Riff Tone

The Count of Tuscany

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

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

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IV (studio recording, 2009)

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

Amp Settings

gain8

bass5.5

mid6

treble7

reverb1.5

presence6.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer (Keeley-modded or similar)

noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)

compressionCarl Martin Compressor (Carl Martin Compressor Limiter or similar)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' (2009). Petrucci is confirmed to have used his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar and a Mesa/Boogie Mark IV for the heavy riff sections. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for the studio riff tone.

Tone Character(10)

tight and aggressivehigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackcontrolled low-endslightly scooped low-midsboosted mids and trebleclear note separationpercussive palm mutingmodern progressive metalsustained, singing leads (for transitions)

Difficulty

The riff section demands advanced picking accuracy, tight palm muting, and the ability to navigate complex time signatures and syncopation, making it very challenging for most guitarists.

Sources

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

Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear

Create Free Account