Riff Tone

As I Am (Instrumental Demo 2003)

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarErnie Ball Music Man JP6 (John Petrucci Signature, early 2000s version)

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier (likely 2-channel Rev G or early 3-channel), Mesa/Boogie 4x12 cabinet

PickupsDiMarzio Steve's Special (bridge), DiMarzio Air Norton (neck), humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain8.5

bass6

mid4.5

treble6.5

reverb1

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (Keeley-modded)

flangerMXR MXR EVH Flanger

phaserBoss Boss PH-3 Phase Shifter

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2003 demo session. Gear based on Petrucci's known studio rig for 'Train of Thought' era. No direct evidence of live/tour gear or later Axe-FX/Triaxis rigs for this session.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivescooped midrangeaggressive palm mutinghigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackchunky low endclear note separationmodern metal clarityminimal ambiencefocused and dry

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced right-hand technique for tight, fast palm-muted chugs, complex rhythm changes, and precise muting to maintain clarity under high gain.

Sources

Rig Rundown - Dream Theater's John Petrucci - Premier Guitar John Petrucci's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps | Equipboard

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