Table of Contents
Imagine this: it’s 1982, and you’re a guitarist in a glam rock band called Girl. Your phone rings, and it’s Joe Elliott from Def Leppard asking if you want to come jam on a few solos for their new album. You show up, nail “Stagefright” in one take, and suddenly you’re in one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. That’s exactly what happened to Phil Collen, and honestly, it sounds like something out of a rock and roll fairy tale.
But here’s the thing about Collen—he wasn’t just in the right place at the right time. The guy had been grinding it out in London’s rock scene since he was 16, teaching himself guitar and paying his dues with bands that most people have never heard of. When opportunity knocked, he was ready to kick the door down.
Born in Hackney in 1957, Collen got his first guitar—a red Gibson SG—as a 16th birthday present. No lessons, no YouTube tutorials (because, you know, 1973), just a kid and his guitar figuring it out one riff at a time. He soaked up everything from Ritchie Blackmore’s classical-influenced mayhem to Al Di Meola’s jazz fusion wizardry. That’s a hell of a range, and it shows in his playing.
The Girl Years: Learning the Ropes
Before Def Leppard came calling, Collen was tearing up London with Girl, a band that looked like the New York Dolls but could actually play their instruments. Their album Sheer Greed featured a track called “Hollywood Tease” with a guitar solo that made other guitarists stop what they were doing and go “What the hell was that?”
Collen was playing a Les Paul with a DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup—basically a humbucker on steroids—and the combination of his technique and that hot pickup created something special. It wasn’t just fast (though it was), it was musical. The guy understood that a solo needs to tell a story, not just show off how many notes you can cram into four bars.
Girl never quite broke through to the mainstream, but they were building something important. Their approach to backing vocals, with that cheeky London attitude, taught Collen how voices could work together like instruments in an orchestra. File that knowledge away—it’s going to come in handy later.
Essential Phil Collen Tracks
“Photograph” (1983) Peak Chart Position: #12 US, #66 UK Why It’s Essential: Collen’s breakthrough moment that announced his arrival. The solo starts controlled and melodic, then explodes into feedback-drenched chaos that somehow makes perfect sense. The way he builds tension through the pre-chorus and releases it in the solo is textbook songwriting.
“Hysteria” (1987) Peak Chart Position: #10 US Why It’s Essential: Written entirely by Collen, this track showcases his compositional skills beyond just guitar wizardry. Listen on headphones and you’ll hear subtle harmonic guitar parts floating around the main melody like his own little guitar orchestra.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” (1988) Peak Chart Position: #2 US Why It’s Essential: Sounds like it was recorded by twelve guitarists, but it’s mostly just Collen layering different parts together. The trick isn’t playing more—it’s playing smarter.
“Love Bites” (1988) Peak Chart Position: #1 US Why It’s Essential: The ballad showcases Collen’s restraint and melodic sensibility. There’s this moment where he plays a beautiful countermelody that dances around the vocals—it’s not showing off, it’s musical storytelling.
“White Lightning” (1992) Peak Chart Position: #50 US Why It’s Essential: Features prominent use of Collen’s signature sustainer pickup, creating otherworldly textures that sound like a guitar having an out-of-body experience. Most guys would use a sustainer as a gimmick; Collen uses it as another voice in his musical vocabulary.
Playing Style and Techniques
Here’s where Collen really changed the game. Most rock bands approach multiple guitars like this: double everything, turn it up loud, hope for the best. Collen thinks more like Brian May or Jimmy Page—every guitar part needs a reason to exist.
The Art of Layering: Sometimes he’ll play the same chord progression three different ways: straight power chords on one track, an arpeggiated version on another, maybe some single-note lines outlining the harmony on a third. Each part reinforces the others without getting in the way.
Technical Precision: Working with Mutt Lange was like getting a PhD in How to Make Records That Don’t Suck. Lange taught him to play behind the beat instead of rushing ahead—something most rock guitarists struggle with their entire careers.
Sustainer Innovation: While most guys are trying to get feedback from their amps (and fighting with sound engineers in the process), Collen can create infinite sustain at any volume. It’s like having a bow for your guitar strings.
Dual Guitar Partnership: Enter Steve Clark, and suddenly you’ve got one of rock’s great guitar partnerships. Clark was loose and rhythmic; Collen was tight and technical. Together they created something neither could do alone.
Learn Phil Collen’s Signature Techniques – Direct from the Master
Ever wondered how Phil Collen creates those massive, layered guitar sounds that made Def Leppard legendary? In this essential guitar lesson, the man himself breaks down his signature Jackson PC1 with sustainer pickup, explains his 30+ year loyalty to DiMarzio pickups, and demonstrates why his “baseball bat” fat neck actually improves tone. He also reveals the mystery behind that weird “Photograph” intro chord and how he and Steve Clark played different shapes against each other.
But the real gold is when Collen explains the Terror Twins’ approach to guitar layering. Instead of typical rhythm/lead splits, they created intricate weaving arrangements—he breaks down how “Hysteria” features eight different guitar parts working simultaneously without creating mud. Learn about their “smoking mirrors” recording techniques, how Mutt Lange taught them that clarity trumps everything, and why sometimes the cleanest Strat tone makes the heaviest section hit harder. This isn’t just gear talk—it’s a masterclass in professional arrangement thinking.
Gear to Sound Like Phil Collen
Collen’s sound comes from understanding that every piece of gear has a job to do. His guitars might look like space ships, but they’re built for precision. Let’s meet the guitars and amps below.
Premium Guitar Options
Jackson Pro Soloist SL2 – This captures the essence of Collen’s PC1 design with the compound radius neck and mahogany/maple construction he loves.
Ibanez RG550 – Similar to the Destroyer he used for his Def Leppard audition, great for those early Pyromania tones.
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Represents the Strat side of Collen’s arsenal. The V-Mod II pickups provide clarity and articulation needed for complex arrangements where every note needs to cut through.
Premium Amplification
Marshall Studio Classic JCM 800 Combo – This gives you that authentic JCM800 tone that Collen built his sound on, but in a more practical 20-watt package that can scale down to 5 watts for home use.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV Price Range: $700-$900 Clean platform that takes pedals beautifully, similar to how Collen approached his Rockman-driven studio sounds. The bright, clear Fender cleans provide the perfect foundation for building those layered textures with overdrive and effects pedals.
Budget Guitar Options
Jackson JS32 Dinky Budget-friendly option that captures the basic Jackson feel with Floyd Rose-style tremolo and high-output pickups suitable for Collen’s layered approach.
Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS Perfect hybrid setup with the Fireball humbucker in the bridge position for heavier tones and Player Plus Noiseless Strat pickups for clean articulation. The push-pull coil-split gives you single-coil clarity when needed, making this incredibly versatile for Collen’s diverse tonal palette.
Budget Amplification
Marshall DSL40CR More affordable Marshall tube tone with multiple channels covering clean to saturated. Excellent pedal platform that takes layering effects well.
Boss Katana-100 Solid-state versatility with tube-like response. Built-in effects reduce pedal needs while covering Collen’s tonal range from clean to crushing.
Essential Effects
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Modern alternative that captures that compressed, mid-focused character of the Rockman. The parametric EQ lets you dial in that “transistor radio” frequency range that made the original so perfect for layering multiple guitar parts without creating mud.
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Simple, reliable delay that provides the spatial effects heard on many Def Leppard recordings. Clean repeats that don’t muddy up complex arrangements.
MXR Phase 90 Price Range: $100-$120 Classic phaser that adds movement to clean passages and subtle modulation to lead tones without overwhelming the mix.
Tone Tips and Settings
Marshall JCM800 Settings:
- Presence: 6-7 (cutting clarity without harshness)
- Bass: 4-5 (controlled low end that doesn’t conflict with bass guitar)
- Middle: 7-8 (midrange focus that cuts through dense mixes)
- Treble: 6-7 (brightness without ice-pick territory)
- Master Volume: 3-4 (natural tube compression)
Guitar Settings:
- Bridge pickup for aggressive rhythm parts and cutting leads
- Neck pickup for smoother, warmer lead tones
- Middle pickup position for clean, articulate sounds
- Keep tone controls near maximum for clarity in layered arrangements
Playing Technique Focus:
- Practice playing slightly behind the beat for that Mutt Lange groove
- Work on clean alternate picking—every note should be clearly articulated
- Develop coordination between singing and playing complex parts
- Master string muting to keep complex arrangements clean
Career Highlights and Legacy
When Collen showed up at Mutt Lange’s studio in 1982, he had no idea he was about to join rock royalty. The band had already fired Pete Willis for drinking problems, and they needed someone who could handle both the guitar parts and the pressure of working with a perfectionist producer.
Collen plugged his Ibanez Destroyer into their Marshall stack—no fiddling with mic placement or EQ, just straight into what the band had spent weeks dialing in—and proceeded to absolutely nail “Stagefright” on the first take. The solo was a perfect blend of his influences: a bit of Michael Schenker’s melodic sense, some Gary Moore blues fire, and that Di Meola technical precision.
The Hysteria album remains a masterclass in guitar arrangement and production. The way Collen and his bandmates created massive, orchestral sounds while maintaining clarity continues to influence how rock albums are made. Modern producers still reference Hysteria when discussing effective guitar layering.
The Terror Twins Legacy
The partnership with Steve Clark became legendary in rock circles. They called themselves the “Terror Twins,” partly because they could drink most people under the table, but mostly because together they created something neither could do alone.
Clark would lay down these huge, swinging rhythm parts, and Collen would weave intricate melodic lines around them. Sometimes they’d play harmony parts that would make Queen jealous. Other times, one would arpeggiate a chord while the other played it straight, creating this massive, layered sound that somehow never felt cluttered.
After Clark’s death in 1991, Collen faced the challenge of carrying the guitar load alone while processing the loss of his friend and musical partner. His dedication to continuing the band’s legacy while honoring Clark’s memory speaks to his character both as a musician and person.
| Year | Achievement | Chart Position/Sales | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Girl – Sheer Greed album | UK underground success | Established Collen’s reputation with “Hollywood Tease” solo |
| 1981 | Girl – Wasted Youth album | Limited commercial success | Final Girl album before Def Leppard calling |
| 1982 | Joins Def Leppard | – | Nails “Stagefright” solo in first take, becomes permanent member |
| 1983 | Pyromania album release | #2 Billboard 200, 10x Platinum | Breakthrough album featuring Collen’s guitar work and vocals |
| 1983 | “Photograph” single | #12 US, #66 UK | Collen’s signature solo introduces him to mainstream |
| 1987 | Hysteria album release | #1 Billboard 200, 12x Platinum | Peak of Terror Twins partnership, revolutionary guitar layering |
| 1988 | “Pour Some Sugar on Me” single | #2 US | Showcased Collen’s layering mastery, massive radio hit |
| 1988 | “Love Bites” single | #1 US | Def Leppard’s only #1 hit, featured Collen’s restrained playing |
| 1988 | Quits drinking alcohol | – | Personal transformation that saved his career and health |
| 1991 | Steve Clark’s death | – | End of Terror Twins era, Collen considers leaving band |
| 1992 | Adrenalize album | #1 Billboard 200, 5x Platinum | Collen carries guitar load alone, features “White Lightning” with sustainer |
| 1992 | Vivian Campbell joins | – | New guitar partnership begins, relieves pressure on Collen |
| 2006 | Jackson PC1 signature guitar | Limited production run | Official recognition of Collen’s gear innovations |
| 2008 | Man Raze – Surreal album | Independent release | Side project showcasing different musical styles |
| 2018 | G3 Tour with Satriani & Petrucci | Multiple sold-out shows | Recognition as guitar virtuoso beyond Def Leppard |
| 2019 | Def Leppard Rock Hall induction | – | Official recognition of band’s influence on rock music |
| 2021 | Fitness transformation viral moment | Social media sensation | Inspired fans with dedication to health at age 63 |
Phil Collen Final Feedback
What can you learn from four decades of Phil Collen? First, technique is just a tool—it’s what you build with it that matters. Second, serving the song isn’t about playing less; it’s about playing smarter. And third, the best guitar parts often happen when you’re thinking about everything except showing off your chops.
Collen proved you could be technically proficient without being a show-off, that you could layer guitars without creating mud, and that precision and passion aren’t mutually exclusive. In an era when rock guitar was often about who could play fastest or loudest, he focused on playing better.
The guy’s 67 years old and still exploring new musical territory through side projects like Man Raze and Delta Deep. He’s also turned into something of a fitness fanatic, which might seem random until you realize that playing guitar at arena volume for two hours straight is basically athletic performance.
Collen took a phone call in 1982 and accidentally joined one of the biggest rock bands in history. But “accidentally” undersells it—when opportunity knocked, Phil Collen was ready to answer. That’s a lesson worth learning, whether you’re playing in your bedroom or Madison Square Garden.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is exactly what the song needs, exactly when it needs it. Phil Collen figured that out early, and it’s made all the difference.
👉 Check out more deals and gear reviews on the Get My Guitar Blog.
👉 Join our guitarist community to share your finds and discuss all things guitar!
About the Author: David Bandler
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
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Table of Contents
Imagine this: it’s 1982, and you’re a guitarist in a glam rock band called Girl. Your phone rings, and it’s Joe Elliott from Def Leppard asking if you want to come jam on a few solos for their new album. You show up, nail “Stagefright” in one take, and suddenly you’re in one of the biggest rock bands on the planet. That’s exactly what happened to Phil Collen, and honestly, it sounds like something out of a rock and roll fairy tale.
But here’s the thing about Collen—he wasn’t just in the right place at the right time. The guy had been grinding it out in London’s rock scene since he was 16, teaching himself guitar and paying his dues with bands that most people have never heard of. When opportunity knocked, he was ready to kick the door down.
Born in Hackney in 1957, Collen got his first guitar—a red Gibson SG—as a 16th birthday present. No lessons, no YouTube tutorials (because, you know, 1973), just a kid and his guitar figuring it out one riff at a time. He soaked up everything from Ritchie Blackmore’s classical-influenced mayhem to Al Di Meola’s jazz fusion wizardry. That’s a hell of a range, and it shows in his playing.
The Girl Years: Learning the Ropes
Before Def Leppard came calling, Collen was tearing up London with Girl, a band that looked like the New York Dolls but could actually play their instruments. Their album Sheer Greed featured a track called “Hollywood Tease” with a guitar solo that made other guitarists stop what they were doing and go “What the hell was that?”
Collen was playing a Les Paul with a DiMarzio Super Distortion pickup—basically a humbucker on steroids—and the combination of his technique and that hot pickup created something special. It wasn’t just fast (though it was), it was musical. The guy understood that a solo needs to tell a story, not just show off how many notes you can cram into four bars.
Girl never quite broke through to the mainstream, but they were building something important. Their approach to backing vocals, with that cheeky London attitude, taught Collen how voices could work together like instruments in an orchestra. File that knowledge away—it’s going to come in handy later.
Essential Phil Collen Tracks
“Photograph” (1983) Peak Chart Position: #12 US, #66 UK Why It’s Essential: Collen’s breakthrough moment that announced his arrival. The solo starts controlled and melodic, then explodes into feedback-drenched chaos that somehow makes perfect sense. The way he builds tension through the pre-chorus and releases it in the solo is textbook songwriting.
“Hysteria” (1987) Peak Chart Position: #10 US Why It’s Essential: Written entirely by Collen, this track showcases his compositional skills beyond just guitar wizardry. Listen on headphones and you’ll hear subtle harmonic guitar parts floating around the main melody like his own little guitar orchestra.
“Pour Some Sugar on Me” (1988) Peak Chart Position: #2 US Why It’s Essential: Sounds like it was recorded by twelve guitarists, but it’s mostly just Collen layering different parts together. The trick isn’t playing more—it’s playing smarter.
“Love Bites” (1988) Peak Chart Position: #1 US Why It’s Essential: The ballad showcases Collen’s restraint and melodic sensibility. There’s this moment where he plays a beautiful countermelody that dances around the vocals—it’s not showing off, it’s musical storytelling.
“White Lightning” (1992) Peak Chart Position: #50 US Why It’s Essential: Features prominent use of Collen’s signature sustainer pickup, creating otherworldly textures that sound like a guitar having an out-of-body experience. Most guys would use a sustainer as a gimmick; Collen uses it as another voice in his musical vocabulary.
Playing Style and Techniques
Here’s where Collen really changed the game. Most rock bands approach multiple guitars like this: double everything, turn it up loud, hope for the best. Collen thinks more like Brian May or Jimmy Page—every guitar part needs a reason to exist.
The Art of Layering: Sometimes he’ll play the same chord progression three different ways: straight power chords on one track, an arpeggiated version on another, maybe some single-note lines outlining the harmony on a third. Each part reinforces the others without getting in the way.
Technical Precision: Working with Mutt Lange was like getting a PhD in How to Make Records That Don’t Suck. Lange taught him to play behind the beat instead of rushing ahead—something most rock guitarists struggle with their entire careers.
Sustainer Innovation: While most guys are trying to get feedback from their amps (and fighting with sound engineers in the process), Collen can create infinite sustain at any volume. It’s like having a bow for your guitar strings.
Dual Guitar Partnership: Enter Steve Clark, and suddenly you’ve got one of rock’s great guitar partnerships. Clark was loose and rhythmic; Collen was tight and technical. Together they created something neither could do alone.
Learn Phil Collen’s Signature Techniques – Direct from the Master
Ever wondered how Phil Collen creates those massive, layered guitar sounds that made Def Leppard legendary? In this essential guitar lesson, the man himself breaks down his signature Jackson PC1 with sustainer pickup, explains his 30+ year loyalty to DiMarzio pickups, and demonstrates why his “baseball bat” fat neck actually improves tone. He also reveals the mystery behind that weird “Photograph” intro chord and how he and Steve Clark played different shapes against each other.
But the real gold is when Collen explains the Terror Twins’ approach to guitar layering. Instead of typical rhythm/lead splits, they created intricate weaving arrangements—he breaks down how “Hysteria” features eight different guitar parts working simultaneously without creating mud. Learn about their “smoking mirrors” recording techniques, how Mutt Lange taught them that clarity trumps everything, and why sometimes the cleanest Strat tone makes the heaviest section hit harder. This isn’t just gear talk—it’s a masterclass in professional arrangement thinking.
Gear to Sound Like Phil Collen
Collen’s sound comes from understanding that every piece of gear has a job to do. His guitars might look like space ships, but they’re built for precision. Let’s meet the guitars and amps below.
Premium Guitar Options
Jackson Pro Soloist SL2 – This captures the essence of Collen’s PC1 design with the compound radius neck and mahogany/maple construction he loves.
Ibanez RG550 – Similar to the Destroyer he used for his Def Leppard audition, great for those early Pyromania tones.
Fender American Professional II Stratocaster Represents the Strat side of Collen’s arsenal. The V-Mod II pickups provide clarity and articulation needed for complex arrangements where every note needs to cut through.
Premium Amplification
Marshall Studio Classic JCM 800 Combo – This gives you that authentic JCM800 tone that Collen built his sound on, but in a more practical 20-watt package that can scale down to 5 watts for home use.
Fender Hot Rod Deluxe IV Price Range: $700-$900 Clean platform that takes pedals beautifully, similar to how Collen approached his Rockman-driven studio sounds. The bright, clear Fender cleans provide the perfect foundation for building those layered textures with overdrive and effects pedals.
Budget Guitar Options
Jackson JS32 Dinky Budget-friendly option that captures the basic Jackson feel with Floyd Rose-style tremolo and high-output pickups suitable for Collen’s layered approach.
Fender Player Plus Stratocaster HSS Perfect hybrid setup with the Fireball humbucker in the bridge position for heavier tones and Player Plus Noiseless Strat pickups for clean articulation. The push-pull coil-split gives you single-coil clarity when needed, making this incredibly versatile for Collen’s diverse tonal palette.
Budget Amplification
Marshall DSL40CR More affordable Marshall tube tone with multiple channels covering clean to saturated. Excellent pedal platform that takes layering effects well.
Boss Katana-100 Solid-state versatility with tube-like response. Built-in effects reduce pedal needs while covering Collen’s tonal range from clean to crushing.
Essential Effects
Boss MT-2 Metal Zone Modern alternative that captures that compressed, mid-focused character of the Rockman. The parametric EQ lets you dial in that “transistor radio” frequency range that made the original so perfect for layering multiple guitar parts without creating mud.
Boss DD-3 Digital Delay Simple, reliable delay that provides the spatial effects heard on many Def Leppard recordings. Clean repeats that don’t muddy up complex arrangements.
MXR Phase 90 Price Range: $100-$120 Classic phaser that adds movement to clean passages and subtle modulation to lead tones without overwhelming the mix.
Tone Tips and Settings
Marshall JCM800 Settings:
- Presence: 6-7 (cutting clarity without harshness)
- Bass: 4-5 (controlled low end that doesn’t conflict with bass guitar)
- Middle: 7-8 (midrange focus that cuts through dense mixes)
- Treble: 6-7 (brightness without ice-pick territory)
- Master Volume: 3-4 (natural tube compression)
Guitar Settings:
- Bridge pickup for aggressive rhythm parts and cutting leads
- Neck pickup for smoother, warmer lead tones
- Middle pickup position for clean, articulate sounds
- Keep tone controls near maximum for clarity in layered arrangements
Playing Technique Focus:
- Practice playing slightly behind the beat for that Mutt Lange groove
- Work on clean alternate picking—every note should be clearly articulated
- Develop coordination between singing and playing complex parts
- Master string muting to keep complex arrangements clean
Career Highlights and Legacy
When Collen showed up at Mutt Lange’s studio in 1982, he had no idea he was about to join rock royalty. The band had already fired Pete Willis for drinking problems, and they needed someone who could handle both the guitar parts and the pressure of working with a perfectionist producer.
Collen plugged his Ibanez Destroyer into their Marshall stack—no fiddling with mic placement or EQ, just straight into what the band had spent weeks dialing in—and proceeded to absolutely nail “Stagefright” on the first take. The solo was a perfect blend of his influences: a bit of Michael Schenker’s melodic sense, some Gary Moore blues fire, and that Di Meola technical precision.
The Hysteria album remains a masterclass in guitar arrangement and production. The way Collen and his bandmates created massive, orchestral sounds while maintaining clarity continues to influence how rock albums are made. Modern producers still reference Hysteria when discussing effective guitar layering.
The Terror Twins Legacy
The partnership with Steve Clark became legendary in rock circles. They called themselves the “Terror Twins,” partly because they could drink most people under the table, but mostly because together they created something neither could do alone.
Clark would lay down these huge, swinging rhythm parts, and Collen would weave intricate melodic lines around them. Sometimes they’d play harmony parts that would make Queen jealous. Other times, one would arpeggiate a chord while the other played it straight, creating this massive, layered sound that somehow never felt cluttered.
After Clark’s death in 1991, Collen faced the challenge of carrying the guitar load alone while processing the loss of his friend and musical partner. His dedication to continuing the band’s legacy while honoring Clark’s memory speaks to his character both as a musician and person.
| Year | Achievement | Chart Position/Sales | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | Girl – Sheer Greed album | UK underground success | Established Collen’s reputation with “Hollywood Tease” solo |
| 1981 | Girl – Wasted Youth album | Limited commercial success | Final Girl album before Def Leppard calling |
| 1982 | Joins Def Leppard | – | Nails “Stagefright” solo in first take, becomes permanent member |
| 1983 | Pyromania album release | #2 Billboard 200, 10x Platinum | Breakthrough album featuring Collen’s guitar work and vocals |
| 1983 | “Photograph” single | #12 US, #66 UK | Collen’s signature solo introduces him to mainstream |
| 1987 | Hysteria album release | #1 Billboard 200, 12x Platinum | Peak of Terror Twins partnership, revolutionary guitar layering |
| 1988 | “Pour Some Sugar on Me” single | #2 US | Showcased Collen’s layering mastery, massive radio hit |
| 1988 | “Love Bites” single | #1 US | Def Leppard’s only #1 hit, featured Collen’s restrained playing |
| 1988 | Quits drinking alcohol | – | Personal transformation that saved his career and health |
| 1991 | Steve Clark’s death | – | End of Terror Twins era, Collen considers leaving band |
| 1992 | Adrenalize album | #1 Billboard 200, 5x Platinum | Collen carries guitar load alone, features “White Lightning” with sustainer |
| 1992 | Vivian Campbell joins | – | New guitar partnership begins, relieves pressure on Collen |
| 2006 | Jackson PC1 signature guitar | Limited production run | Official recognition of Collen’s gear innovations |
| 2008 | Man Raze – Surreal album | Independent release | Side project showcasing different musical styles |
| 2018 | G3 Tour with Satriani & Petrucci | Multiple sold-out shows | Recognition as guitar virtuoso beyond Def Leppard |
| 2019 | Def Leppard Rock Hall induction | – | Official recognition of band’s influence on rock music |
| 2021 | Fitness transformation viral moment | Social media sensation | Inspired fans with dedication to health at age 63 |
Phil Collen Final Feedback
What can you learn from four decades of Phil Collen? First, technique is just a tool—it’s what you build with it that matters. Second, serving the song isn’t about playing less; it’s about playing smarter. And third, the best guitar parts often happen when you’re thinking about everything except showing off your chops.
Collen proved you could be technically proficient without being a show-off, that you could layer guitars without creating mud, and that precision and passion aren’t mutually exclusive. In an era when rock guitar was often about who could play fastest or loudest, he focused on playing better.
The guy’s 67 years old and still exploring new musical territory through side projects like Man Raze and Delta Deep. He’s also turned into something of a fitness fanatic, which might seem random until you realize that playing guitar at arena volume for two hours straight is basically athletic performance.
Collen took a phone call in 1982 and accidentally joined one of the biggest rock bands in history. But “accidentally” undersells it—when opportunity knocked, Phil Collen was ready to answer. That’s a lesson worth learning, whether you’re playing in your bedroom or Madison Square Garden.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do is exactly what the song needs, exactly when it needs it. Phil Collen figured that out early, and it’s made all the difference.
👉 Check out more deals and gear reviews on the Get My Guitar Blog.
👉 Join our guitarist community to share your finds and discuss all things guitar!
About the Author: David Bandler
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Recent Posts
Welcome to the first installment of "The Guitars that Powered the Genre," where we take a deep dive into [...]
Look, I'm gonna be straight with you - $3,999 is serious money for a guitar. That's rent money. That's [...]
The impossible just happened. After 16 years of silence, two feuding brothers walked hand-in-hand onto a Cardiff stage while [...]
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