"Billy's Got a Gun" by Def Leppard: Guitar Lesson

"Billy's Got a Gun" is one of those tracks that’s an absolute treasure trove for guitarists, be it for rhythm or lead guitar work. Recorded by British rock band Def Leppard for their 1983 album "Pyromania," the song shows a masterful blend of melody, energy, and technique. The guitar team of Steve Clark and Phil Collen work in perfect harmony to bring this song to life. Sam Bell shows you every note to this underrated track.

Chord Structures

The song primarily makes use of power chords. Yes, the meat and potatoes of rock guitar! The verse uses a mix of E5, D5, and A5, capturing the raw energy and tension that defines the track. You'll also encounter various forms of the G chord. The use of palm-muting here adds a percussive dynamic that makes the rhythm punchy.

Scales and Melodic Structures

"Billy's Got a Gun" mainly dwells in the E minor pentatonic scale for its solos and riffs. There's also a dip into natural minor scales, providing a darker vibe that fits the song's narrative. Phil Collen uses melodic legato runs to contrast Steve Clark's more bluesy, staccato style.

The Solo

The solo is a melodic escapade and showcases an eclectic mix of techniques. It starts with a series of alternate-picked notes, then goes into a burst of tapped harmonics, creating an ethereal feeling. Notice the use of double-stop bends and unison bends that add vocal-like qualities to the solo. There are also some rapid-fire trills that seamlessly blend into the surrounding licks.

Steve Clark, known for his melodic sensibilities, creates phrases that are more than just a display of technique. His use of slides and string bending brings a vocal quality to his lines. On the other side, Phil Collen's legato runs add a smooth, liquid feel to the solo. Together, they create a harmonic landscape that's fascinating yet intricate.

Lead Guitarists and Their Playing

Steve Clark and Phil Collen were like the Lennon and McCartney of rock guitar. Steve's melodic approach and Collen's technical virtuosity created a dynamic partnership. Clark had a knack for melodic hooks and raw energy, while Collen brought more refined techniques like sweep picking and two-handed tapping into the mix. Their interplay on "Billy's Got a Gun" is an epitome of their individual talents coming together for a greater cause—making memorable music.

Techniques Used

For a quick summary, here's a list of techniques used in "Billy's Got a Gun," with handy links to learn more about each:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Trills
• Chord Progressions
• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Hammer-Ons
• Slides
• String Bending

I hope this deep dive into "Billy's Got a Gun" by Def Leppard has been insightful. This track is a testament to what can be achieved when melody, technique, and storytelling merge in the realm of rock guitar. So, pick up that guitar and start riffing; you've got a lot to explore!