"Comin' Under Fire" by Def Leppard: Guitar Lesson

Chord Structure

Firstly, let's dive into the chord progression of "Comin' Under Fire". The song makes extensive use of power chords—those quintessential building blocks of rock and metal music. The main chord sequence you'll find rotates between E5, D5, A5, and G5, which gives the song a solid foundation and provides an arena-rock vibe that is typical of Def Leppard's style.

Scales and Modes

If you listen carefully to the solos and the licks scattered throughout, you'll notice that they primarily stick to the Minor Pentatonic scale, with occasional forays into the Natural Minor scale. This choice provides the song with a bluesy undertone, but without losing the hard rock drive.

Lead Guitarists and Their Style

The lead guitar duties in Def Leppard are handled by Phil Collen and Steve Clark, both exceptional players with their unique styles. Clark, who was part of the original lineup, had a knack for melodic leads and was heavily influenced by Jimmy Page. Collen, on the other hand, brought in a more technical flair, with an inclination towards two-handed tapping and speed picking. In "Comin' Under Fire", their distinct styles mesh impeccably, giving us an aural treat that is both melodic and technically proficient.

Guitar Solo Analysis

Let's now delve into the guitar solo of the song. You'll hear a flurry of hammer-ons and pull-offs, giving it a fluid and almost legato feel. The solo is well-phrased, starting off with slower melodic lines that gradually build up to faster licks. Pinched harmonics are used sporadically to add that extra 'zing', while vibrato is used quite tastefully to sustain notes and add emotional depth. String bending is also present, and it's employed in a way that adds urgency to the solo, almost like a vocal cry.

Techniques Used in "Comin' Under Fire"

Finally, here's a comprehensive list of techniques that are prominently used in "Comin' Under Fire":

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Power Chords
• String Bending
• Palm Muting
• Chord Progressions

The song provides a great showcase of various techniques that can add spice and emotional nuance to your playing. For instance, the legato approach in the solo could be dissected and its essential parts can be utilised to bring fluidity into your own solos. Similarly, the judicious use of pinched harmonics and vibrato offers valuable lessons in how to add colour to your leads.

Aspiring guitarists can learn a lot from this classic track, whether it's the seamless integration of different guitar techniques, the ingenious use of scales, or the brilliant partnership of two accomplished guitarists playing to their strengths. Each component is a lesson in itself on how to craft a rock masterpiece, making "Comin' Under Fire" a must-learn for any guitarist looking to delve into the world of rock guitar. Sam Bell takes us through this classic track note for note.