"Photograph" by Def Leppard: Guitar Lesson

Ah, "Photograph" by Def Leppard—a pinnacle of 80s hard rock and a gem for any guitarist who wants to delve into the realm of arena rock riffs and emotional solos. This song features the talents of lead guitarist Phil Collen and rhythm guitarist Steve Clark, a dynamic duo known for crafting memorable hooks and solos. Sam Bell dissects the elements that make this track a timeless classic for guitarists.

Chords and Scales

The song is primarily in the key of E Major, but the chord progressions incorporate modal interchange, adding complexity and emotional depth. The main riff starts with an E5 power chord and moves through the A5, G5, and D5 power chords. Power chords are essential here, providing the robust and broad sound that's a staple in rock music.

In the chorus, we switch gears a bit and use full major and minor chords. The chord progression transitions from C#m to A to E to B, bringing the song to a euphoric level. The use of the relative minor chord, C#m, adds a moody, introspective contrast to the otherwise uplifting E major tonality.

Lead Guitar Work

Now let's talk about the tasteful lead work of Phil Collen. The solo kicks off after the second chorus and spans 16 bars. Phil starts with a mixolydian run, pulling the listener into the atmosphere. The mixolydian mode is akin to the major scale but with a flat 7th, making it a popular choice for rock solos.

Guitar Solo Analysis

The solo is based primarily on the E Mixolydian and minor pentatonic scales. The use of tapped harmonics at the beginning of the solo sets the stage for the emotive lead work that follows. Collen moves into a double-stop bend, emphasising the 3rd and 5th intervals. His mastery of vibrato makes these bends sing. The solo incorporates alternate picking to speed up the sixteenth-note passages and legato for the smoother, more flowing licks.

Towards the end of the solo, there's a quick succession of pull-offs and hammer-ons that leads into a climactic bend. The precision and emotion in Phil's bends are worth noting—they are the cornerstone of his playing style. It's all wrapped up with a unison bend that ties back to the main melody.

Techniques Used in "Photograph"

Alright, let's bullet-point the guitar techniques featured in this masterpiece, complete with hyperlinks for your learning convenience:

• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Legato
• Tapped Harmonics
• Double-Stop Bends
• Unison Bends
• Pull-Offs
• Power Chords
• Hammer-Ons
• Chord Progressions

"Photograph" is a microcosm of what made Def Leppard iconic: tight rhythms, catchy hooks, and sophisticated lead guitar work that serves the song rather than overshadowing it. Learning this song is not just an exercise in nostalgia but a lesson in integrating various guitar techniques to serve an emotive, compelling musical narrative. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a beginner aiming to get a feel for rock guitar, this song provides a well-rounded experience. Dive into it, and you'll find layers of complexity and emotion that are both challenging and rewarding.