Dave Mustaine's favorite guitarists may surprise you

Overview

Dave Mustaine explains how he first got into guitar and how his influences shaped his playing style. Early on, he didn’t have one specific guitarist “pulling” him toward the instrument. Instead, he was still figuring out what it even meant to be a lead player versus a rhythm player. Around age 13, he was more focused on other interests—including tinkering with cars—before eventually taking guitar more seriously.

Rhythm vs. Lead: Becoming Well-Rounded

Once he realized rhythm and lead are “two different animals,” Mustaine decided to become a well-rounded guitarist—an all-purpose player, in the athletic sense.

Rhythm guitar influences

For rhythm guitar, he names Malcolm Young of AC/DC as his clear number one influence. He also cites major inspiration from the New Wave of British Heavy Metal (NWOBHM) era, including figures associated with Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, plus Brian Tatler.

He also humorously frames a “trinity” of top metal rhythm players as:

• Malcolm Young
• James Hetfield (Metallica), known as a rhythm player/frontman
• Dave Mustaine himself

He jokes that it could sound boastful unless he phrases it carefully.

Lead guitar influences

Mustaine says his AC/DC obsession naturally led him to Angus Young. He also credits a blend of classic rock and harder-rock players, including:

• Ace Frehley
• Ted Nugent
• Jimmy Page
• George Harrison
• Keith Richards

Key Takeaway

He closes by emphasizing that you truly understand how hard lead playing is only after you try to play it yourself.

Notable Personalities Mentioned

• Dave Mustaine
• Malcolm Young (AC/DC)
• Angus Young (AC/DC)
• James Hetfield (Metallica)
• Brian Tatler (Dio/Judas Priest—referenced via Priest/NWOBHM)
• Members associated with Judas Priest and Iron Maiden
• Ace Frehley
• Ted Nugent
• Jimmy Page
• George Harrison
• Keith Richards