Riff Tone

Symphony Of Destruction (1992 Mix Remaster)

Megadeth

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarJackson King V (likely custom, 1992 era)

AmpMarshall 1959SLP Super Lead (modded) into VHT 2150 power amp, Bogner Fish preamp, Marshall 4x12 cabinets with Celestion speakers

PickupsSeymour Duncan JB (SH-4) humbucker in bridge position

Amp Settings

gain7

bass5

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb0

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

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

Notes

Studio recording, 1992. Mustaine used a Bogner Fish preamp into a VHT 2150 power amp and Marshall cabs for the album. The Jackson King V with Seymour Duncan JB bridge pickup was his main rhythm guitar for this era. No evidence of live/touring gear or later signature models being used on the original recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationscooped but present midsarticulate pick attackchunky low endrazor-sharp clarityfocused, dry rhythm soundminimal ambiencecrisp note separation

Difficulty

The riff requires tight, aggressive palm muting and precise alternate picking at a moderate tempo. While not technically advanced, maintaining the percussive, articulate rhythm and consistent timing is challenging for intermediate players.