Riff Tone

Countdown to Extinction

Megadeth

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson King V STD Pro (Japan, early 1990s)

AmpCustom Audio Electronics CAE 3+ SE preamp → VHT 2150 Stereo Power Amp → Marshall 1960BV 4x12 Cabinet

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (bridge), Seymour Duncan SH-2N Jazz (neck) humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid4

treble7.5

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1992. Gear confirmed for 'Countdown to Extinction' album sessions. No evidence of live/tour-only substitutions for riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate attackcrisp top endpowerful low endclear note separationmetallic bitefast transient response

Difficulty

The riff requires fast, consistent alternate picking, tight palm muting, and precise timing, making it challenging for most guitarists.

Sources

Dave Mustaine's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Custom Audio Electronics CAE 3+ SE - What To Know & Where To Buy | Equipboard Megadeth's gear! | The Gear Page Dave Mustaine's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard megadeth tone - forum topic | Ultimate Guitar

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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