Riff Tone

In the Presence of Enemies, Pt. 1

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JP7, 2007 studio model)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IV (studio recording, 2007 era)

PickupsDiMarzio D Sonic (bridge), DiMarzio LiquiFire (neck), high-output humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (or similar overdrive, model not confirmed)

noise_gateUnknown Noise gate (model unknown)

compressionUnknown Compressor (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2007. Guitar is the JP signature model with high-output DiMarzio humbuckers. Amp is Mesa/Boogie Mark IV, as used by Petrucci on 'Systematic Chaos'.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussiveaggressive midshigh-gain saturationarticulate and clear note separationcontrolled low-endslightly scooped low-midsbright and cuttingfast attackcompressed sustainminimal ambience

Difficulty

The riff section requires advanced right-hand technique, fast alternate picking, and precise palm muting at high speed, making it challenging even for experienced players.

Sources

Dream Theater (John Petrucci) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk Any tips on JP's guitar tone? : r/Dreamtheater - Reddit

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account