Pour Some Sugar On Me by Def Leppard
Pour Some Sugar On Me was released in 1987 as a cornerstone of Def Leppard's album Hysteria. The track, driven by a memorable guitar riff and a lush production aesthetic by Mutt Lange, became an arena anthem and a staple of late-80s rock radio. It showcases Def Leppard's knack for layering guitars and crafting a chorus that sticks in your head. The recording history behind the song is famous for meticulous multi-track layering and Lange's perfectionism, helping propel Def Leppard to stadium-filling status.
Its enduring cultural impact is seen in its continued presence on classic rock playlists, sports arenas, movie soundtracks, and in the enduring popularity of the riff and chorus among players.
🎸 Want to know the techniques, practice tips, and lesson details? Scroll below the lesson!
What You'll Learn
In this lesson you’ll learn how to lock in the signature driving riff with palm-muted power chords, execute the verse and chorus progressions cleanly, and add the stadium-ready energy that makes the song so powerful. We’ll break down the rhythm, timing, and picking approach, then practice the bridge/lick to connect sections smoothly. Pay attention to muting accuracy, transitions between riffing and strumming, and maintaining tempo at higher speeds—these are the tricky parts that separate a solid rendition from a slam-dunk performance.
Intermediate; having clean palm muting, solid power chords, and precise alternate picking will help you tackle the riff-heavy sections and fast tempo.
🎸 Techniques Used
Practice Tips
- 💡Slow the riff to a comfortable tempo with a metronome, then gradually increase speed while keeping muting tight.
- 💡Focus on muting unused strings to keep the verse punchy and noise-free, especially when transitioning to the chorus.
- 💡Visualize the groove by counting 1-2-3-4 and locking in your downbeats with the drummer for a tight, stadium-ready feel.
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