Learn to Play "Run Riot" by Def Leppard | Guitar Lesson

Exploding with energy, attitude, and melodic precision, Def Leppard’s “Run Riot” is a fast-paced rock anthem that embodies the band’s signature blend of heaviness and polish. Taken from their iconic 1987 album Hysteria, the track is an adrenaline-charged burst of controlled chaos that perfectly captures the band’s ability to blend slick production with raw rock 'n' roll spirit. Now, with our note-for-note guitar lesson, you can learn how to play every riff, chord, and lead from this electrifying track—exactly as recorded.

Our LickLibrary guitar tutorial breaks down each section of the song in detail, focusing on four essential guitar techniques: power chords, alternate picking, double stops, and vibrato. These techniques combine to deliver the punchy riffs, tight rhythm, and expressive leads that make “Run Riot” such a powerful performance piece. Whether you're learning the song to expand your skillset or to bring an '80s rock classic to life on your fretboard, this lesson delivers the tools and insight you need. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

“Run Riot” is driven by tight, aggressive power chords that form the foundation of its verse and chorus riffs. These two-note chord shapes pack punch and clarity, especially when played with palm muting and rhythmic precision. In this lesson, you'll learn how to execute power chords cleanly across the fretboard, improve your left-hand strength and accuracy, and tighten your rhythm playing—essential skills for any rock guitarist.

Alternate Picking

Speed and precision are critical to nailing the riffs in “Run Riot,” making alternate picking an essential part of the lesson. This picking technique involves alternating between downstrokes and upstrokes, allowing you to maintain a consistent, efficient motion even at high tempos. You’ll learn how to apply alternate picking to both rhythm parts and lead licks, improving your speed, control, and stamina. It's particularly useful for maintaining clarity in fast single-note lines and for locking into tight rhythmic patterns.

Double Stops

Double stops—the technique of playing two notes simultaneously—are used to great effect in “Run Riot” to add harmonic richness and edge to lead phrases. You’ll encounter them in both rhythm fills and solos, helping you develop a more harmonically interesting and rhythmically aggressive style. Mastering double stops improves finger coordination and adds extra weight to your licks, making them cut through the mix with more authority.

Vibrato

No lead guitar part would be complete without expressive vibrato—and Steve Clark's melodic leads are a perfect study in how to use this technique musically. Vibrato gives sustained notes movement and emotion, turning basic phrases into vocal-like statements. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to control your vibrato speed and width, improving your expressiveness and giving your solos a more polished, professional feel.

Why Learn “Run Riot”?

“Run Riot” isn’t just another fast rock song—it’s a perfect exercise in balancing aggression with technical control. The track demands tight rhythm guitar, quick fretboard transitions, and confident lead phrasing, making it a well-rounded workout for both rhythm and lead players. It's also a standout example of the high-gloss production and intricate layering that defined Hysteria, offering insight into how to craft rhythm parts that drive the song while leaving space for melodic leads.

With LickLibrary’s detailed lesson, you’ll gain access to slow demonstrations, on-screen tab, and expert breakdowns of every part of the track. Whether you’re playing for performance, practice, or pure passion, this lesson gives you the tools to execute “Run Riot” accurately—and with the same energy and flair as the original.

About the Guitarists: Phil Collen and Steve Clark

The dual guitar attack of Phil Collen and Steve Clark is the lifeblood of Hysteria's sound. On “Run Riot,” their interplay is more aggressive and urgent, with both players pushing the tempo while maintaining melodic clarity. Steve Clark’s bluesy, emotional style anchors the more raw, expressive moments, while Phil Collen’s precision and technical fluency bring a modern edge to the high-speed passages. Studying their work on this track offers a deep look into the balance of energy and control, showing how two guitarists can shape a high-octane song without sacrificing clarity or cohesion.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Double Stops
• Vibrato

Unleash your inner arena rocker with our note-for-note “Run Riot” guitar lesson. Learn how to channel the energy, technique, and attitude that made Def Leppard one of the defining bands of their generation—one riff at a time.