Dave Mustaine

• Downpicking at speed is the core technique — practise slowly with a metronome
• Palm muting with varying pressure creates the rhythmic pulse in thrash riffs
• Alternate picking for fast runs; strict downstrokes for the power riff sections
• Very high gain but controlled low end — a noise gate is essential to tighten the sound
• Amp EQ: bass 5, mid 6, treble 7, presence 7 — brighter than Sabbath, cuts through the mix
• Polyrhythmic riffs: Megadeth tracks often have riffs in 7/8 or against odd groupings
• Lead tone: same gain as rhythm, but move to the neck pickup for a smoother quality
• Pick very close to the bridge for extra bite and articulation on fast runs
• Study "Peace Sells" and "Holy Wars" for the definitive Mustaine thrash approach

Dave Mustaine co-invented the thrash metal riff with Metallica before founding Megadeth — and his rhythm playing is among the tightest in metal history. His aggressive downpicking, complex polyrhythmic riffs and lead style blending rock and classical modes define the Megadeth sound.