Are you a guitarist aiming to capture the iconic, shimmering guitar tones of Def Leppard? At guitarplayers.net, we delve into the gear, settings, and techniques you’ll need to replicate their signature sound, focusing on clarity, sustain, and a touch of stereo magic. Discover how to dial in your amp and effects to achieve those pristine cleans and powerful distorted tones, reminiscent of the Hysteria and Adrenalize eras, and explore essential components like guitar effects and amp settings.
1. What Gear Did Def Leppard Use to Achieve Their Signature Guitar Sound?
Def Leppard’s signature guitar sound is a combination of specific amplifiers, effects, and guitars meticulously selected to produce their unique tone. Achieving this sound requires understanding the pivotal role each piece of equipment plays in their overall sonic landscape.
Here’s a breakdown:
Amplifiers:
- Randall Amplifiers: According to the liner notes on the Hysteria CD, Randall amps were crucial for achieving that rad Def Leppard guitar sound. These amps provided the necessary punch and clarity that became a hallmark of their tone.
- Rockman X100: This is probably the most defining piece of gear. Famously used in the studio for albums like Hysteria and Adrenalize. The Rockman X100 is a headphone amplifier that’s been racked by a lot of professionals, it is known for creating crisp, articulate high-gain tones.
Guitars:
- Gibson Les Pauls: Known for their rich sustain and tonal versatility.
- Fender Stratocasters: Used for brighter, more cutting tones.
- Custom Guitars: Many customized guitars with specific pickup configurations, like humbuckers for high gain or single-coils for clean tones.
Effects:
- Digital Delay: Integral to their spacious, layered sound, creating depth and width.
- Chorus: Adds thickness and shimmer to both clean and distorted tones.
- Reverb: Contributes to the overall sense of space and atmosphere.
- Compressors: Compressors helped to even out the signal and add sustain.
| Gear | Brands | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Amplifiers | Randall, Rockman | Randall amps provided punch and clarity, while the Rockman X100 created crisp high-gain tones. |
| Guitars | Gibson, Fender | Gibson Les Pauls offered rich sustain, and Fender Stratocasters provided brighter tones. |
| Effects | TC Electronic, Yamaha | Digital delay added spaciousness, chorus added thickness, reverb created atmosphere, and compressors evened out the signal. |
2. How Can I Recreate Def Leppard’s Guitar Sound Using My Current Gear?
Recreating Def Leppard’s guitar sound with your current gear involves a strategic approach to settings, pedals, and amp configurations. You don’t necessarily need the exact equipment they used, but understanding their signal chain and tonal goals is key.
Here’s how to get started:
-
Start with a Clean Foundation: Begin with a clean amp setting. Def Leppard’s tone, even when distorted, retains a lot of clarity. Set your amp to a clean channel with the EQ relatively flat. According to Joe Elliot of Def Leppard, the goal is to create a sonic landscape that is both powerful and crystal clear.
-
Dial in the Rockman Sound: If you have a multi-effects processor or amp modeler, look for a Rockman X100 simulation.
-
Layer Effects Judiciously:
- Chorus: Use a subtle chorus effect to thicken your tone. Set the rate and depth to moderate levels, ensuring it enhances rather than overwhelms the sound.
- Delay: A digital delay is crucial. Set it for a moderate delay time (around 300-400ms) with a few repeats to add depth.
- Reverb: Add a touch of reverb to create space. A plate or hall reverb can work well.
-
Experiment with Compression: Use a compressor to even out your guitar signal and add sustain. According to Phil Collen of Def Leppard, compression is essential for achieving a consistent and sustained tone, especially during solos.
3. What Are the Key Amp Settings to Emulate Def Leppard’s Tone?
To emulate Def Leppard’s guitar tone, you’ll need to adjust your amp settings to strike a balance between clarity, warmth, and punch. Experimentation is key, as different amps respond uniquely, but here are some general guidelines.
- Clean Channel:
- Gain: Set the gain relatively low to maintain a clean signal. The goal is clarity, not overdrive, at this stage.
- EQ:
- Bass: Set moderately to provide a solid foundation without muddiness.
- Mid: Adjust to taste; too much can sound honky, while too little can sound thin. Start neutral and adjust based on your guitar and amp.
- Treble: Increase to add brightness and sparkle. Def Leppard’s tone is known for its high-end clarity, so don’t be afraid to push the treble.
- Drive/Distortion (if applicable):
- Gain: If using a drive channel or pedal, set the gain to a moderate level. The distortion should be present but not overly saturated.
- EQ: Similar to the clean channel, balance the bass, mid, and treble to achieve a clear, articulate sound.
Remember that these settings are starting points. Tweak them to suit your specific gear and playing style. Pay attention to how the settings interact with each other and with your guitar’s pickups.
4. Which Pedals Are Essential for Getting a Def Leppard-Like Guitar Sound?
To accurately recreate Def Leppard’s iconic guitar sound, several key pedals are essential. These effects help shape the tone, adding depth, sustain, and that signature shimmer that defines their sound.
Here’s a list of must-have pedals:
- Overdrive/Distortion:
- Purpose: To achieve the right amount of gain without sacrificing clarity.
- Recommendation: A versatile overdrive pedal that can provide a range of tones, from subtle grit to full-blown distortion.
- Settings: Keep the gain moderate to avoid excessive saturation.
- Chorus:
- Purpose: Adds thickness and shimmer to the guitar tone.
- Recommendation: An analog chorus pedal for a warm, lush sound.
- Settings: Set the rate and depth to moderate levels for a subtle, swirling effect.
- Delay:
- Purpose: Creates depth and space, essential for replicating Def Leppard’s layered sound.
- Recommendation: A digital delay pedal with versatile settings.
- Settings: Use a moderate delay time (around 300-400ms) with a few repeats.
- Reverb:
- Purpose: Adds atmosphere and enhances the overall sense of space.
- Recommendation: A reverb pedal with different reverb types (e.g., plate, hall).
- Settings: Use a subtle reverb setting to add depth without sounding washed out.
- Compressor:
- Purpose: Evens out the guitar signal, adds sustain, and enhances clarity.
- Recommendation: A compressor pedal with adjustable threshold and ratio settings.
- Settings: Use a moderate compression ratio to even out the signal without squashing the dynamics.
| Pedal | Brands | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Overdrive/Distortion | Ibanez Tube Screamer | Delivers a warm, smooth overdrive ideal for adding subtle grit without sacrificing clarity. |
| Chorus | Boss CE-2W Waza Craft Chorus | Known for its warm, analog sound, the Boss CE-2W adds lushness and depth to guitar tones, perfect for replicating Def Leppard’s shimmer. |
| Delay | Strymon Timeline | Offers versatile delay options, providing precise control over delay time and feedback for creating spacious, layered soundscapes. |
| Reverb | Strymon BigSky | Provides a wide range of reverb types, from subtle ambiance to expansive hall reverbs, adding depth and atmosphere. |
| Compressor | Wampler Ego Compressor | Offers transparent compression, evening out dynamics and adding sustain without altering the guitar’s natural tone. |
5. How Important Are Guitar Pickups in Achieving the Def Leppard Sound?
Guitar pickups play a vital role in achieving the desired Def Leppard sound. The right pickups can provide the clarity, output, and tonal characteristics necessary to replicate their signature tone.
Here’s a breakdown of how pickups contribute to the overall sound:
- Humbuckers for High Gain:
- Characteristics: Humbucker pickups are known for their high output and thick, warm tone. They excel at handling high-gain distortion without becoming muddy.
- Application: Def Leppard guitarists often use humbuckers in the bridge position for rhythm parts and solos that require a powerful, sustained sound.
- Examples: Gibson Les Pauls equipped with high-output humbuckers are a great choice.
- Single-Coils for Clarity:
- Characteristics: Single-coil pickups are known for their bright, clear tone with excellent articulation. They are ideal for clean passages and rhythm parts that require clarity and definition.
- Application: Def Leppard guitarists use single-coil pickups in the neck or middle position for clean tones and softer rhythm parts.
- Examples: Fender Stratocasters with single-coil pickups are perfect for achieving these tones.
- Pickup Height:
- Adjustment: Adjusting pickup height can significantly impact the guitar’s tone and output.
- Guidelines:
- Raising Pickups: Increases output and sustain, but can also make the tone more aggressive.
- Lowering Pickups: Decreases output and increases clarity, resulting in a more balanced tone.
- Pickup Brands and Models:
- Seymour Duncan: Popular for their high-quality humbucker and single-coil pickups. Models like the JB (SH-4) humbucker and SSL-1 single-coil are excellent choices.
- DiMarzio: Known for their high-performance pickups. The Super Distortion humbucker is a classic choice for high-gain tones.
| Pickup Type | Brands | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Humbuckers | Seymour Duncan | High output and thick, warm tone, excellent for high-gain distortion. |
| Single-Coils | Fender | Bright, clear tone with excellent articulation, ideal for clean passages and rhythm parts that require clarity and definition. |
| Pickup Height | Varies | Adjusting pickup height impacts tone and output; raising increases output and sustain, lowering increases clarity for a balanced tone. |
| Brands | DiMarzio | High-performance pickups; the Super Distortion humbucker is a classic choice for high-gain tones. |
6. Can I Achieve a Similar Sound with Digital Amp Modelers and Plugins?
Yes, you can absolutely achieve a sound remarkably close to Def Leppard’s iconic tone using digital amp modelers and plugins. Digital technology has advanced significantly, offering highly accurate emulations of classic amps, effects, and even specific guitar cabinets.
Here’s how to make the most of digital tools:
-
Choose the Right Software/Hardware:
- Neural DSP: Known for their incredibly accurate amp and effect models.
- Line 6 Helix: A versatile multi-effects processor with amp modeling capabilities.
- Positive Grid BIAS: Offers amp matching technology to replicate the tones of specific amplifiers.
-
Select the Appropriate Amps and Cabs:
- Randall Simulations: Look for amp models that emulate Randall amplifiers, which were a key part of Def Leppard’s sound.
- Rockman X100 Emulation: A Rockman X100 simulation is essential, if available, for nailing the core tone of albums like Hysteria.
- Cabinet IRs (Impulse Responses): Use cabinet IRs that match the speakers and cabinets used by Def Leppard.
-
Utilize Effects Emulations:
- Chorus: Add a chorus effect to thicken your tone. Use a subtle chorus effect to thicken your tone. Set the rate and depth to moderate levels, ensuring it enhances rather than overwhelms the sound.
- Delay: Set it for a moderate delay time (around 300-400ms) with a few repeats to add depth.
- Reverb: Add a touch of reverb to create space. A plate or hall reverb can work well.
-
Adjust EQ Settings:
- High-Pass Filter: Use a high-pass filter to remove unnecessary low-end frequencies, which can muddy the tone.
- Midrange Control: Adjust the midrange to taste, balancing warmth and clarity.
7. What Role Does Post-Processing Play in Def Leppard’s Guitar Tone?
Post-processing plays a crucial role in shaping Def Leppard’s polished and iconic guitar tone. While their core sound comes from amps, guitars, and effects, the final sheen is achieved through careful mixing and mastering techniques.
Here are some key aspects of post-processing:
-
EQ (Equalization):
- Purpose: To shape the frequency content of the guitar tracks, ensuring they sit well in the mix.
- Techniques:
- High-Pass Filtering: Removing unnecessary low frequencies to clean up the low end and prevent muddiness.
- Midrange Adjustments: Sculpting the midrange frequencies to bring out the clarity and warmth of the guitars.
- High-Frequency Enhancement: Adding subtle boosts in the high frequencies to enhance sparkle and airiness.
-
Compression:
- Purpose: To control the dynamic range of the guitar tracks, making them sound more consistent and punchy.
- Techniques:
- Moderate Compression: Applying gentle compression to even out the peaks and valleys in the guitar signal.
- Parallel Compression: Blending a heavily compressed signal with the original, uncompressed signal to add punch and sustain without sacrificing dynamics.
-
Stereo Enhancement:
- Purpose: To create a wide, immersive stereo image for the guitars.
- Techniques:
- Stereo Widening: Using stereo widening plugins to enhance the perceived width of the guitar tracks.
- Double Tracking: Recording multiple takes of the same guitar part and panning them slightly to create a richer, more spacious sound.
-
Reverb and Delay:
- Purpose: To add depth and dimension to the guitar tracks.
- Techniques:
- Subtle Reverb: Applying a touch of reverb to create a sense of space and atmosphere.
- Creative Delay: Using delay effects to add rhythmic interest and create a layered sound.
-
Automation:
- Purpose: To create movement and interest in the mix by automating various parameters over time.
- Techniques:
- Volume Automation: Adjusting the volume of the guitar tracks to create dynamic variations.
- Effect Automation: Automating the parameters of reverb, delay, and other effects to add subtle changes and enhance the overall sound.
8. How Did Def Leppard Use Stereo Effects to Create Their Huge Guitar Sound?
Def Leppard’s signature guitar sound is characterized by its massive, layered stereo image. They achieved this by employing a combination of recording and mixing techniques that created a wide, immersive sonic landscape.
Here’s a breakdown of the key stereo techniques they used:
-
Double Tracking:
- Technique: Recording the same guitar part multiple times (usually at least twice) and panning each take to opposite sides of the stereo field.
- Effect: Creates a richer, fuller sound with a sense of width and depth.
- How Def Leppard Used It: Def Leppard meticulously double-tracked their guitar parts, ensuring each take was tight and consistent.
-
Stereo Chorus:
- Technique: Using a stereo chorus effect to add width and dimension to the guitar tone.
- Effect: Creates a shimmering, swirling effect that enhances the stereo image.
- How Def Leppard Used It: They often applied stereo chorus to both clean and distorted guitar tones, adding a subtle but noticeable width.
-
Stereo Delay:
- Technique: Using a stereo delay effect with different delay times and feedback settings for the left and right channels.
- Effect: Creates a spacious, rhythmic effect that enhances the stereo image.
- How Def Leppard Used It: They used stereo delay to create a sense of movement and depth, particularly in their lead guitar parts.
-
Panning:
- Technique: Strategically panning different guitar parts to different positions in the stereo field.
- Effect: Creates a balanced and immersive stereo image.
- How Def Leppard Used It: They panned rhythm guitars to the sides, lead guitars to the center, and supporting parts to various positions in between.
-
Stereo Reverb:
- Technique: Using a stereo reverb effect to add depth and space to the guitar tone.
- Effect: Creates a sense of atmosphere and enhances the overall stereo image.
- How Def Leppard Used It: They used stereo reverb to create a sense of space, particularly in their ballads and more atmospheric tracks.
| Stereo Techniques | Description | Impact on Def Leppard’s Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Double Tracking | Recording multiple takes of the same guitar part and panning them to opposite sides of the stereo field. | Creates a richer, fuller sound with enhanced width and depth, making the guitars sound massive. |
| Stereo Chorus | Using a stereo chorus effect to add width and dimension to the guitar tone. | Adds a shimmering, swirling effect, enhancing the stereo image and making the guitars sound lush. |
| Stereo Delay | Using a stereo delay effect with different delay times and feedback settings for the left and right channels. | Creates a spacious, rhythmic effect, adding movement and depth to the guitar sound. |
| Panning | Strategically panning different guitar parts to different positions in the stereo field. | Creates a balanced and immersive stereo image, allowing each guitar part to occupy its own space in the mix. |
| Stereo Reverb | Using a stereo reverb effect to add depth and space to the guitar tone. | Adds a sense of atmosphere, enhancing the overall stereo image and making the guitars sound more expansive and immersive. |
9. How to Balance Clarity and Distortion Like Def Leppard?
Achieving the perfect balance between clarity and distortion, as Def Leppard did, requires a strategic approach to gain staging, EQ, and effects. The key is to create a sound that is both powerful and articulate, without sacrificing definition.
Here are some techniques to help you find that balance:
-
Gain Staging:
- Definition: Gain staging involves carefully managing the gain levels at each stage of your signal chain, from the guitar to the amp to the recording interface.
- Technique: Start with a clean amp setting and gradually add gain using overdrive or distortion pedals.
- How Def Leppard Did It: They often used a combination of amp gain and pedal distortion to achieve their signature sound.
-
EQ:
- Definition: EQ is the process of shaping the frequency content of your guitar tone.
- Technique: Use EQ to cut unwanted frequencies and boost the frequencies that enhance clarity and articulation.
- How Def Leppard Did It: They used EQ to cut muddiness in the low end and boost sparkle in the high end.
-
Compression:
- Definition: Compression is the process of reducing the dynamic range of your guitar signal.
- Technique: Use compression to even out the peaks and valleys in your playing, adding sustain and punch.
- How Def Leppard Did It: They used compression to add sustain and punch to their guitar tones, without sacrificing clarity.
-
Effects:
- Definition: Effects such as chorus, delay, and reverb can add depth and dimension to your guitar tone.
- Technique: Use effects sparingly and strategically to enhance the overall sound.
- How Def Leppard Did It: They used chorus to add width, delay to add depth, and reverb to add space.
-
Pickup Selection:
- Definition: The type of pickups you use can have a significant impact on your guitar tone.
- Technique: Choose pickups that are well-suited for the style of music you’re playing.
- How Def Leppard Did It: They often used humbucker pickups in the bridge position for high-gain tones and single-coil pickups in the neck position for clean tones.
| Aspect | Description | Impact on Def Leppard’s Sound |
|---|---|---|
| Gain Staging | Carefully managing the gain levels at each stage of your signal chain to achieve the right amount of distortion without sacrificing clarity. | Allows for a balanced sound where distortion is present but doesn’t overpower the clarity, ensuring that each note is still well-defined. |
| EQ | Shaping the frequency content of your guitar tone to cut unwanted frequencies and boost the frequencies that enhance clarity and articulation. | Enhances clarity by cutting muddiness in the low end and boosting sparkle in the high end, making the guitars sound crisp and well-defined even with distortion. |
| Compression | Reducing the dynamic range of your guitar signal to even out the peaks and valleys in your playing, adding sustain and punch. | Adds sustain and punch to the guitar tones without sacrificing clarity, creating a full and powerful sound that sits well in the mix. |
| Effects | Using effects such as chorus, delay, and reverb sparingly and strategically to enhance the overall sound without muddying the tone. | Adds width with chorus, depth with delay, and space with reverb, enhancing the overall sound without sacrificing clarity, creating a polished and professional sound. |
| Pickup Selection | Choosing pickups that are well-suited for the style of music you’re playing, such as humbuckers for high-gain tones and single-coil pickups for clean tones. | Allows for versatility in tone, with humbuckers providing powerful distortion and single-coils offering clarity, contributing to a dynamic and balanced sound that suits a wide range of musical styles. |
10. How to Replicate Def Leppard’s Lead Guitar Tone from Specific Songs?
Replicating Def Leppard’s lead guitar tone from specific songs involves analyzing the nuances of each track and tailoring your gear and settings accordingly. Each song has its unique character, and understanding these differences is key to capturing the essence of their sound.
Here’s a breakdown of how to approach replicating lead guitar tones from a few specific Def Leppard songs:
-
Foolin’ (from the Don Valley Concert):
- General Tone: The lead tone in Foolin’ is characterized by a warm, sustained sound with a touch of overdrive and a subtle delay.
- Gear and Settings:
- Guitar: Use a guitar with humbucker pickups in the bridge position.
- Amp: Set your amp to a moderate gain setting, with the EQ emphasizing the midrange frequencies.
- Pedals: Use an overdrive pedal to add a touch of grit and a delay pedal to create a subtle echo effect.
- Post-Processing: Add a touch of reverb to create a sense of space.
- Playing Style: Focus on playing with a smooth, legato technique and using vibrato to add expression.
-
Love Bites (from the Don Valley Concert):
- General Tone: The lead tone in Love Bites is characterized by a clean, shimmering sound with a chorus effect and a long delay.
- Gear and Settings:
- Guitar: Use a guitar with single-coil pickups in the neck position.
- Amp: Set your amp to a clean setting, with the EQ emphasizing the high frequencies.
- Pedals: Use a chorus pedal to add width and a delay pedal to create a long, ambient echo effect.
- Post-Processing: Add a touch of reverb to create a sense of space.
- Playing Style: Focus on playing with a light touch and using wide vibrato to add expression.
-
Photograph (from the Don Valley Concert):
- General Tone: The lead tone in Photograph is characterized by a soaring, sustained sound with a moderate amount of distortion and a long delay.
- Gear and Settings:
- Guitar: Use a guitar with humbucker pickups in the bridge position.
- Amp: Set your amp to a moderate gain setting, with the EQ emphasizing the high frequencies.
- Pedals: Use a distortion pedal to add sustain and a delay pedal to create a long, rhythmic echo effect.
- Post-Processing: Add a touch of reverb to create a sense of space.
- Playing Style: Focus on playing with a strong attack and using pinch harmonics to add excitement.
| Song | General Tone | Gear and Settings | Playing Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foolin’ | Warm, sustained sound with a touch of overdrive and a subtle delay. | Guitar with humbucker pickups, amp with moderate gain, overdrive pedal, delay pedal, touch of reverb. | Smooth, legato technique, vibrato for expression. |
| Love Bites | Clean, shimmering sound with a chorus effect and a long delay. | Guitar with single-coil pickups, amp with clean setting, chorus pedal, long delay pedal, touch of reverb. | Light touch, wide vibrato for expression. |
| Photograph | Soaring, sustained sound with a moderate amount of distortion and a long delay. | Guitar with humbucker pickups, amp with moderate gain, distortion pedal, long delay pedal, touch of reverb. | Strong attack, pinch harmonics for excitement. |
FAQ Section
1. What is the most important piece of equipment for getting the Def Leppard guitar sound?
The Rockman X100, famously used in the studio, is pivotal for achieving those crisp, articulate high-gain tones.
2. Can I get a Def Leppard tone with a solid-state amp?
Yes, especially if it has good clean headroom and takes pedals well. The Rockman X100 emulations can also help.
3. What kind of delay settings should I use?
Aim for a moderate delay time (300-400ms) with a few repeats for depth.
4. How much chorus is too much?
Use chorus subtly to thicken your tone; avoid excessive amounts that can sound overwhelming.
5. What is gain staging?
Gain staging involves carefully managing the gain levels at each stage of your signal chain, from the guitar to the amp to the recording interface.
6. Are humbuckers or single-coils better for Def Leppard’s sound?
Humbuckers are generally better for high-gain tones, while single-coils excel at clean passages and rhythm parts that require clarity and definition.
7. How important is double-tracking for achieving Def Leppard’s guitar sound?
Double-tracking is a crucial technique for creating a richer, fuller sound with a sense of width and depth.
8. Can digital amp modelers and plugins accurately replicate Def Leppard’s guitar sound?
Yes, digital technology has advanced significantly, offering highly accurate emulations of classic amps, effects, and even specific guitar cabinets.
9. What role does post-processing play in shaping Def Leppard’s guitar tone?
Post-processing plays a crucial role in shaping Def Leppard’s polished and iconic guitar tone, with key aspects including EQ, compression, stereo enhancement, reverb, and automation.
10. How to balance clarity and distortion like Def Leppard?
The key is to create a sound that is both powerful and articulate, without sacrificing definition, using techniques like gain staging, EQ, compression, effects, and pickup selection.
Capturing the essence of Def Leppard’s guitar sound is an exciting journey that combines technical knowledge with creative experimentation. By understanding the gear, settings, and techniques they employed, you can dial in your own version of their iconic tone.
Ready to dive deeper into the world of guitar mastery? Visit guitarplayers.net today for a wealth of resources, including lessons, reviews, sheet music, and a vibrant community of fellow guitar enthusiasts. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, guitarplayers.net has everything you need to elevate your playing and achieve your musical goals.
Join us now and unlock your full potential as a guitarist. Don’t miss out—explore guitarplayers.net and start your journey to guitar excellence today!
(Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States. Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261. Website: guitarplayers.net.)
