Riff Tone

Looking Down the Cross (Live In Denver, CO, 1986)

Megadeth

Guitarmetal1980s

Original Gear

GuitarB.C. Rich Bich

AmpMarshall JCM800 2203 head into DeCuir 4x12 cabinet with Celestion speakers

PickupsDiMarzio Super Distortion (bridge), DiMarzio PAF (neck) (likely configuration for Mustaine's Bich in 1986)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5

mid5.5

treble7

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

Notes

Live performance, Denver, CO, 1986. Gear confirmed for this era and tour. No evidence of additional pedals or rack effects for this song/section. All distortion from amp and guitar. No evidence of studio effects or modern gear.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped but present midscrisp pick attackhigh-gain saturationfocused low endminimal ambiencefast alternate picking clarityclassic thrash metal rhythmarticulate and dry

Difficulty

The riff section requires fast, accurate alternate picking and tight palm muting at high speed, with complex thrash rhythm patterns that demand precision and stamina.

Sources

Dave Mustaine's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard Dave Mustaine Reflects on Megadeth's 'Killing Is My Business… and Business Is Good!' | Guitar World Can I get help on getting, the tone I'm looking for?(Megadeth) - Reddit

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