Megadeth's Holy Wars vs Music Theory

In this video we'll watch Megadeth's "Holy Wars" live at the London Hammersmith Apollo in 1992. Along the way I'll point out some of the music theory ideas used in the song. I'll leave tab for the scales used in the track...such as the Byzantine and Phrygian Dominant Scales. So grab your axe and follow along muhahaha.
Full Tab Below:
🔴 Megadeth's Holy Wars vs Music Theory Tab:
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-Scale Bible
-Chord Bible
-Music Theory Course
-Modal Masterclass
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[@ShredmasterScott]

🔴 Megadeth's Holy Wars vs Music Theory Tab: www.patreon.com/posts/48293994

[@miguelschannel4316]

Megadeth’s “Go To Hell” eventually?

[@ebguitarist375]

Do some Death vs music theory, symbolic, crystal Mountain?

[@xyria3230]

the main riff switches between lydian and minor btw, not e minor strictly. the 5-6 semitone movement indicates a mode of lydian,, and there are chromatic passages obviously. the 0-3-0-2-3-0-3 part is in e minor

[@miguelramalho8792]

This was my very first concert, I was 16 and Pantera supported. Mind blown 🤯

[@BasstianMC]

My man uploads a Megadeth video on the Master of Puppets anniversary, savage shit my friend

[@cheeseisjar3058]

I was thinking the same thing

[@ShredmasterScott]

shhhhhh 🤫

[@placidblack836]

Shred 😆😆

[@bkingy176]

I subscribed for this attitude lol

[@abrahamrodrigues1049]

Same man

[@awguitarroom8033]

I been saying for 20 years now that Dave Mustaine needs to come out with his own brand of mints and call it MEGABREATH

[@RustingPeace]

nice idea 😂😂

[@putridabomination]

Stops deth breth in it's tracks

[@Amber57499]

Megabreth, please!

[@Amber57499]

It's alright, you only embarrassed yourself to oblivion.

[@samuelteron23]

Haha love it

[@milescivis1018]

Megadeth is the thinking man’s Metallica.

[@richarddean1453]

Correct

[@SynG4t3s]

Another moron just can't stop talking about Metallica on a Megadeth vid that has nothing to do with them.

[@jmunj]

Megadeth > Metallica

[@PsychAxE]

@@jmunj Sure

[@jmunj]

@@PsychAxE true story. Ask anyone.

[@robertcute164]

Singing while playing those complicated riffs is impossible for us mortals.

[@diegozinedine514]

Its quite hard, but manageable, first learn the guitar part until you can play it without thinking too much, and then work on synchonizing your playing with your singing, its hard, but doable, i can do it albeit not really as good as Mustaine 😅

[@Donald18838]

@@diegozinedine514 make a video

[@pacaspascal6986]

It’s not too hard. You can do it if you realIe that there’s a lot of similarities in the riff and singing. For example, people think playing and singing holy wars at the same time is really hard, it’s much simpler to do than you thought. The singing and riff line up. Don’t think of it as two different parts.

[@uncle4996]

​@@diegozinedine514cap

[@nishanth6403]

I wouldn't call this singing but it fits, so ok

[@silveroliver4346]

To think that Mustaine was a heroin & coke addict as well as a severe alcoholic back in the day only adds to the mystery of how complex and sophisticated his music was.

[@m1s3ry97]

He was sober during RIP, still he did amazing things before

[@manfrombritain6816]

some people are pretty fucked in the head to begin with and their vices are what "enable" them to "function"

[@baz6128]

Bought a King V recently... because of this. Mustaine rules. Jackson rules.

[@j4vy]

Mustaine just moved to gibson rip

[@ericmoore7413]

Remember that the real lead guitarist of Megadeth is Chris Poland. Way better than Marty Fried Man.

[@bruh1513]

@@ericmoore7413 Poland would cringe if he saw your comment

[@eog5217]

@@ericmoore7413 Marty is a much better guitarist

[@Noh1996]

@@j4vy what did you do to my Monitor!!

[@odulvelioglu]

I love how casual dave is. He plays guitar like its nothing. Looks around, walks around while soloing goddamn crazy man!

[@tanerkr8713]

Can you analyze Marty Friedman's style? As you said he is really unique player and uses exotic scales and melodies a lot.

[@guichaky3918]

that would be awesome

[@ericmoore7413]

Marty Fried Man started out as a Chris Poland rip off. He did "ok", for kids who have never heard the first 2 Megadeth albums. Hail master Chris Poland !

[@dr.hawkraps8457]

Not to mention that patented, Friedman "reach around" technique with the pick hand.

[@clintn6677]

I dont think Marty knows what scales he uses.

[@budaroddy]

Also his picking technique from violin

[@Manimal1985]

David Ellefson went unnoticed for a long time until as time went on people realised how epic of a bass player he is, playing virtually all the same riffs as Dave while jumping in and out of parts to hold the line when needed and to join guitars alternatively all the while keeping atomic clock accuracy and precise note articulation

[@renzoabantomorales1255]

Man I've always known it but didn't realize till you said so

[@Adam-qy4fm]

An now he likes to play with the joystick on his game boy

[@Manimal1985]

@@Adam-qy4fm And so do I, so do you so does any dude and if not, they're talking trash. Changes nothing on his mastery of the Bass

[@Skrillful]

trying to play the bass for this is just insane

[@EgoChip]

Imagine being there, when Megadeth were in their prime witnessing a performance of this magnitude. I was born too late. I missed out on so much from the early 90's, including the early rave scene.

[@MrChickenHunting]

I was there for you 🎉🤟🏻

[@irmasil3]

"They say I left Metallica and got better and faster than them. That's a lie...I was better and faster than them when I was IN Metallica" ....Nuff' said.

[@RisingSun96]

I’d be great to see you analyse ‘The Philosopher’ by Death seeing how it’s quite a technical song with a lot of jazz and classical (maybe) influences in there

[@ShredmasterScott]

that'd be cool

[@RisingSun96]

@@ShredmasterScott It’s good to know that I have somewhat an ear for music. The jazz influence in that particular song is quite clear to me especially in the bass solos. However Chuck’s solo definitely has somewhat of a classical element there, though I could be wrong. Would be interesting to know what scale he’s playing for sure.

[@ajaykumargoel9398]

The clean chords in Crystal Mountain are super cool voicings with open strings that are worth looking at :)

[@magdachlebicka3895]

@@ShredmasterScott whatever by Death PLEASE

[@MrLupoiul]

Hey, how come Jeremy's always like hanging out in the woods?

[@josephfish6593]

I didn't know the drummer died on stage, damn. Down in a blaze of glory what a trooper.

[@mattmoves5920]

Let's remember how much my man Nick Menza was a Beast of a drummer. He is truly missed.

[@DanielHuman1996]

Picking between Megadeth and Metallica is like picking between Hamburgers or Pizza. Metallica has "Ride the Lightning" and "Master Of Puppets," and Megadeth has "Peace Sells" and "Rust In Peace." They are classics.

[@mylerwilson4879]

@@molochz you really can’t think of anything else to say?

[@mylerwilson4879]

@@molochz it had been said for so long that everyone is tried of it

[@Max-The-Axe]

Ok but modern day Megadeth is better than Metallica

[@PsychAxE]

@@Max-The-Axe Ok?

[@Max-The-Axe]

@@PsychAxE it’s true tho everyone knows that dave Mustaine and kiko Loreirp kill Hammett and hetfield

[@lopolik]

Dave's insane playing the guitar with his hair in his face while singing and all.

[@ShredmasterScott]

people don't realize how hard that is

[@lopolik]

@@ShredmasterScott right.. I definitely cannot sing and play the guitar at the same time, much less if my hair was over my face, which it's not, cuz I have it braided usually. lol

[@namanmhta]

It's verse riff.. Is actually more tough than than the main riff Don't know how dave can play it with such perfection while singing

[@austinmorris4471]

How bout a series where you analyze certain players and their favorite ideas and techniques?

[@ShredmasterScott]

I like that

[@ajnazatahm]

Seconded, I love these music theory breakdown videos and would love to see more content in this vein

[@cameronscanlan1620]

Thirded. I really enjoy these analysis videos.

[@theairflare]

Instant vote for John Browne.

[@austinmorris4471]

I can already think of at least 10 players who could be done but my vote for the first would be Marty Friedman.

[@ThreeBeingOne]

Folks like yourself have and always will make metal my favorite music tribe.

[@ShredmasterScott]

metal heads are the best

[@gregdjentyguy9986]

It's never about how technical you get, it's about how you apply it.

[@TheWinterwraith]

Megadeth were untouchable during that period. Clean, sober and an amazing lineup playing superb, complex music. Mustaine looks so fucking healthy!So glad I’m old enough to have seem them in their prime.

[@franciosvanschalkwyk1357]

I always find it easier to listen to Megadeth then Metallica. They are both amazingly talented and awesome bands but for me Megadeth will always stand on top for me.

[@IndependenceGuitar]

More complex doesn’t mean better. Old me would have definitely taken Metallica over Megadeth. I was not a big fan of megadeth. But now that I’ve acquired a taste for them, and studied a lot of Marty’s stuff, I have a whole different appreciation for them, and definitely like them more than (post ride the lighting) Metallica. Just don’t tell Metallica....

[@dudeman1094]

Same here on acquiring the taste... I still love metallica, but they seem like easy listening compared to megadeth's guitar work... its like a flavorful melodic mix of badassery.... I find myself not liking any vocals of any metal these days. I just want to hear the guitars scream...

[@ShredmasterScott]

well said...complexity takes more investment from the listener

[@ericmoore7413]

Enjoy "Real Megadeth". The first 2 albums, before Marty Fried Man sent them down the eternal river of POSER-dom.

[@bruh1513]

@@ericmoore7413 Friedman didn't even play on SFSGSW. The fuck are you on about?

[@abrahamrodrigues1049]

Me too

[@vadimf8301]

summary of the video - no music theory only "ohh look its dave mustain ohh they playing guitars"

[@ArmandoSanchez-ob3dd]

Yup terrible video description

[@smrthedystopian8540]

Lets do an opeth one

[@ShredmasterScott]

For sure

[@KlaustheViking]

The way Marty has his picking hand positioned looks so uncomfortable, but he’s effective doing it. I say complexity adds musical flavor to a song. Then again, a song can be simple, but drives the message with a riff like Walk for instance.

[@ShredmasterScott]

can't argue with the results

[@peter-nicolapencov8600]

i love this kind of videos

[@ShredmasterScott]

excellent

[@aniketjha3557]

The music in the beginning is from the score of 'Apocalypse Now'

[@smrthedystopian8540]

Looooove this new series🤘 also you can make pauses and analyze

[@ShredmasterScott]

Yeah, maybe I will

[@IIgrandmasterhdclipsII]

Yes Holy Wars The best thrash metal song

[@sosukeaizen7028]

"Just because you believe in God doesn't mean you don't like fighting."

[@zepkauvaka8316]

According to Holy Bible, this so-called "believing" in God and not doing as He instructs is not belief at all... dead faith

[@mars-lpv3458]

This is the best Metal song ever IMO.

[@BatEatsMoth]

I was born in 1970. I started playing bass in 1985. My thing was always gothic metal, but these guys were part of my inspiration. They captured agony so well. You're welcome to analyze any of my material in a video.

[@davidannett3322]

thanks dude!!! love being part of your show!

[@josephsantiago69]

One of the greatest thrash songs ever. And one of my influences on my guitar playing style. Very informative video too. And funny lol

[@jjrusy7438]

RIP Nick Menza.

[@alexzoris7216]

4:04 so the scale Friedman was playing in that part is called E byzantine! That's interesting, because from the very first time that i heard this part(20-21 years ago and btw i didn't know anything about music theory back then) it sounded to me quite similar to Greek music (i am Greek too), so now i perfectly understand why :)

[@AJPMUSIC_OFFICIAL]

Good video, I like when you put the tabs over the sections when you talk about them, good touch. Rip in peace to Nick Menza

[@VXNCEKUTHERRIE]

Alternative title: if Sports commentary was on concerts

[@bochafish]

Best Megadeth song for my money. We were lucky to have them and Metallica back in the day. I don't really compare them, just two good bands.

[@jmc5867]

Cool stuff keep these analysis videos coming

[@magdachlebicka3895]

Holy shit. Megadeth's been my fav bands for 3 years (I know it's not a long time but I'm gen z so for me it is) and you just made me notice that the chromatic melody from the beginning repeats at the end for the first time :0

[@ElevatedLevetator]

been waiting for someone to this for a long time! this kind of series. Amazing! thank you

[@OldManDoom]

I hope Shredmaster pursues this format ongoing in the future. These videos are really cool, I love the explanations of where these songs go musically

[@Guitarnivore]

3:16 That's what makes Dave one of the best lead/rhythm/guitarist/vocalists out there. After being a fan for 30+ years I'm still blown away by that.

[@granaff]

Awesome video, awesome analysis

[@Zastav42]

Dimebag said it well, “sometimes simple is better”

[@jazzstahr8578]

spectacular as always!

[@squiddad1528]

I love Menza's cymbols on the chains, so bad ass. R.I.P sir.

[@punkwandy]

Don't know about complexity making it better, but it sounds like coming back to it again and again

[@jeffmacey6482]

Best metal act ever.

[@unknownartist0101]

My new favourite reaction channel! Keep it up shred-master!

[@xname662]

Yeahhh Holy wars,keep doing this kind of videos,Thanks!!!🤘🏻

[@bradleyboxill413]

Dude please keep doing these music theory videos! So awesome!!

[@unknownartist0101]

This was the megadeth-pantera tour 🤘

[@legendcomix9228]

🔥🔥🔥 awsome content this is

[@TheMeJustMe75]

I picked my guitar back up about a year ago and I recently found your channel. Your Mode video completely changed how I play and understand theory. I am now playing the way I wanted to when I was in my 20's. Now just need to figure out how to get a Mesa Boogie Mark II or a Rectifier head.

[@thrashnicity5913]

Personally my favorite song to play

[@relentlessconsumption]

Shred, if you make this a series, I will watch every one you post! Great stuff!

[@stampatron]

The half-time section really makes the track

[@luiznickel]

You should definitely do this more often man! Amazing vid

[@mykneeshurt8393]

Love this series of videos. \m/

[@EWTMP]

Mr Shred,could u make a video on some fundamental exercises a metal guitarist should play every day(im a rhytm player and i find it alot harder to find exercises that dont focus on lead) Namaste

[@ShredmasterScott]

yeah, I should do like a daily practice routine thing

[@EWTMP]

@@ShredmasterScott thank you mr shred very cool

[@bkingy176]

Maybe a video with two parts? First for rhythm 2nd for lead. A daily devil workout?

[@timothyholmes4588]

love your sense of humour dude. it's always cool to see someone talk about classic thrash metal. 🤘💀🖤

[@jackvai2681]

DUDE...DID YOU REALLY JUST YAP THROUGH THAT ICONIC FRIEDMAN FIRST LEAD...WTF!

[@MatthiasPowerbomb]

One of the all-time greatest songs in the history of metal, performed by the definitive line-up of one of the all-time greatest bands in the history of metal. I saw them live for the first (of many) time on this tour. And the line "next thing you know, they'll take my thoughts away" is more relevant today than ever.

[@jesalepol]

Dude, your channel rips. Thank you.

[@imlanderel3528]

This is amazing shred. This is my favorite holy wars live performance too.

[@glennsaxby3383]

I love these music theory vs song video's, keep them up

[@cracker135]

To sing and play that is just insane... Dave is a master.. Nice vid!

[@thegamingfish547]

love this type of video

[@ryangreene50]

this series is fantastic. do the frayed ends of sanity or something off AJFA!

[@dougarnold7955]

Thanks. I love the series. Last time I mentioned Jinjer Teacher Teacher ...but any Jinjer would be awesome.

[@scooby7778]

I enjoyed this type of content, Scott - it reminded me of Rick Beato. I encourage you to do more of this. “Dirt” from AIC would be a cool song to break down with its Egyptian vibe.

[@Mr-mopar]

Rust in piece is my favorite metal album of all time....

[@suvarnachauhan951]

Such a killer live , the guitar tones are so awesome here.

[@lukagechevski6492]

Nice

[@BasstianMC]

Nice

[@artuqs9027]

Nice

[@privateprivate6487]

Nice

[@Akeldama117]

Hell yea man! These videos kick ass! I love learning the actual terms of things being done in the song. Music theory kicks ass man and you made me realize that! I'm a recent subscriber and love your videos man. Now for a song I'd like to hear you break down, would be XenoChrist by The Faceless

[@ilovemonkays]

crap I keep missing the premieres, good vid anyhow shred

[@kobas9013]

love ur videoss greetings from spain

[@Maintenancebay]

The intro is from Apocalypse Now. It’s the scene where AirCav takes flight

[@dimeghost243]

"Oh there is Dave Mustaine" "Man is in."

[@jermandcole4887]

Holy wars feels like a power ballad at points

[@bradmanheim3598]

Complex and technical proficiency wins the Day IMHO.

[@bodyrot2794]

Id love to see you analyze “Ashes in your mouth” a lot of great stuff in there from everyone in the band.

[@harryf7055]

Thank you shred

[@metalliholic]

I would give up everything to be at a show like this during this time and see them in their prime with this line up.

[@Spazmo5000]

Saw them in 1991 and met them all before the show, Dave signed my peace sells patch on my jacket. Sounds like I'm boasting but this is surely the place to do so.

[@DeadRingerMachine]

Unbelievable someone can sing while playing this song. Same with Tornado of Souls.

[@henkverwoert6634]

Great concert but also great comment. Like a reporter at the Formule 1. Mustaine, Friedman and Shred. Great combo 🤘🔥💥

[@post-gall]

cool video dude, epic hairstyle. Approved

[@driplordvonskullmangler6106]

Immediately recognized Holst's Neptune at the beginning.

[@woocifer]

When intending to point out music theory during Holy Wars, and then just nerding out and enjoying it instead hahaha

[@stevenf9772]

You should definitely do more of these

[@trutimanzz]

OMG thanks for this

[@brandonschmidt3556]

Slayer angel of death vs. Music theory

[@ShredmasterScott]

Love it

[@donh90]

Ahhhhhhhhhhh

[@charlesburger7973]

Started listening to reactions when I was bored and could not sleep. Finally, quit cold turkey because they were a waste of valuable time. Now, found and listened to you. I love it. Learning music theory. Like eating nutritional food...I feel good afterward. This song is absolutely iconic.

[@kylereece1979]

Some of my , if not my favorite Marty Firedman stuff actually comes from his solo album, "Scenes". Absolutely beautiful music, each instrumental telling a wonderful story and laying down a superb, nocturnal, mystical atmosphere. Like something from a movie. "Tibet-Angel" . Stunning!

[@derived-doom]

This is great Stuff! I am nearly convinced to sell my soul. Probably some Jeff Hanneman music theory will convince me finally...

[@ShredmasterScott]

Probably do Angel Of Death next

[@ericmoore7413]

Jeff Hanneman was a true Atheist. We think the bible and the devil are old fictional stories. Our imaginary souls belong only to ourselves. Besides, you ain't got no Soul to Sell.

[@tristramcoffin926]

The beginning of this sounds more like the intro to a King Diamond show than it does Megadeth.