Holy Wars... The Punishment Due – Megadeth

“Holy Wars... The Punishment Due” by Megadeth is widely regarded as one of the most iconic thrash metal songs ever written. This complex, aggressive, and technically demanding track showcases the virtuosic playing of guitarist Dave Mustaine and then-lead guitarist Marty Friedman. With its blazing tempos, intricate riffs, exotic melodies, and blistering solos, “Holy Wars” offers guitarists a masterclass in high-level metal technique. At LickLibrary, our note-for-note guitar lesson for “Holy Wars” breaks down each section of this epic composition and provides focused insights into the advanced techniques used throughout the song. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarists

Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s founding member, is known for his razor-sharp riffing, rhythm precision, and inventive songwriting. His unique picking style and aggressive tone helped define thrash metal’s sound in the 1980s. His rhythm work on “Holy Wars” is relentless and demands tight control and endurance.

Marty Friedman, who joined Megadeth in 1990, brought a new flavour to the band’s sound with his signature exotic phrasing and melodic sensibility. His lead work in “Holy Wars” is legendary, blending Eastern-influenced scales with cutting-edge metal technique. His phrasing and control set a benchmark for expressive lead guitar work in metal.

Lesson Breakdown and Focus Techniques

Intro and Main Riff – Alternate Picking, Palm Muting, and Galloping Rhythms

The song kicks off with a fast-paced riff that utilises alternate picking to maintain speed and clarity. This section also relies on precise palm muting and aggressive galloping rhythms, a rhythmic pattern where notes are grouped in a “da-da-da” triplet feel that’s essential in thrash metal. Mastering this helps improve picking stamina, accuracy, and rhythmic control.

Verse Riff – String Bending and Power Chords

The verse sections of “Holy Wars” integrate heavy power chords and quick transitions between rhythm ideas. Interspersed bends and aggressive accents challenge your timing and endurance. Power chord mastery enhances your ability to build dynamic and punchy rhythm parts in your own compositions.

Bridge Riff – Harmonics and Whammy Bar Tricks

Marty Friedman incorporates intricate harmonics and expressive whammy bar tricks during transitional moments. These add tension and atmosphere, and developing control over these techniques allows for more expressive and creative guitar playing.

Solo 1 – Legato, Trills, and Exotic Phrasing

The first solo section showcases Marty’s signature fluidity. You’ll encounter smooth legato lines, speedy trills, and melodic motifs drawn from non-Western scales. These techniques improve finger strength and coordination, and learning Friedman's phrasing is a great way to break out of typical scale patterns.

Solo 2 – Two-Handed Tapping, Sweeping, and Chromaticism

The second solo delves into more extreme territory, featuring two-handed tapping and rapid sweep picking. These demanding techniques push your control and synchronisation between both hands. Friedman’s phrasing also utilises chromaticism to build tension and lead the listener through the musical narrative. Learning these ideas helps elevate your technical ability and musical vocabulary.

Final Section – Tremolo Picking and Dive Bombs

The song’s explosive conclusion features intense tremolo picking passages and dramatic dive bombs using the whammy bar. Tremolo picking builds endurance and speed, while dive bombs enhance your dynamic expression and stage presence.

Why Learn This Song?

Learning “Holy Wars... The Punishment Due” offers more than just bragging rights. It's a crash course in advanced metal guitar techniques, songwriting structure, and musical storytelling. From tight rhythm work to expressive solos, it strengthens all areas of your playing:

• Improves hand coordination and picking accuracy
• Develops timing, rhythm control, and endurance
• Teaches phrasing techniques that go beyond traditional Western styles
• Helps understand how lead and rhythm parts work together in a complex composition

Whether you’re a metalhead looking to master a classic or an intermediate guitarist seeking to level up, this lesson delivers both inspiration and serious technical development.

Guitar Techniques Featured in This Lesson

• Alternate Picking
• Palm Muting
• Galloping Rhythms
• Power Chords
• Harmonics
• Whammy Bar Tricks
• Legato
• Trills
• Two-Handed Tapping
• Sweep Picking
• Chromaticism
• Tremolo Picking
• Dive Bombs
• String Bending

Ready to tackle this thrash metal masterpiece? Jump into the Holy Wars lesson now at LickLibrary and take your playing to the next level.