Tone library / Megadeth / Symphony of Destruction

Symphony of Destruction amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

The Megadeth guitar tone for “Symphony of Destruction”, dialed in for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3 with a Ibanez RG550. Studio version, Countdown to Extinction (1992)

Original rig

Marshall JCM 800 2203 head, Marshall 4x12 cabinet (Celestion), Jackson King V with Seymour Duncan JB (bridge)

Tight, aggressive thrash metal rhythm with punchy mids and cutting high-end presence

Amp settings — Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3

CHANNELSuper CrunchBOOSToff

Knob	Setting (0–10)
Gain	7
Bass	6
Mid	5
Treble	7
Reverb	0
Master	6

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Guitar

PICKUPbridge TONE10 VOLUME10

Why these settings

The ID:Core's Super Crunch voice approximates a JCM 800's high-gain character. Set ISF fully clockwise (British voicing) to match the Marshall's mid-forward bark. Your RG550's hotter bridge humbucker means gain 7 reaches similar saturation to Mustaine's JB pickup at 7.5 on a real JCM 800. The ID:Core has no presence knob—the ISF and treble handle that frequency range instead.

PRO TIPPalm mute with your hand positioned closer to the bridge saddles than usual—Mustaine's signature tight 'chug' comes from aggressive right-hand technique combined with precise left-hand muting of unused strings.

Get this tone on your amp

These settings are for a Blackstar ID:Core 20 V3. ToneAdapt matches any song to whatever amp, guitar and pedals you own — first match is free.

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