Riff Tone

On the Backs of Angels

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JPXI or Majesty, 6-string, with piezo)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark V (studio recording, 2011 era; Axe-Fx II used for some clean tones in studio/live, but Mark V is primary studio amp for this album)

PickupsDiMarzio Crunch Lab (bridge) and LiquiFire (neck) humbuckers, plus piezo bridge

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid5

treble7

reverb3

presence6

Effects & Signal Chain

chorusTC Electronic TC Electronic The Dreamscape

delayTC Electronic TC Electronic Flashback Delay

eqTC Electronic TC Electronic BodyRez

Notes

Studio recording, 2011. Clean intro/riff uses magnetic neck pickup and/or piezo blended in. Petrucci is known to use the piezo for extra shimmer in clean parts. Effects are mostly rack-based or from Axe-Fx, but core clean tone is Mark V with pedals/effects in front or loop.

Tone Character(10)

crystal-clear and pristineshimmering top endlush and spatialslight acoustic-like piezo charactertight and articulate note separationmodern and hi-fiwide stereo imageno audible breakup or crunchstudio-polished clarityrich, chorus-enhanced depth

Difficulty

The clean riff requires intermediate to advanced technique due to intricate chord shapes, precise timing, and the need for clarity and dynamics, especially with chorus and delay effects.

Sources

Any tips on JP’s guitar tone? : r/Dreamtheater Rig Rundown - Dream Theater's John Petrucci - Premier Guitar Dream Theater's John Petrucci: How to Play "On The Backs Of Angels" | Guitar World

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