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Ride The Lightning (Bonus Track) — Megadeth1 / 2
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Ride The Lightning (Bonus Track) Guitar Tone Settings — Megadeth

Megadeth · 1980s · metal

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
B.C. Rich Bich
Pickups
B.C. Rich stock humbuckers (likely DiMarzio Super Distortion or similar, era-correct high-output humbuckers)
Amp
Marshall JCM800 2203
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup

Studio recording, 1984-1985 era. Dave Mustaine used B.C. Rich Bich guitars and Marshall JCM800 amps for the 'Killing Is My Business...' sessions and era. No direct evidence of pedals or effects for this specific bonus track, but this matches the documented rig for Megadeth's earliest recordings. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this track.

Amp Settings

Mids
4
Bass
5.5
Gain
7.5
Reverb
0
Treble
7
Presence
6

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Tone Character

  • tight and percussive
  • aggressive palm muting
  • scooped mids
  • high-gain saturation
  • articulate note separation
  • crisp, biting treble
  • chunky low end
  • fast, staccato riffing
  • minimal ambience
  • dry, focused sound

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact amp or pedal settings for this specific bonus track; settings estimated based on era, genre, and typical Megadeth studio setup.
  • ⚠️No evidence of pedals or effects used on this recording; Megadeth's early tones are typically dry and amp-driven.
  • ⚠️Pickup and amp model inferred from Dave Mustaine's own statements about his gear during this era.
  • ⚠️No evidence of reverb, delay, or modulation effects in the riff section; tone is dry and direct.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. Megadeth's 'Ride The Lightning (Bonus Track)' riff section features a classic 80s thrash tone: high gain, tight bass, scooped mids, and pronounced treble/presence for clarity and aggression, with a dry, reverb-free mix typical of the era and genre. These settings reflect Dave Mustaine's typical amp approach for this style.

Sources