Solo Tone

Lines In the Sand

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JPM100, as used on 'Falling Into Infinity' 1997 studio recording)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1997; some sources mention Mark IV as possible variant, but IIC+ is most cited for this album)

PickupsDiMarzio Custom (likely Steve's Special bridge, Air Norton neck, as per era and artist statements)

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass5.5

mid6.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

wahDunlop Dunlop Cry Baby Wah (model unknown, likely rackmount or early signature)

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (or similar overdrive, used as boost)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely rack or TC Electronic 2290/TC Flashback era-appropriate)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown, likely rack or TC Electronic/analog chorus)

flangerUnknown Flanger pedal (model unknown, likely rack or MXR/ADA Flanger)

compressionUnknown Compressor pedal (model unknown, likely rack or Carl Martin Compressor Limiter)

Notes

Studio recording, 1997. Guitar: Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature with DiMarzio pickups. Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio), possibly Mark IV. Effects: Wah, delay, chorus, flanger all clearly audible in solo. Pedals and rack effects used for time/modulation. Pickup selector: Bridge humbucker for solo. No evidence of live rig or later signature amps for this recording.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustaintight and articulateaggressive midssmooth, liquid lead tonecontrolled low-endboosted presenceclear note separationexpressive dynamic responseslightly scooped low-midsbright and defined attack

Difficulty

This solo is extremely technical, requiring advanced picking, legato, and expressive control, as well as precise timing with multiple effects. The phrasing and speed demand expert-level proficiency.

Sources

Dream Theater (John Petrucci) Amp Settings (gear and tone tips) - Guitar Chalk Rig Rundown - Dream Theater's John Petrucci - Premier Guitar Dream Theater - John Petrucci's Guitar Gear Rig and Equipment

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account