Sound Like Marty Friedman
Marty Friedman is one of the most recognisable voices in metal — a crushing and technically demanding player who shaped the sound of a defining era for electric guitar. Marty Friedman of Megadeth and solo career fame brought a melodic and exotic flavour to heavy metal guitar — using Eastern and Asian scales over metal rhythm sections in a way that was completely unique among shred guitarists of the era. Below are complete rig guides at four budget levels, so you can start building their sound whether you're just starting out or ready to invest in the full setup.
Budget Comparison
Pick Your Budget Level
£200 · Beginner
~£178
- OverdriveJoyo Vintage Overdrive
- AmpBoss Katana 50 MkII
£1,000 · Pro-Level
~£986
- GuitarJackson JS22 DKA Dinky
- WahDunlop GCB95 Cry Baby Wah
- AmpBoss Katana 100 MkII
- DelayStrymon Timeline
£2,500 · Premium
~£2495
- GuitarIbanez RG550 Genesis Collection
- WahXotic Effects XW-1 Wah
- AmpMarshall DSL40CR
- DelayStrymon Timeline
- ReverbStrymon Flint
Tone Profile
Marty Friedman's Sound
Jackson or Ibanez signature guitar into a Mesa/Boogie Mark series or similar high-gain amp. The lead tone is smooth and singing with a distinctive vibrato. Unlike many metal players, Friedman deliberately avoids staying inside conventional pentatonic or diatonic scales — exotic modal inflections are the signature.
Tone Match
Closest Real-World Tone Match
If you like Marty Friedman's tone, these players use a similar approach — same gear philosophy, comparable sound characteristics.