Unlock the polished precision and melodic power of Hysteria with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Armageddon It”. Master the riffs, licks, and phrasing that defined an era of arena rock, and take your rhythm and lead playing to the next level with four essential guitar techniques at the heart of the Def Leppard sound.