Learn to Play "Gods of War" by Def Leppard | Guitar Lesson

Immerse yourself in the atmospheric, emotionally charged soundscape of Def Leppard’s “Gods of War” with this note-for-note guitar lesson from LickLibrary. A standout track from their iconic Hysteria album, “Gods of War” blends heavy rock energy with haunting melodies, dynamic shifts, and an epic arrangement that builds with cinematic intensity. With intricate guitar layers, expressive lead work, and powerful rhythm parts, this song is a rewarding and technically engaging piece for any rock guitarist.

In this comprehensive lesson, we break down every section of the track, covering all the rhythm and lead parts played by Phil Collen and Steve Clark. The song presents a unique opportunity to explore core techniques used in melodic hard rock, including power chords, palm muting, arpeggios, and expressive vibrato. Whether you’re looking to learn a classic track, expand your technical vocabulary, or refine your control and musicality, this lesson offers a deep dive into one of Def Leppard’s most powerful and emotionally resonant songs. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

Power chords form the foundation of the song’s heavier moments. These two-note shapes give the verses and choruses their impact, locking in with the drums and bass to drive the arrangement forward. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to voice power chords with clarity and authority, how to move them cleanly around the fretboard, and how to use them dynamically to match the emotional contour of the song. Mastery of power chords is key to tight rhythm playing in rock and metal genres.

Palm Muting

Adding rhythmic tightness and sonic control, palm muting is used in “Gods of War” to create tension and dynamics within the verses and breakdown sections. You’ll learn how to apply this technique to create contrast between open, ringing chords and tight, controlled chugs. Effective palm muting is crucial for adding groove and punch to rhythm parts, and this lesson provides the practical context to refine your touch and tone.

Arpeggios

One of the defining features of “Gods of War” is its use of arpeggios, particularly in the intro and clean verse sections. Arpeggios allow you to outline chords melodically, adding depth and atmosphere to the progression. In this tutorial, we break down the fingerings, picking technique, and muting required to play these arpeggios smoothly and musically. Learning arpeggios will not only improve your fretboard knowledge and picking control, but also expand your ability to craft melodic rhythm parts that elevate a song’s mood.

Vibrato

Expressive vibrato is a cornerstone of Steve Clark’s lead style, and nowhere is it more apparent than in the solo and melodic interludes of “Gods of War.” Vibrato breathes life into sustained notes, adding emotion and character to your phrasing. You’ll learn how to apply vibrato with control, depth, and feel—key skills for making your solos stand out with expression and musicality. Developing good vibrato takes time, but this track gives you the perfect framework to practice and refine it.

Why Learn “Gods of War”?

Learning “Gods of War” gives you more than just another song in your repertoire—it’s a lesson in musical storytelling through guitar. From dynamic arpeggios to heavy rhythm punches and melodic lead work, the song is a masterclass in using guitar to convey emotion and intensity. With our in-depth LickLibrary lesson, you’ll not only learn to play each section accurately, but also develop a deeper understanding of how tone, timing, and technique come together to support a dramatic musical narrative.

Whether you're a Def Leppard fan, a guitarist seeking to build expressive technique, or someone looking to master the layered intricacies of arena rock guitar, this lesson will expand your skills and inspire your playing.

About the Guitarists: Steve Clark and Phil Collen

The guitar work in “Gods of War” showcases the brilliance of Steve Clark and Phil Collen, whose creative partnership defined the dual-guitar sound of Def Leppard’s golden era. Steve Clark’s emotive playing style shines here, with dynamic phrasing and haunting melodic motifs that elevate the track’s dramatic tone. Phil Collen provides rock-solid rhythm parts and layered textures that support and enhance every twist in the arrangement. Studying their work on this song gives insight into their ability to create mood, movement, and meaning through thoughtful guitar orchestration—an invaluable skill for any serious guitarist.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Arpeggios
• Vibrato

Bring the power, depth, and emotion of Hysteria to your fingertips with our note-for-note “Gods of War” guitar lesson. Learn the techniques, phrasing, and textures that define one of Def Leppard’s most epic tracks—taught with precision and passion by LickLibrary’s expert instructors.