Megadeth – Symphony of Destruction Riff

Learn to play one of heavy metal’s most iconic riffs with our note-for-note guitar lesson on Symphony of Destruction by Megadeth, exclusively at Licklibrary.com. This riff not only defines an era of thrash metal but also offers a perfect study in rhythm precision, palm-muted power, and the mechanics of tight alternate picking. Whether you’re a beginner looking to step into metal or an experienced player seeking to fine-tune your technique, this lesson breaks down every detail so you can master the mechanics and musicality behind this legendary track. Danny Gill breaks down this classic riff in this exclusive Lick Library video tutorial.

About the Song and Guitarists

Symphony of Destruction, released in 1992 on Megadeth’s Countdown to Extinction album, is a landmark track in metal history. The song’s hypnotic main riff, brutal rhythm tone, and aggressive delivery made it an anthem of its time. The riff itself, while not overly complex, demands a tight, disciplined right hand and solid timing—qualities that define professional-level rhythm playing.

The guitar work on the track is the product of two metal icons: Dave Mustaine and Marty Friedman. Mustaine, Megadeth’s founder and primary songwriter, is known for his precise rhythm chops and snarling tone, creating riffs that are mechanically tight and politically charged. Marty Friedman, on the other hand, brought exotic scales, unorthodox phrasing, and melodic soloing to the table, giving the band’s sound a more expressive and unique edge. Together, their contrasting styles forged one of the most influential guitar partnerships in metal history.

Guitar Techniques Covered in the Lesson

Palm Muting

One of the defining characteristics of the Symphony of Destruction riff is its use of palm muting. This technique involves lightly resting the side of your picking hand on the strings near the bridge while playing, producing a chunky, controlled sound. Palm muting enhances the rhythmic punch of the riff and helps create dynamic variation between muted and open notes. Mastering this technique builds control and tightens your rhythm playing, essential for any metal or rock guitarist. Learn more about palm muting

Alternate Picking

The riff demands alternate picking—a technique where you continuously alternate between downstrokes and upstrokes. This method not only increases speed but also improves accuracy and timing, especially in a song like this, which relies on steady eighth-note rhythms. Developing strong alternate picking is key to executing fast-paced, locked-in riffs found throughout the thrash metal genre. Learn more about alternate picking

Power Chords

Symphony of Destruction is a masterclass in power chords. These simple two or three-note shapes are a staple in rock and metal, allowing for heavy, resonant sounds while remaining relatively easy to move across the fretboard. Playing these chords in sequence with tight muting and timing helps strengthen your fretting hand positioning and improves your ability to change chords cleanly and quickly. Learn more about power chords

Slides

The riff includes subtle slides, which serve to connect chords or single notes fluidly and give the passage a smoother, more expressive sound. Slides add both flair and fluidity to your playing and are a valuable tool in building dynamic phrasing and maintaining momentum through riffs. Learn more about slides

String Bending

Though more prominent in the solo section, the lesson touches briefly on string bending as part of the expressive tools used in the full performance of the song. This technique involves pushing or pulling the string to change pitch, imitating the vocal quality of the human voice. String bending improves finger strength and intonation control. Learn more about string bending

Why Learn This Riff?

Learning Symphony of Destruction offers multiple benefits. First, it strengthens your core rhythm skills, especially in a metal context where timing is everything. Second, it teaches discipline in muting and picking techniques, helping you achieve a more professional, polished sound. Finally, it connects you with the style of two of metal’s most respected guitarists, providing insight into how great riffs are constructed and performed.

Whether you're looking to build speed, tighten your picking, or just expand your metal repertoire, this lesson gives you practical, real-world skills that can be applied across countless songs and genres. Plus, it's just fun to play—it’s a riff that commands attention and delivers raw energy.

Techniques Used in This Lesson

• Palm Muting
• Alternate Picking
• Power Chords
• Slides
• String Bending