Question about a Megadeth song

Playing Technique
#1

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This is a question regarding the picking motion in this specific part of the “Holy Wars - Megadeth” riff. I think it’s mostly DSX using the downward pick escape to transition strings after hitting the A string. But I suspect (am almost certain) there is a USX movement after the stream of 8 16th notes on the 0 of the low E string. Then back to DSX. Are my suspicions correct? Also, I can link this video but I’m also wondering if its normal to come to these conclusions purely based off of tab?

Side note: I don’t normally post on here so sorry if this question doesn’t make any sense.

#2

The hammer-on gives you plenty of time to get back to the low E string any way you please.

1 Like
#3

Was wondering this? It is 168 BPM but ig thats not too fast for that. USX all the way then?

#4

Watch Dave play it:

I reckon his escape is pretty flat when he’s alternate picking, close to trapped, so he could probably manage either escape if he focused. That said, at least once here he plays 7 notes, rather than 8, in the part you mention, giving him extra time to get to the A string.