Learn to Play Megadeth with LickLibrary.com

Welcome to LickLibrary's in-depth course, Learn to Play Megadeth, a step-by-step, note-for-note guide designed to help you master some of the greatest metal anthems by the legendary band, taught by Lick Library's very own Andy James. Featuring the iconic guitar work of Dave Mustaine, these lessons are set to accelerate your technical proficiency while deepening your understanding of Megadeth's unique sound. Let's look into the songs included in this course.

Train of Consequences

"Train of Consequences" features a complex series of riffs in a tight rhythm, setting a locomotive pace that carries through the entire song. Mustaine primarily uses the E minor pentatonic scale, giving the track a dark, brooding vibe. The solo section, rich in power-chords and syncopated rhythms, demands precise palm-muting to maintain clarity at high speeds.

99 Ways to Die

"99 Ways to Die" is a testament to Mustaine's command over technicality and melody. The song is mainly in D minor and uses alternate picking extensively. Mustaine's use of pull-offs in the song's riff patterns, combined with his heavy use of power chords, presents a robust and aggressive sound. The guitar solo, a whirlwind of scales and arpeggios, uses a combination of trills and legato techniques, showcasing Mustaine's capacity for smooth transitions and nuanced performance.

Symphony of Destruction

"Symphony of Destruction" stands as one of Megadeth's most popular tracks. In G minor, the song features palm-muted riffs interspersed with chromaticism to create tension. The riffs are heavily syncopated, and Mustaine's mastery of alternate picking becomes evident in the fast-moving sections. The solo is a fiery exhibition of Mustaine's playing style, including tremolo picking, vibrato, and string-bending techniques.

Holy Wars... The Punishment Due

"Holy Wars" is an intense song featuring rapid alternate picking, complex galloping rhythms, and extensive use of power chords. The song is predominantly in E minor, and the guitar solo is an exemplar of Mustaine's unique blend of speed and melody. Incorporating techniques such as two-handed tapping and sweep picking, the solo is a rigorous exercise in precision and control.

Hangar 18

"Hangar 18" is a masterclass in harmonic and melodic writing. In D minor, the song offers several iconic riffs that involve open-string riffs and quick alternate picking sequences. The multitude of solos incorporate an array of techniques including hammer-ons, pull-offs, dive-bombs using the whammy bar, and pinched harmonics, showcasing the breadth and depth of Mustaine's virtuosity.

Dave Mustaine, as the band's lead guitarist, has undeniably defined Megadeth's sound with his playing style, encompassing complex rhythm sections, intricate lead lines, and his uncanny ability to fuse melody with technicality. He employs a variety of scales and techniques, providing each song a distinctive flavor while retaining the band's overall aggressive edge.

In conclusion, this course offers a comprehensive look into the intricacies of Megadeth's guitar work. With careful study and practice, you'll not only increase your technical skills but also gain insight into Dave Mustaine's unique approach to guitar composition and performance.

Techniques in these lessons include:

• Vibrato
• Alternate picking
• Legato
• Power chords
• Palm muting
• Pull-offs
• Trills
• Tremolo picking
• String-bending
• Syncopated rhythms
• Open-string riffs
• Two-handed tapping
• Sweep picking
• Dive-bombs
• Pinched harmonics
• Chromaticism
• Galloping rhythms
• Hammer-ons

Embark on this journey and discover the unique intricacies of Megadeth's guitar work!