"Die Hard the Hunter" by Def Leppard: Guitar Lesson

Overview

"Die Hard the Hunter," a track from Def Leppard's 1983 album "Pyromania," serves as a shining testament to the band's characteristic blend of glam metal, hard rock, and pop influences. The song, primarily penned by lead vocalist Joe Elliott and produced by Mutt Lange, exhibits complex musical arrangements and a cacophony of guitar techniques that are a treasure trove for any aspiring guitarist. With Phil Collen and Steve Clark sharing lead guitar duties, the song represents one of the most challenging and gratifying works to decipher for guitar players. Sam Bell breaks down this classic album track.

Chords and Progression

At its core, the song employs some rock-standard chord progressions. Primarily using power chords, the song incorporates the essential open A5, D5, and E5, as well as some barre chords such as F#5 and C#5. The chord progressions switch seamlessly between open chords and barre chords, providing a challenging yet rewarding workout for the fretting hand. These progressions lend themselves well to the track's anthemic quality and dramatic undertones.

Scales and Solos

When it comes to scales, the pentatonic minor is the bread and butter of this song. The guitar solos are exceptionally intricate, with Steve Clark handling the main solo duties. With a blend of legato runs, alternate picking, and the judicious use of both natural and tapped harmonics, the solo section can serve as a masterclass in melodic rock soloing. If you listen closely, you'll also notice occasional bursts of the blues scale adding a touch of grit to the melody.

Lead Guitarists and Playing Styles

Phil Collen's crisp, articulate alternate picking complements Steve Clark's legato style, creating a captivating interplay that defines the song's guitar texture. Collen excels in unleashing rapid-fire alternate picking phrases, often incorporating trills and pre-bends for additional flavour. On the flip side, Clark's solo leans more towards emotion and melody, employing bends and vibrato that sing. This combination of technical precision and emotional depth sets a high bar for aspiring guitarists, making this song a quintessential Def Leppard classic.

Solo Analysis

The solo is a short but dense package of techniques. It starts with a bluesy bend that immediately grabs your attention. Following this is a sequence of legato runs and tapped harmonics that demonstrate technical finesse. Alternate picking is prominently featured, providing the speed and dynamics that raise the energy level. The solo concludes with a series of unison bends, perfectly integrating with the chord progressions beneath it. It’s the kind of solo that requires multiple listens to fully dissect.

Techniques Used

To master this song, here's a list of guitar techniques you should be familiar with:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Unison Bends
• Trills
• Power Chords
• Barre Chords
• Pre-Bends

By practicing and incorporating these techniques into your repertoire, you can approach the level of complexity and emotional depth found in "Die Hard the Hunter." This song is an enduring gem in the Def Leppard catalog, as well as a challenging study for guitarists looking to improve their skills.