"Symphony of Destruction" by Megadeth (Countdown to Extinction, 1992)

"Symphony of Destruction" by Megadeth (Countdown to Extinction, 1992)

Key: E Minor
Tuning: Standard (E A D G B E)
Power Chords Used: E5, G5, F5, D5, A5
Note: Power chords are placed above lyrics to align with vocal phrasing. Use a mid-tempo thrash strumming pattern (downstrokes or down-down-up, ~140 BPM per Chordify). The intro riff (played by Dave Mustaine) is iconic; Guitar 1 plays it while Guitar 2 plays power chords. Listen to the album for timing and dynamics. The song critiques political manipulation, with a driving, accessible thrash sound.

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Intro
E5 G5 F5 E5 (x4, with riff)
(Guitar 1 plays riff, Guitar 2 plays power chords)

Intro Riff (Guitar 1, simplified from Songsterr):

e|-------------------------|-------------------------|
B|-------------------------|-------------------------|
G|-------------------------|-------------------------|
D|-------------------------|-------------------------|
A|-2-2-2-2-5-2-2-2-2-4-2-2-|-2-2-2-2-5-2-2-2-2-4-2-2-|
E|-0-0-0-0-3-0-0-0-0-2-0-0-|-0-0-0-0-3-0-0-0-0-2-0-0-|
  PM---------------------|   PM---------------------|

(Guitar 2 strums E5, G5, F5, E5, palm-muted)

• E5: 0-2-2-x-x-x (open) or x-7-9-x-x-x
• G5: 3-5-5-x-x-x or x-10-12-x-x-x
• F5: 1-3-3-x-x-x or x-8-10-x-x-x
• D5: x-5-7-x-x-x
• A5: 5-7-7-x-x-x or x-12-14-x-x-x

Verse 1
E5 G5
You take a mortal man
F5 E5
And put him in control
E5 G5
Watch him become a god
F5 E5
Watch people’s heads a-roll
E5 G5
A-roll
F5 E5
A-roll

Chorus
D5 A5
Just like the Pied Piper
E5 G5
Led rats through the streets
D5 A5
We dance like marionettes
E5 G5
Swaying to the symphony
E5 G5
Of destruction

Verse 2
E5 G5
Acting like a robot
F5 E5
Its metal brain corrodes
E5 G5
You try to take its pulse
F5 E5
Before the head explodes
E5 G5
Explodes
F5 E5
Explodes

Chorus
D5 A5
Just like the Pied Piper
E5 G5
Led rats through the streets
D5 A5
We dance like marionettes
E5 G5
Swaying to the symphony
E5 G5
Of destruction

Solo
E5 G5 F5 E5 (x4)
(Solo by Marty Friedman, E minor pentatonic with bends)

Verse 3
E5 G5
The earth starts to rumble
F5 E5
World powers fall
E5 G5
A-warring for the heavens
F5 E5
A peaceful man stands tall
E5 G5
Tall
F5 E5
Tall

Chorus
D5 A5
Just like the Pied Piper
E5 G5
Led rats through the streets
D5 A5
We dance like marionettes
E5 G5
Swaying to the symphony
E5 G5
Just like the Pied Piper
D5 A5
Led rats through the streets
D5 A5
We dance like marionettes
E5 G5
Swaying to the symphony
E5 G5
Swaying to the symphony
E5
Of destruction

Outro
(Repeat E5, G5, F5, E5 with intro riff, fade out)

Notes

• Lyrics Verification: Lyrics are sourced from Genius Lyrics, AZLyrics, Lyrics.com, and Songfacts, confirmed against Countdown to Extinction (1992). They are accurate, with lines like “You take a mortal man” and “Swaying to the symphony of destruction” matching the studio version. The song, written by Dave Mustaine, critiques authoritarian control, inspired by the Pied Piper and political corruption, hitting #29 on the US Mainstream Rock chart.
• Power Chords: The E5, G5, F5, E5 progression for verses and D5, A5, E5, G5 for the chorus are adapted from Ultimate Guitar and Songsterr, optimized for power chords to match the thrash vibe. Chordify confirms E minor as the key (~140 BPM). The setup simplifies the rhythm part, syncing with Mustaine’s riff.
• Playing Tips: The intro riff (Guitar 1) is palm-muted, alternating E5 and G5/F5 notes; Guitar 2 plays E5, G5, F5, E5 with downstrokes. Keep strumming tight for the verse and chorus. The solo (Marty Friedman) uses E minor pentatonic; Songsterr has a detailed tab. Use a high-gain tone (e.g., Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+) to match Mustaine/Friedman’s sound.
• Transposition: For easier fretting, try a capo on the 2nd fret (D5, F5, Eb5, D5, C5, G5) or transpose to F# minor (F#5, A5, G5, F#5, E5, B5) using Cifra Club’s transposer.
• Context: "Symphony of Destruction" is one of Megadeth’s biggest hits, known for its catchy riff and political commentary. It was a staple in live sets and covered by bands like Arch Enemy, per Songfacts.