Assembling this list of Megadeth lead guitarists ranked from worst to best was not an easy task — because, frankly, it’s crazy to label any of these players as the “worst” of anything.

However, when evaluating a group of “10s,” even a “9.5” can seem lackluster. Choices had to be made.

To say that Dave Mustaine has maintained a revolving door of bandmates over the past 40-plus years would be an incredible understatement. The Megadeth leader changes personnel like most people change underwear.

READ MORE: See (Almost) Every Musician Who’s Been in Megadeth

In the interest of time (and our sanity), we are limiting our list of Megadeth lead guitarists ranked to those who have appeared on the band’s studio albums.

This means no Kerry King, who went on to Slayer fame, and no Teemu Mantysaari, who joined the band in 2023 but has yet to appear on any Megadeth recordings (though that should change when they release their yet-untitled final album next year).

READ MORE: 58 Megadeth Songs That Have Never Been Played Live

These stipulations still leave us with an impressive lineup of talent — seven guitarists who combined staggering technical ability with a great ear for melody. Even the lowest-ranking shredders on this list were only responsible for replicating some of the most beloved solos in metal history while adding their own zingers to the Megadeth catalog.

The highest-ranking guitarists? They did nothing short of revolutionizing metal and pushing the boundaries of what thrash could achieve. Their contributions shaped the progressive-thrash subgenre and continue to inspire guitarists from all walks of life, whether they are bedroom shredders or fellow rock stars.

If that sounds like hyperbole, you just haven’t listened closely enough. Read on to see our list of Megadeth lead guitarists ranked from worst to best.