99 Ways To Die by Megadeth

Take a deep dive into the aggressive, intricate world of Megadeth with our note-for-note guitar lesson on "99 Ways To Die", available exclusively at Licklibrary.com. This lesson breaks down every crushing riff, blazing lead, and nuanced rhythm technique featured in the track, allowing guitarists of all levels to tap into the high-octane energy and sophisticated songwriting that defines Megadeth's legendary sound. Andy James breaks down this classic track in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song

Originally released as part of the Beavis and Butt-Head Experience compilation in 1993, "99 Ways To Die" is a standout track in Megadeth's discography. It blends thrash metal ferocity with melodic and harmonic complexity, all while showcasing a tight, aggressive groove that’s signature to the band’s early '90s output. The track is a masterclass in heavy rhythm guitar playing, laced with intricate leads and fast-paced transitions that demand precision and control.

The Guitar Work and Techniques

"99 Ways To Die" offers a perfect balance of technical prowess and musical feel, making it an ideal song for advancing players looking to sharpen their chops. The guitar lesson focuses on breaking down each riff and solo, highlighting the key techniques used throughout the track.

Palm Muting

The song's opening riffs rely heavily on palm muting, creating a tight, percussive sound that gives Megadeth's rhythm guitar its signature bite. This technique enhances precision and control, helping guitarists to develop a tighter right-hand technique essential for metal riffing.

Alternate Picking

Fast down-up motion is key to many of the song's riffs and solos. Alternate picking allows players to maintain speed and accuracy while navigating rapid note sequences. Mastering this technique improves your picking efficiency and leads to greater endurance during fast passages.

String Bending

Expressive and powerful, string bending is used frequently in the lead sections of the song. Learning to bend notes accurately helps guitarists improve their ear for pitch and adds emotional intensity to their soloing.

Vibrato

No lead would be complete without a strong vibrato. This technique breathes life into sustained notes, enhancing musical expression and adding that professional touch to your playing.

Hammer-ons and Pull-offs

Both hammer-ons and pull-offs are used to create smooth, flowing phrases in the solos. These legato techniques are great for improving finger strength and fluidity across the fretboard.

Legato Phrasing

The combination of slides, hammer-ons, and pull-offs results in legato phrases that glide across the fretboard. This technique helps in developing a more melodic and lyrical approach to soloing.

Pinched Harmonics

A few passages in the track incorporate pinched harmonics, giving notes a screaming, squealing effect. This technique adds intensity and a sharp edge to your tone, particularly in metal genres.

Power Chords

The foundation of many riffs in this song is built on power chords. Learning to use power chords effectively is essential for building a solid rhythm guitar foundation and for constructing your own heavy riffs.

Slides

Slides between notes are used in both lead and rhythm parts to create smooth transitions and add a vocal-like quality to the phrasing. Mastering slides improves your fretboard navigation and phrasing finesse.

About the Guitarists

"99 Ways To Die" features the legendary Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s founder and primary songwriter, and Marty Friedman, whose unique melodic phrasing and exotic scale choices helped define the band's sound during its most critically acclaimed period. Mustaine’s rhythm guitar playing is a benchmark in the metal genre, known for its precision and aggression, while Friedman brought a more melodic and eclectic flair to the solos. Together, they formed one of metal’s most iconic guitar duos, delivering tightly synchronised harmonies and blistering lead breaks that continue to inspire guitarists around the globe.

Why Learn This Song?

Studying "99 Ways To Die" gives players a powerful toolkit of metal guitar techniques, all applied in a musical, real-world context. Whether you're working on speed, accuracy, expression, or rhythm discipline, this lesson provides practical challenges that elevate your playing. You'll also gain a deeper appreciation for song structure and arrangement in the thrash metal genre, all while having a blast learning a high-energy track from one of metal’s most influential bands.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• String Bending
• Vibrato
• Hammer-ons
• Pull-offs
• Legato
• Pinched Harmonics
• Power Chords
• Slides

Unlock the full lesson and take your playing to the next level with our note-for-note breakdown of Megadeth's "99 Ways To Die" at Licklibrary.com – where guitarists go to master metal.