Learn to Play "Rocket" by Def Leppard | Guitar Lesson

Explore the spacey soundscapes and cutting-edge production of one of Def Leppard’s most innovative tracks with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Rocket.” Released as a single from their legendary Hysteria album, “Rocket” is a bold fusion of rock guitars and electronic elements that pushed the boundaries of mainstream hard rock in the late ’80s. The song blends rhythmic drive, melodic hooks, and ambient textures in a way that’s both sonically adventurous and incredibly satisfying to play.

In this LickLibrary guitar tutorial, you’ll learn every detail of the guitar parts recorded by Phil Collen and Steve Clark, focusing on the key techniques that bring this track to life: alternate picking, palm muting, pull-offs, and vibrato. These techniques are not only essential for replicating the track accurately but are also fundamental building blocks for developing a solid, expressive rock guitar style. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Alternate Picking

Alternate picking plays a central role in the verse and lead sections of “Rocket.” This technique involves picking down and up strokes in an alternating motion to improve speed, consistency, and accuracy. In this lesson, you’ll be guided through several passages where alternate picking drives the groove or defines melodic lines. Mastering alternate picking helps players improve their right-hand control, build endurance, and keep their timing tight—skills that are essential for both rhythm and lead playing.

Palm Muting

Palm muting is used to create tight, percussive textures in the song’s rhythm guitar work. Especially in the verses and breakdowns, palm muting adds dynamic variation and helps lock the guitars into the groove with the drums and bass. You'll learn how to control your muting pressure and position to create everything from subtle chugs to heavier rhythmic punch. This technique is a must-have for any rock guitarist aiming to develop cleaner, more dynamic rhythm parts.

Pull-Offs

Pull-offs bring fluidity and speed to the lead guitar lines in “Rocket.” Often used in combination with hammer-ons and slides, pull-offs allow for fast note sequences without excessive picking. Our lesson demonstrates how to use pull-offs effectively in licks and fills, teaching you how to articulate them cleanly and integrate them naturally into solos. Learning pull-offs builds finger strength and dexterity, essential for smooth legato playing and expressive phrasing.

Vibrato

The expressive quality of vibrato is a key part of what gives “Rocket” its emotional impact. Whether at the end of sustained notes or within melodic lead lines, vibrato brings character and vocal-like expression to your playing. This tutorial covers various vibrato styles—from slow and wide to fast and narrow—helping you control pitch modulation and add depth to your tone. It’s one of the most personal and important techniques for creating a signature sound.

Why Learn “Rocket”?

Learning to play “Rocket” allows you to step into the world of layered, modern rock guitar—where every note is carefully chosen and every technique serves the song’s larger atmosphere. The track teaches you how to combine precision with emotion, groove with melody, and technique with tone. It’s also a brilliant example of how rock guitar can remain powerful even in a production-heavy mix, making it a great study in dynamics, articulation, and arrangement.

With LickLibrary’s comprehensive breakdown, you’ll be equipped to nail every note with accuracy and feel. On-screen tabs, slowed-down sections, and expert instruction will help you lock in your timing, clean up your technique, and replicate the tone and feel of the original studio recording.

About the Guitarists: Phil Collen & Steve Clark

The guitar tones on “Rocket” reflect the meticulous studio work of Def Leppard’s iconic guitar duo: Phil Collen, whose articulate and technical lead playing shaped much of the Hysteria album’s melodic edge, and Steve Clark, whose more blues-influenced rhythm style grounded the band in raw rock 'n' roll energy. Their combined approach brought both tight precision and expressive feel to the track, making it a fantastic study in the art of guitar layering. Understanding their styles gives players insight into the balance between lead and rhythm, tone shaping, and how to build a cohesive sonic landscape.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Pull-Offs
• Vibrato

Take your playing into orbit with this note-for-note guitar lesson for “Rocket” by Def Leppard. Learn how to blend tight technique with soaring expression, and develop the control and creativity that defined one of rock’s most sonically ambitious eras.