Photograph by Def Leppard

About the Song and the Guitarists

"Photograph" by Def Leppard is one of the most iconic rock anthems of the 1980s. Released in 1983 as part of the album Pyromania, the song became a defining track for the band and cemented their place in the rock music pantheon. The guitar work, delivered by the dynamic duo of Phil Collen and Steve Clark, showcases the perfect blend of melody, technicality, and raw energy. Both guitarists were instrumental in shaping the '80s rock guitar sound, inspiring countless musicians with their innovative techniques and impeccable tone.

Phil Collen is renowned for his precision and modern approach to guitar playing, incorporating techniques like fast alternate picking and clean legato. Steve Clark, known for his "riff master" persona, contributed a raw, bluesy feel and an incredible knack for memorable chord progressions and dual harmonies. Together, they created a seamless interplay that became a hallmark of Def Leppard's sound. Jamie Humphries breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

Techniques Covered in the Guitar Lesson

Our note-for-note guitar lesson for "Photograph" delves deep into the techniques used by Phil Collen and Steve Clark. These techniques not only help you master the song but also build your overall skill set as a guitarist. Here's a breakdown of the techniques and their benefits:

Power Chords

Power chords form the backbone of the song’s rhythm section. Learning these chords helps you solidify your understanding of rock rhythm guitar, providing a powerful and punchy sound that's foundational in rock and metal genres.

Palm Muting

The tight, controlled chugging in the verses uses palm muting, which enhances the rhythmic drive and gives the song its dynamic groove. Practicing this technique improves precision and helps you develop control over your picking hand.

Dual Guitar Harmonies

The song's memorable lead sections feature dual guitar harmonies, showcasing the interplay between the two guitarists. Mastering this technique enhances your ability to play in sync with another guitarist, a vital skill for band settings.

String Bending and Bluesy Bends

Steve Clark's bluesy bends add expressive flair to the lead parts. String bending helps you develop ear training, as you learn to hit precise pitches, and adds emotion to your solos.

Slides

Smooth transitions between notes using slides create a fluid and melodic texture. Practicing slides improves your finger dexterity and adds variety to your phrasing.

Vibrato

A controlled vibrato is key to making the lead lines sing. This technique adds sustain and depth to your playing, making solos sound polished and professional.

Alternate Picking

Phil Collen's clean alternate picking in the faster lead parts emphasises precision and speed. Mastering this technique enhances your picking hand accuracy and is essential for playing intricate passages.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

The solo sections feature hammer-ons and pull-offs, which create a fluid and legato feel. Practicing these techniques improves finger strength and agility, essential for fast and smooth playing.

Pinched Harmonics

Phil Collen uses pinched harmonics to add an aggressive and sharp tonal element to the song. This technique requires precision and control, and it introduces exciting textures to your solos and riffs.

Arpeggios

The arpeggiated chord progressions in the intro and bridge create a melodic and harmonic richness. Practicing arpeggios improves your finger independence and provides a deeper understanding of chord shapes and their applications.

Why Learn "Photograph"?

Learning "Photograph" not only allows you to play one of rock's greatest hits but also equips you with a toolkit of essential guitar techniques. These techniques are versatile and applicable across a wide range of musical styles. From developing control and precision to enhancing expressiveness, this lesson offers immense value to guitarists at every skill level.

Guitar Techniques Used in "Photograph"

• Power Chords
• Palm Muting
• Dual Guitar Harmonies
• String Bending
• Bluesy Bends
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Alternate Picking
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• Pinched Harmonics
• Arpeggios

Mastering the techniques in this lesson not only lets you nail "Photograph" but also opens the door to countless other songs and styles. Dive in and elevate your guitar playing today!