Photograph
by Def Leppard
Album: Pyromania
Released: 1983
Genre: Arena Rock / Hard Rock
Difficulty Analysis
Overall
IntermediateRhythm
IntermediateLead
AdvancedBass
IntermediateMusical Analysis
Key & Tonality
Song Structure
Understanding E major:
E major has a bright, uplifting character typical of major keys. The Ionian (Major) with a bright, anthemic quality driven by the dual guitar layering and Mutt Lange's polished production mode gives it a stable, resolved feeling. This key works well for anthemic rock songs and creates a powerful, confident mood.
Pro Tip: These keys utilize open strings on guitar, making them ideal for powerful, ringing chords. The open strings add natural sustain and harmonic richness.
Primary Chords Used
Scale Patterns in E major
E major scale
Notes: E - F# - G# - A - B - C# - D# - E
Application: Primary harmonic foundation for the bright, soaring chord progressions and layered guitar harmonies
Fretboard Pattern
Chord Progressions
Main Progression
Driving power chord progression with the vi chord (C#5/C#m) adding emotional depth to the bright major key. Def Leppard's layered production makes these simple power chords sound massive.
Theory Insight:
The I-IV-V progression is the foundation of rock, blues, and countless other genres. The I chord (tonic) establishes home, IV (subdominant) creates movement, and V (dominant) builds tension that resolves back to I.
Chord Shapes Used:
E5
A5
B5
C#5
Harmonic Functions:
- E5 (I):Tonic power chord, the bright, energetic foundation of the song
- A5 (IV):Subdominant adding warmth and harmonic movement
- B5 (V):Dominant chord providing forward drive and resolution to the tonic
Key Techniques
Tight Rhythmic Power Chords
IntermediatePrecisely timed power chord rhythm playing with two guitars interlocking to create Def Leppard's signature wall of sound, requiring rhythmic accuracy and tight palm muting
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
E5 - A5 - B5 - E5 (I - IV - V - I)
Tips:
- • Rhythmic precision is more important than aggressive strumming in Def Leppard's style
- • Both guitars must lock in tightly - practice with a metronome obsessively
- • The production-heavy tone can be approximated with moderate gain and compression
- • Keep power chords clean without extra string noise for the polished sound
Dual Guitar Harmonies
AdvancedThe signature Def Leppard technique where two lead guitars play harmonized lines a third or sixth apart, creating the massive, orchestral sound that defines their arena rock style
Progression:
Harmonized lead lines over E5 - A5 - B5 progression
Tips:
- • Use a loop pedal to practice the harmony by recording one part and playing the other
- • The thirds harmonize within the E major scale, so G# will harmonize with E (major third) and F# with A (minor third)
- • Both players need identical picking dynamics and vibrato for the sound to gel
- • Study Iron Maiden and Thin Lizzy for similar dual guitar harmony approaches
Palm-Muted Eighth-Note Rhythm
IntermediateTight palm-muted eighth-note strumming that drives the verse sections with controlled power, creating the rhythmic backbone beneath the vocal and lead guitar layers
Uses chords:
See chord diagrams in the Chord Reference section above
Progression:
Palm-muted E5 with periodic open chord accents
Tips:
- • The palm muting should be light enough to hear the pitch, not fully dead notes
- • At 128 BPM, consistent downstrokes require right-hand stamina - build gradually
- • The contrast between muted and open notes creates Def Leppard's rhythmic dynamic
- • Use a compressor pedal to even out the dynamics between muted and open hits
Practice Exercises
Scale and technique exercises in the key of E major. Practice these patterns to build the skills needed for this song.
Intro
0:00-0:20Power Chord Movement Exercise
The driving intro with dual guitars playing interlocking power chord rhythms, establishing the song's energetic tempo and the layered Def Leppard sound immediately
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Two guitar parts interlock for the layered intro sound
- • Tight rhythmic precision is essential - lock in with the drum pattern
- • The intro riff is the song's signature hook - play it with conviction
Verse
0:20-0:55Chord Voicing Exercise
Driving verse with palm-muted rhythm guitar supporting the vocal melody, using the I-IV-V progression with tight, controlled playing
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Palm muting creates a tight, driving rhythm beneath the vocal
- • Leave dynamic space for the vocal melody to cut through
- • The second guitar may add subtle harmony fills between vocal lines
Pre-Chorus
0:55-1:12Power Chord Movement Exercise
Building section with the ascending power chord movement IV-V-vi creating upward momentum and emotional urgency before the chorus explosion
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • The ascending chord motion creates natural energy buildup
- • Reduce palm muting as the section builds toward the chorus
- • The C#5 adds minor-quality tension that demands resolution
Chorus
1:12-1:50Power Chord Movement Exercise
The massive anthem chorus with the 'Photograph' hook - all guitars at full volume with layered power chords and the signature wall-of-sound production
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Maximum sustain and volume - lift all palm muting for the full chorus sound
- • The layered production creates the illusion of many more than two guitars
- • Full downstroke power on every chord change for arena-filling impact
Verse 2
1:50-2:25Chord Voicing Exercise
Second verse pulling dynamics back from the chorus with palm-muted rhythm guitar, maintaining forward momentum while giving the vocal space
Chord Voicing Exercise
- • Pull the dynamics back from chorus level to verse level
- • Palm muting returns for the controlled verse rhythm
- • Second verse often adds subtle guitar fills between vocal phrases
Guitar Solo
2:55-3:30Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
The dual-harmony guitar solo featuring Steve Clark and Phil Collen playing harmonized lead lines in thirds, the quintessential Def Leppard moment
Major Pentatonic Scale Exercise
- • Two guitars play harmonized lines a third apart following the E major scale
- • The primary melody uses E minor/major pentatonic at the 12th position
- • Both guitar parts must match timing and vibrato exactly
Final Chorus
3:30-4:08Power Chord Movement Exercise
Extended final chorus with repeated 'Photograph' hook, building to maximum intensity with all guitar layers at full power for the anthemic conclusion
Power Chord Movement Exercise
- • Maximum energy with all layers engaged for the final statement
- • Repeated chorus hook builds anthemic crowd participation
- • Dual harmony guitar fills punctuate between vocal phrases
Equipment & Tone
Guitar
Recommended:
Pickup Type:
Bridge humbucker for rhythm power chords; both pickups for the warm harmony lead tone
Alternatives:
- • Epiphone Les Paul
- • Gibson Les Paul Custom
- • Jackson Soloist
- • Any dual-humbucker guitar with moderate output pickups
Amplifier
Settings:
Gain: 6-7 (moderate gain - the compressed production makes it sound heavier than it is)
Treble: 7 (bright and cutting for the layered sound)
Middle: 5-6 (balanced midrange avoids muddiness in the mix)
Bass: 5 (tight low end for clarity with multiple guitar layers)
Presence: 7 (high presence for mix-cutting clarity)
Effects
Distortion:
Moderate amp gain is the foundation. The Rockman headphone amp was actually used on the recording for its compressed, layered tone.
Reverb:
Medium plate reverb for the polished studio sound
Other:
Compressor pedal is essential for the even, polished Def Leppard tone. Chorus for subtle thickening on rhythm parts. EQ pedal for mid-boost on lead sections.
Learning Path
Time Estimate: 2-3 weeks for basic power chord progression
- • Master open E5 and A5 power chord shapes
- • Learn the B5 barre power chord at the 2nd fret
- • Practice the I-IV-V progression with basic downstrokes
- • Play along with the chorus section at reduced tempo
Time Estimate: 3-5 weeks for solid rhythm guitar performance
- • Add the C#5 power chord for the pre-chorus section
- • Practice palm-muted eighth-note rhythm at gradually increasing tempo
- • Work on the verse-to-chorus dynamic transition
- • Build right-hand stamina for consistent playing at 128 BPM
Time Estimate: 6-8 weeks for complete dual guitar performance
- • Learn the primary solo melody in E pentatonic
- • Practice the harmony part a third above the melody
- • Use a loop pedal to combine both parts
- • Refine the compressed, layered tone using effects and amp settings
Practice Notes
Common Mistakes
- • Playing too aggressively - Def Leppard's power comes from precision and layering, not raw gain
- • Inconsistent palm muting between chord changes during the verse
- • Not matching the rhythmic precision required for the interlocking dual guitar parts
- • Using too much distortion - the Rockman tone is compressed and moderate, not heavily saturated
Practice Routine
- • Warm up with E5-A5-B5 power chord transitions with metronome at 100 BPM (5 minutes)
- • Practice palm-muted verse rhythm with accent pattern at increasing tempo (5 minutes)
- • Work on the pre-chorus ascending progression A5-B5-C#5 (5 minutes)
- • Practice the dual harmony melody and harmony parts separately (5 minutes)
- • Full song run-through at 128 BPM focusing on rhythmic tightness (5 minutes)
Focus Areas
- • Rhythmic precision and tightness for the dual guitar interplay
- • Palm muting control for dynamic contrast between verse and chorus
- • Clean power chord transitions without excess string noise
- • Dual guitar harmony accuracy (intervals and timing)
Metronome Work
- • Start at 100 BPM with the basic power chord progression
- • Increase by 5 BPM increments toward the 128 BPM target
- • Practice with metronome on beats 2 and 4 (backbeat) for rock feel
- • Work on palm-muted eighth notes at tempo with perfectly even rhythm