Marty Friedman Gear Guide
Marty Friedman’s Jackson signature guitars, Megadeth-era lead sound, ENGL signature amp and detailed modern pedalboard.
A quick reference to guitars, amplification, effects and song/era associations. Equipment changes between sessions and tours; specific attributions are noted cautiously.
Guitars
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Jackson Kelly | Angular Jackson guitars were prominent during the Megadeth period. | 1990s |
| Jackson MF-1 | Signature model listed in current gear rundowns. | Recent |
| Jackson MF-1 with EMG MF pickups | Signature pickup configuration for his modern lead tone. | Recent |
| Jackson KE / Kelly variants | Additional Jackson body styles in his stage and studio history. | Selected use |
| Custom Jackson guitars | Custom instruments supported Cacophony and Megadeth-era recording. | 1980s–90s |
| D’Addario NYXL .010–.046 | String set listed in recent touring equipment. | Recent |
Amplifiers
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL Marty Friedman INFERNO E766 | Signature high-gain head used in his current rig. | Recent |
| Marshall amplifiers | Marshall-family amps associated with earlier recording and live periods. | Earlier periods |
| Rack preamps / power amps | Rack-based high-gain systems were common in his earlier touring years. | 1990s |
| Cabinets and impulse response | Cabinet choices change with tour and recording requirements. | Current |
Effects and signal chain
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| MXR M87 Bass Compressor | Listed compressor used to control dynamics. | Recent board |
| Maxon AF-9 Auto Filter | Envelope/filter color in documented pedal inventories. | Selected setup |
| MXR Analog Chorus | Adds width and modulation. | Recent board |
| MXR Phase 90 | Classic phaser used for movement. | Recent board |
| Ibanez Tube Screamer | Overdrive/boost in front of high-gain amplification. | Recent board |
| Boss DD-500 | Programmable delay for repeats and space. | Recent board |
| Revv G8 noise gate | Controls noise in a high-gain signal chain. | Recent board |
| Boss ES-8 switcher | Central switching and preset control. | Recent board |
| Shure GLXD6+ wireless | Wireless system listed in recent touring inventory. | Recent |
Song and era references
| Gear / reference | Details | Era / use |
|---|---|---|
| Cacophony: Speed Metal Symphony | Fast, harmonized guitar parts and detailed lead phrasing. | 1987 |
| Megadeth: Rust in Peace | Jackson guitars and high-gain rhythm/lead tones in the classic lineup. | 1990 |
| “Tornado of Souls” | Melodic lead tone with vibrato and rapid note articulation. | 1990 |
| “Hangar 18” | Harmonized and alternating solo sections. | 1990 |
| Dragon’s Kiss | Instrumental lead guitar with sharply defined high-gain tone. | 1988 |
| Modern solo/live rig | Jackson MF-1, ENGL Inferno, MXR modulation and Boss delay/switching. | Recent |