Song Rig

A Tout le Monde

Marty Friedman · Countdown to Extinction · 1992

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

Marty's most emotionally direct work — the solo shifts from aggressive to heartfelt within a few bars, demonstrating that his true strength is expression rather than technique. The tone is slightly warmer than the Rust in Peace albums, reflecting the more polished production of Countdown to Extinction.

Signal Chain

1Jackson DK2 Dinky (neck pickup for melodic sections)
2Mesa Boogie Mark II C+ (mid-gain setting)
3Alesis MidiVerb II (hall reverb)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume6

Bass6

Mid7

Treble6

Reverb4

Lower gain than the Rust in Peace recordings — the song calls for emotion rather than aggression. Reverb is more present, giving solo phrases room to linger between notes.

Technique

How to Play It

Slower, more deliberate phrasing with extended note holds and gradual vibrato ramp-ups — Marty's control of vibrato speed, starting slow and accelerating, adds an orchestral quality to sustained notes.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Les Paul or Jackson neck pickup → Mesa Boogie or any amp at medium gain (5–6) → hall reverb at 30–40% mix. Less gain than you might expect — the expressiveness comes from the playing.

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