Symphony of Destruction

Megadeth, 1992, from Countdown to Extinction. Solo by Marty Friedman.

A mid-tempo hit where Friedman's solo favours melody and space over speed.

Symphony of Destruction was a mid-tempo hit from Countdown to Extinction, and Marty Friedman's solo is a reminder that thrash players could value melody over speed. Instead of a barrage of notes, he builds his lead around a clear, hummable line, with carefully placed bends and exotic-sounding note choices that hint at his interest in Japanese and Middle Eastern scales. The solo sits neatly within the song's stomping, steady groove, and its restraint makes it easy to remember. It helped bring Megadeth to a wider audience without abandoning their edge. Listen for how Friedman's bends often land on unusual notes, giving the melody a slightly off-kilter, singing quality that stands apart from standard metal soloing.

Symphony of Destruction by Megadeth is ranked #274 in our consensus of 79 guitar-solo lists. The solo is played by Marty Friedman and the song was released in 1992. It appears on 2 lists, placing as high as #76 (Magazyn Gitarzysta).

In our lists

• The 25 Greatest Metal Guitar Solos — #20
• The 25 Greatest Thrash Guitar Solos — #6
• The Best Megadeth Guitar Solos — #4
• The Best Marty Friedman Guitar Solos — #6

Sources

• Magazyn Gitarzysta: 100 solówek wszech czasów [100 solos of all time] — #76
• Digital Dream Door: 250 Greatest Rock Guitar Solos — #188