Phil Collen
Main Band
Def Leppard
Main Guitar
Jackson USA Signature PC1
#1 SONG
Animal
THE SOLO
Photograph
THE RIFF
Pour Some Sugar on Me
| Birth Name | Philip Kenneth Collen |
| Birth Place | Hackney, London, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Age | 67 (Born December 8, 1957) |
| Years Playing | 51 (started playing 1973) |
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| Genres | Blues, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal, Pop, Rock |
| Influences |
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| Collaborations |
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| Net Worth | US$ 20,000,000 |
Share & Salute The Legend
Phil Collen Biography
Career Highlights
Stepping into Def Leppard and making them a household name overnight
Guitar production levels created with Robert "Mutt" Lange for the album Hysteria
Playing with G3
Phil Collen Techniques
Right Hand
Alternate PickingAlternate picking involves striking the string with both downstrokes and upstrokes in a continuous motion. It enhances speed and precision. Guitarists use this technique for rapid note sequences., CrosspickingCrosspicking is a technique where the pick alternates across multiple strings, creating a rolling sound. It mimics the sound of fingerpicking. This technique is common in bluegrass music., Economy PickingEconomy picking combines alternate picking and sweep picking for efficiency. It reduces hand movement. Guitarists use it to play fast, smooth passages., Palm MutingPalm muting involves lightly resting the palm on the strings near the bridge. It creates a dampened, rhythmic sound. This technique is common in rock and metal music., Pick SlideA pick slide involves dragging the pick along the string length. It creates a scratching sound. This effect is often used in rock music., Sweep PickingOther Techniques
Amp ManipulationAmp manipulation involves adjusting amplifier settings to change the guitar's tone. It enhances sound versatility. Guitarists use it for different musical styles., ArpeggioAn arpeggio is playing the notes of a chord sequentially. It creates a broken chord sound. This technique is used in various musical genres., Finger VibratoFinger vibrato involves oscillating the finger on a fret. It adds expressiveness to notes. This technique is essential for emotional playing., HarmonicsHarmonics involve lightly touching the string at specific points to produce bell-like tones. They add tonal variety. This technique is used for special sound effects. Harmonics can be natural or artificial, depending on the method used., Heavy Effects UsageHeavy effects usage involves applying multiple effects pedals to alter the guitar's sound. It creates unique sonic textures. This technique is popular in experimental music. For example, Steve Vai, not Keith Richards., Lead GuitarLead guitar focuses on melody lines and solos. It often uses techniques like bends and vibrato. This role is prominent in rock and blues bands., LegatoLegato technique connects notes smoothly without breaks. It often uses hammer-ons and pull-offs. This technique creates fluid, connected melodies., Rhythm GuitarRhythm guitar focuses on chord progressions and rhythmic patterns. It provides harmonic support. This role is crucial in most band settings., ShreddingShredding involves playing extremely fast, technical passages. It often uses techniques like alternate picking and tapping. This style is common in metal and rock music., TappingTapping involves hammering on and pulling off notes with both hands on the fretboard. It allows rapid, intricate melodies. This technique is popular in rock and metal., Volume SwellVolume swell involves gradually increasing the volume using the guitar's volume knob or a pedal. It creates a smooth, crescendo effect. This technique adds dynamic range., Whammy BarTechniques Breakdown
Phil Collen Gear
Guitars
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Jackson USA Signature Phil Collen PC1 - Satin Au Natural
The epitome of Phil's playing style
Amps
Phil Collen Tone Focus
More detail coming. Check back soon!
Phil Collen Videos
Note that you can move away from this tab and continue to listen to the video. Enjoying reading about your favorite guitarists while enjoying their skills.
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Def Leppard perform "Photograph" at the 2019 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
Phil walked into the band, recorded this solo. The song changed the band's fortunes. Joe Elliott came up with the lyrics on the toilet, staring at a photograph of Marilyn Monroe. (solo @ 2:37)
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Def Leppard - Animal (London To Vegas 2020)
The studio version had 7 guitar layers. Solo at 2:30 including outrageous levels of control
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Def Leppard - Pour Some Sugar On Me (London To Vegas 2020)
Such a simple riff, so much fun to play
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Def Leppard - Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop) - (In The Round In Your Face) (HD/1080p)
80s mayhem on the Hysteria tour. It would be a sin not to include a video with Steve Clark, who had impeccable taste in guitars
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Def Leppard - Switch 625 (Live) [2013]
Heading back deep into the back catalog. This guitar focused song demonstrates Def Leppard's true rock heritage.
Phil Collen Guitar Tabs
Here are some GND selected tabs with our difficulty ratings to help you choose what challenge level is right for you.