Learn to Play "Symphony Of Destruction" by Megadeth

Megadeth’s "Symphony Of Destruction" is one of the most iconic metal songs of the 1990s, and now you can learn every riff, lick, and solo note-for-note with our in-depth Licklibrary guitar lesson. This classic track from the album Countdown to Extinction offers a masterclass in metal rhythm and lead guitar playing, fusing groove-laden riffing with melodic soloing and aggressive techniques. Whether you're looking to build your rhythm chops or dive into expressive solo phrasing, this lesson covers it all — and more. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Guitarist: Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman

"Symphony Of Destruction" features two of metal's most respected guitarists: Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman. Mustaine, the mastermind behind Megadeth, is known for his razor-sharp rhythm playing and intricate songwriting. His rhythm guitar parts are a cornerstone of thrash metal, combining precision, speed, and aggression.

Marty Friedman brought a unique, melodic flavor to Megadeth's sound during his tenure, especially on lead guitar. His phrasing blends Eastern scales, wide vibrato, and unorthodox bends, creating solos that are not only technically impressive but emotionally rich. Learning their styles in this lesson will give you deep insight into combining technical proficiency with musicality.

Main Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Palm Muting

The intro and verse riffs rely heavily on tight, aggressive palm muting. This technique helps add percussive energy and tightens up the rhythm, which is crucial in thrash metal. Mastering palm muting improves right-hand control and allows you to create dynamic contrasts in your rhythm playing.

Power Chords

Throughout the track, Mustaine uses power chords to drive the song's iconic riffs. These chords are the foundation of heavy guitar playing, and understanding their placement and movement across the fretboard will help you build a stronger foundation in rhythm guitar.

Alternate Picking

Many of the rhythm sections and solos in this song require solid alternate picking. Developing this technique enhances your picking accuracy and speed — vital skills for any rock or metal guitarist.

Slides

Slides are used to transition between power chords and in solo lines, adding fluidity and style to the phrasing. Incorporating slides into your playing helps with fretboard navigation and phrasing.

Hammer-Ons and Pull-Offs

In Friedman's solos, you’ll find an expressive use of both hammer-ons and pull-offs. These techniques are essential for creating smooth legato passages and increasing speed without relying solely on picking.

String Bending

Friedman’s solos are filled with expressive string bending techniques, from subtle semitone bends to wide whole-tone bends. This adds emotional weight and vocal-like quality to his phrasing. Mastering bending improves intonation and vibrato control.

Vibrato

Used both subtly and dramatically in the lead sections, vibrato brings character and emotion to single notes. Learning to control your vibrato adds life to your solos and helps develop your personal voice on the instrument.

Pinched Harmonics

Mustaine often sneaks in aggressive pinched harmonics in his rhythm playing, adding a squealing bite that slices through the mix. This technique is a hallmark of metal and gives your riffs a sharp, aggressive edge.

Trills

The solos also showcase rapid trills, often between semitone or tone intervals. Trills help build finger independence and are excellent for building finger strength and speed.

Unison Bends

Friedman’s melodic style often includes unison bends, where two notes are played simultaneously, with one being bent to match the pitch of the other. These add a dramatic flair to lead parts and teach you better pitch control while bending.

Why Learn "Symphony Of Destruction"?

Learning to play "Symphony Of Destruction" note for note is more than just adding a classic to your repertoire — it’s an opportunity to expand your skills in multiple areas of guitar playing. You'll strengthen your timing with precise rhythm work, sharpen your technique through intricate solos, and develop expressive playing with melodic phrasing and dynamic control.

This lesson is ideal for intermediate players looking to challenge themselves and for advanced players who want to refine their metal technique. Whether you're working on rhythm tightness or lead phrasing, this song provides a well-rounded workout that will elevate your overall playing ability.

Techniques Featured in this Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Power Chords
• Alternate Picking
• Slides
• Hammer-Ons
• Pull-Offs
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Trills
• Unison Bends

Ready to nail this metal masterpiece? Dive into the full lesson on Licklibrary.com and master every riff, bend, and solo with expert tuition.