Solo Tone

The Count of Tuscany

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal2000s

Original Gear

GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JP7, with piezo bridge)

AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IV (studio recording, 2009 era)

PickupsDiMarzio LiquiFire (neck), DiMarzio Crunch Lab (bridge), Piezo bridge pickup

Amp Settings

gain0

bass5.5

mid5.5

treble6.5

reverb4.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

otherUnknown Volume pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording for 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' (2009). The solo section features ambient swells and likely uses the piezo bridge for the clean/ambient solo. No direct evidence of other guitars or amps for this section in studio; live, Petrucci uses the piezo output direct to FOH with a TC Electronic BodyRez pedal, but this is not confirmed for the studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

ambient and lushvery clean and glassyethereal and reverberantacoustic-like clarityswelling volume dynamicsspatial and atmosphericno audible distortionsmooth attack and decaywide stereo imagewarm, natural, and dynamic

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced control of volume swells, expressive phrasing, and maintaining clarity with heavy ambient effects. While not technically shredding, the musicality and control needed make it challenging for most players.