Song Rig

Hangar 18

Marty Friedman · Rust in Peace · 1990

Tone Overview

What Makes This Sound Unique

A showcase of two distinct lead voices alternating through multiple solo sections — Marty's melodically rich Eastern-influenced phrasing contrasts with Dave Mustaine's more angular thrash-derived approach. Marty's sections are identifiable by wider vibrato and greater scalar variety.

Signal Chain

1Jackson DK2 Dinky (DiMarzio Super Distortion)
2Mesa Boogie Mark II C+ (lead channel)
3Marshall 1960 cabinet
4Boss DD-3 Delay (short slapback between solo sections)

Amp Settings

Gain / Volume8

Bass5

Mid7

Treble8

Presence7

Slightly brighter than Tornado of Souls — more treble to cut through the fast riff sections. The Mesa tight response makes single-note runs at thrash tempos intelligible even with rhythm guitars competing.

Technique

How to Play It

Consecutive alternate picking runs mixed with wide intervallic leaps — Marty moves through positions quickly, covering a wide fretboard range in a small number of notes compared to more linear shred approaches.

Budget Alternative

Achievable With

Active-pickup superstrat (EMG 81/85) or DiMarzio-loaded Jackson → Mesa Boogie or 5150 clone → minimal reverb. Active pickups tighten the low end at this gain level.

Your Gear