Bringin’ On The Heartbreak – Def Leppard

Learn to play Def Leppard’s iconic rock ballad “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” with our note-for-note guitar lesson. This comprehensive tutorial dissects the powerful techniques and melodic elements that make this song a classic. From emotive bends to intricate arpeggios, you’ll uncover the essence of Def Leppard’s guitar work and elevate your playing with these essential skills. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

“Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” features the legendary guitarists Steve Clark and Pete Willis, whose combined talents defined much of Def Leppard’s early sound. Known for their ability to blend emotional expression with technical prowess, Clark and Willis crafted guitar parts that were melodic, powerful, and timeless. Their influence on rock guitar is immeasurable, inspiring countless players with their dynamic riffs and harmonised leads.

Key Techniques Explored in the Lesson

String Bending

String bending is used throughout the song to convey emotion and add depth to the melodies. By learning precise bends, you’ll improve your ear for pitch and bring a vocal-like quality to your solos.

Vibrato

The subtle vibrato technique gives sustain and life to notes, adding a rich, singing quality to the lead parts. Mastering vibrato will refine your ability to control tone and dynamics.

Arpeggios

Arpeggios are integral to the song's rhythm and lead sections, creating lush harmonic textures. Practicing these patterns will enhance your finger dexterity and understanding of chord structures.

Slides

Smooth slides between notes provide fluid transitions and a melodic flow, making your playing sound seamless and expressive.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

These techniques add speed and smoothness to your playing, as demonstrated in the song’s intricate licks. Incorporating hammer-ons and pull-offs will improve your legato phrasing.

Palm Muting

Palm muting gives the rhythm sections a tight, punchy sound, emphasising the dynamic shifts in the song. This technique is essential for adding precision and power to your rhythm guitar.

Power Chords

The driving power chords create the song’s foundation, delivering a classic rock vibe. Learning power chords will enhance your rhythm playing and ability to lock in with a band.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

The harmonised guitar parts in “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” are a hallmark of Def Leppard’s sound. Understanding dual guitar harmonies will develop your ability to collaborate with other players and create layered arrangements.

String Bending with Pre-Bends

This advanced bending technique adds nuance to the solos, allowing for expressive, vocal-like phrasing. It’s a valuable skill for mastering emotional lead playing.

Why Learn “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak”?

Def Leppard’s “Bringin’ On The Heartbreak” is more than just a rock classic; it’s a showcase of essential guitar techniques that every guitarist should master. By studying this song, you’ll not only expand your technical repertoire but also gain insights into crafting emotive and dynamic performances. Whether you’re a beginner looking to build foundational skills or an experienced player seeking to refine your artistry, this lesson has something for everyone.

Guitar Techniques Used in the Lesson

Here is a list of the guitar techniques explored in our lesson for "Bringin' On The Heartbreak." Click the links to learn more about each technique:

• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Arpeggios
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• Pre-Bends

Dive into our lesson and master the techniques behind this unforgettable track!