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

Step into the raw, riff-driven world of Def Leppard’s Hysteria opener with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Women.” This song kicks off the iconic 1987 album with a darker, more guitar-centric edge, showcasing the band’s ability to blend melodic hooks with heavy, powerful riffs. With its layered textures, energetic groove, and dynamic leads, “Women” is a perfect study in both rhythm and lead guitar techniques—making it a rewarding piece to learn for any intermediate player looking to level up their rock chops.

In this LickLibrary guitar lesson, we dive deep into the key techniques that define “Women”—including power chords, slides, vibrato, and hammer-ons. Each technique is broken down clearly, allowing you to replicate the tones and phrasing of Def Leppard’s studio recording while developing essential skills that can be applied across your playing. This lesson is taught by Jamie Humphries.

Song Breakdown & Techniques Covered

Power Chords

The backbone of “Women” lies in its crushing power chords. These simple yet aggressive chord shapes drive the intro riff, verses, and choruses with authority. In this lesson, you’ll learn how to play power chords with tight muting, precise attack, and dynamic control—giving your rhythm playing more punch and presence. Mastering power chords is essential for any rock guitarist, and this track offers the perfect setting to improve your endurance, timing, and accuracy when moving between positions on the fretboard.

Slides

Slides are used throughout the track to transition between notes and chord shapes smoothly. Whether used in riffs, fills, or melodic lead lines, slides add a fluid, expressive quality that helps you connect phrases with greater continuity. This lesson demonstrates various slide techniques—including ascending and descending single-note slides—that build better fretboard navigation and finger strength. Learning how to control your slide technique will also enhance your overall phrasing and lead style.

Vibrato

One of the most expressive techniques in rock guitar is vibrato, and it features prominently in the solo and melodic moments of “Women.” Vibrato adds emotional weight and sustain to your playing, turning simple notes into vocal-like expressions. This tutorial shows you how to develop a controlled vibrato technique that works across different fretboard areas, helping you refine your feel and tone. By learning vibrato in this context, you’ll gain a better understanding of how to bring life and soul to your solos.

Hammer-Ons

The lead fills and transitions in “Women” often incorporate hammer-ons to create smoother, faster note sequences without the need for excessive picking. These add a fluid, legato feel to your phrasing and allow you to move quickly between notes. Our lesson focuses on how to execute hammer-ons cleanly and dynamically—developing your fretting-hand strength and improving your ability to blend rhythm and lead techniques effortlessly.

Why Learn “Women”?

“Women” is a standout track in Def Leppard’s catalog, offering a heavier, more guitar-forward sound than many of their other hits from Hysteria. By learning this track, you’ll gain valuable insights into how rhythm and lead parts interact, how tone and phrasing can shape the energy of a song, and how to build solos that are both melodic and impactful. It’s an excellent choice for guitarists wanting to refine the core elements of rock technique while learning a song that balances groove, aggression, and melody.

This LickLibrary lesson provides detailed guidance through each section of the song, with slow demonstrations, on-screen tablature, and expert tips to help you master every riff and phrase with confidence. Whether you're a die-hard Def Leppard fan or simply looking to strengthen your classic rock technique, this lesson will help you sharpen your playing and sound more polished and professional.

About the Guitarists: Phil Collen & Steve Clark

“Women” is driven by the powerhouse guitar duo of Phil Collen and the late Steve Clark, whose contrasting styles fused brilliantly throughout the Hysteria sessions. Clark brought a bluesy, riff-based foundation rooted in classic rock, while Collen introduced a more technical and polished flair, refined by producer Mutt Lange’s meticulous studio direction. Their interplay is especially prominent in “Women,” where gritty rhythm parts and melodic embellishments trade off seamlessly. Studying this track gives you a window into how two guitarists can complement each other to create a layered, stadium-ready sound.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Power Chords
• Slides
• Vibrato
• Hammer-Ons

Master the anthemic energy and guitar-rich sound of one of Hysteria’s most powerful tracks with our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Women” by Def Leppard. Learn how to build strong rhythm foundations, shape expressive leads, and play with the same confidence and control as the original recording.