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Riff Tone
High Speed Dirt
Megadeth
Guitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarJackson King V (early 1990s, likely USA Custom Shop, Dave Mustaine signature or prototype)
AmpMarshall 1959SLP Super Lead (modded for higher gain, as used by Mustaine on 'Countdown to Extinction')
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
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Notes
Studio recording, 1992. Gear based on known studio rig for 'Countdown to Extinction' era. No evidence of pedals for riff tone; distortion from amp. Pickup and amp model inferred from era and interviews. No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for rhythm/riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutingchunky low endrazor-sharp clarityarticulate note separationdry, immediate responseminimal ambiencesharp pick attackhigh-gain saturation
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking and tight palm muting at high speed, demanding precise right-hand technique and rhythmic accuracy.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarJackson King V (early 1990s, likely USA Custom Shop, Dave Mustaine signature or prototype)
AmpMarshall 1959SLP Super Lead (modded for higher gain, as used by Mustaine on 'Countdown to Extinction')
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 1992. Gear based on known studio rig for 'Countdown to Extinction' era. No evidence of pedals for riff tone; distortion from amp. Pickup and amp model inferred from era and interviews. No evidence of effects loop or additional pedals for rhythm/riff section.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivescooped midsaggressive palm mutingchunky low endrazor-sharp clarityarticulate note separationdry, immediate responseminimal ambiencesharp pick attackhigh-gain saturation
Difficulty
The riff requires fast, accurate alternate picking and tight palm muting at high speed, demanding precise right-hand technique and rhythmic accuracy.