Riff Tone

Psychotron

Megadeth

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson King V (likely 1991-1992 USA Custom Shop, Dave Mustaine signature spec)

AmpMarshall 1959SLP Super Lead (modded, as used by Mustaine on Countdown to Extinction)

PickupsSeymour Duncan SH-4 JB (bridge humbucker), SH-2n Jazz (neck humbucker)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble7.5

reverb0

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 1992. Gear based on known studio setup for Countdown to Extinction. No direct source for Psychotron-specific gear, but all evidence points to standard album rig. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for this riff section.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutingscooped midsarticulate note separationfocused low endcrisp high endminimal ambiencedry, in-your-faceclassic thrash rhythmhigh-gain saturation

Difficulty

The riff requires solid palm muting, precise alternate picking, and tight rhythm control, but does not involve advanced lead techniques or extreme speed.

Sources

Favorite Megadeth guitar tone? - Reddit [Discussion Thread] Countdown To Extinction : r/Megadeth

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