Riff Tone

The Best of Times

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JP7, 2009 studio spec)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and/or Mesa/Boogie Triaxis preamp into Mesa/Boogie power amp (studio recording era)

PickupsDiMarzio Crunch Lab (bridge), DiMarzio LiquiFire (neck) humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain7.5

bass6

mid5.5

treble7

reverb2

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveMesa/Boogie Mesa/Boogie Grid Slammer Overdrive

Notes

Studio recording for 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' (2009). Petrucci is confirmed to have used his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar with DiMarzio pickups and Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ and/or Triaxis preamp for this album. No evidence of live/tour gear being used for the original studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

tight and percussivearticulate note separationcrystal-clear high-gain saturationaggressive palm mutingfull-bodied low endfocused mids for riff definitionbright but controlled top enddynamic pick attackmodern progressive metal claritycomplex chord voicings remain clear

Difficulty

The riff section requires advanced right-hand technique, tight palm muting, and the ability to maintain clarity and timing through complex, fast progressive metal rhythms.

Sources

John Petrucci's Guitar Gear, Pedalboard & Amps John Petrucci: The Ultimate Evolved Guitarist

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