Symphony of Destruction - Megadeth

Mastering the Iconic "Symphony of Destruction" Riff

Megadeth's "Symphony of Destruction" is one of the most recognisable heavy metal riffs of all time. Featured on their 1992 album Countdown to Extinction, this song delivers a crushingly heavy groove that epitomises the band’s signature thrash metal sound. In this note-for-note guitar lesson, you'll learn the techniques that give this riff its powerful, aggressive feel and how to incorporate these skills into your playing. Andy James breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

The Guitarists Behind the Song

The driving force behind "Symphony of Destruction" is Dave Mustaine, Megadeth’s frontman and primary songwriter. His aggressive rhythm playing and intricate riff construction have made him one of metal’s most influential guitarists. At the time of Countdown to Extinction, Marty Friedman was also a key member of the band, known for his expressive solos and unique phrasing. Together, their combination of thrash aggression and melodic sensibility created a defining sound in metal history.

Techniques Covered in This Lesson

Palm Muting

Palm muting is a fundamental technique in metal, and in "Symphony of Destruction," it gives the main riff its tight, percussive chug. By resting the picking hand lightly on the strings near the bridge, you create a muted, controlled tone. Mastering palm muting will enhance your ability to play rhythm guitar with precision and aggression.

Power Chords

The riff relies heavily on power chords, which are essential for metal and rock guitarists. Power chords create a thick, full sound and are easy to move across the fretboard. Learning them will improve your ability to play heavy, driving riffs with authority.

Galloping Rhythms

A key element of Megadeth’s sound is their galloping rhythm technique, heard throughout this riff. This fast-paced picking pattern mimics a triplet feel and adds intensity to the groove. Mastering this technique will improve your right-hand endurance and control, allowing you to play faster, more intricate rhythms.

Pick Slides

To add aggression and texture, Dave Mustaine often uses pick slides to create a screeching sound. By dragging the pick down the lower strings, you achieve a raw, edgy effect that enhances the energy of the riff. This technique adds dynamic flair and makes your playing sound more expressive.

Syncopated Rhythms

"Symphony of Destruction" incorporates syncopated rhythms, where the accents fall on unexpected beats. This technique gives the riff a unique groove and helps create a more dynamic, engaging sound. Learning syncopation will improve your sense of timing and rhythmic creativity.

String Bending

While the main riff is rhythmically driven, bending notes in the fills and licks adds extra emotion and articulation. String bending allows you to mimic vocal-like expressions, giving your playing a more dynamic feel.

Conclusion

Learning the "Symphony of Destruction" riff is a must for any aspiring metal guitarist. This lesson will help you master the heavy groove, precise picking, and aggressive palm-muted chugs that define Megadeth’s sound. By practicing these techniques, you'll not only be able to play this legendary riff accurately but also develop skills that enhance your overall rhythm and lead playing.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

About The Tutor

Tutor Profile

Andy James

Andy James needs little introduction as one of the most popular LickLibrary tutors, respected the world over for his unbelievable technical skills and teaching material. "As a player Andy has released a string of solo albums, the last being 2012's ""Andy James"" on Transcend Music which was met with huge...

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