Holy Wars
Tight, mid-forward thrash tone with a boost and a hard pick attack.
- Guitar
- V, bridge pickup
- Guitar volume
- 10
- Guitar tone
- 8
- Tube Screamer — Drive
- 2
- Tube Screamer — Level
- 7
- Amp — Gain
- 8
- Amp — Bass
- 5
- Amp — Mid
- 7
- Amp — Treble
- 7
All musicians
DM
Megadeth
Dave Mustaine
Thrash Metal1983–presentUSA
A Flying V through a Marshall with a Tube Screamer and a wah — all attack and no apology.
Known for: Holy Wars, Symphony of Destruction, Peace Sells
4
gear entries
4
with sources
Rig rundown
Pedals
2Dunlop Cry Baby Wah
PedalFor the dive-bombing solo lines.
Ibanez Tube Screamer
PedalBoost for the tight, fast riffing.
Amps
1Marshall JCM800
AmpThe crunch behind the early records.
Guitars
1Dean Mustaine signature V
GuitarHis long-running signature Flying V.
Dial-in specs
What to dial in to chase Dave Mustaine's signature sounds — knob positions, pickup choice and amp EQ as documented.
Symphony of Destruction
Slightly rounder and slower-feeling, with the wah for the solo.
- Guitar
- V, neck pickup
- Guitar volume
- 9
- Guitar tone
- 6
- Wah
- To taste
- Amp — Gain
- 7
- Amp — Mid
- 6
- Amp — Treble
- 6