Riff Tone

In My Darkest Hour

Megadeth

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson King V Doubleneck (likely standard King V for studio recording)

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head with Marshall 4x12 cabinet (studio recording, 1987-1988)

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (bridge, passive humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveUnknown Overdrive pedal (model unknown, likely used as clean boost)

Notes

Studio recording for 'So Far, So Good... So What!' (1988). Dave Mustaine is seen using a Jackson King V in the 'In My Darkest Hour' video and during this era, with Seymour Duncan JB pickups. Marshall JCM800 is the confirmed amp for this period. No evidence of live rig or modern digital gear for this original recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped but present midscrisp pick attackhigh-gain saturationfocused low endarticulate high endminimal ambiencefast alternate picking claritydry, direct sound

Difficulty

The riff section requires fast, accurate alternate picking and tight palm muting at a medium-fast tempo, with complex rhythm patterns typical of 1980s thrash metal.

Sources

Dave Mustaine's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Dave Mustaine's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Can I get help on getting, the tone I'm looking for?(Megadeth) - Reddit

This tone has been researched 5 times by the community

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