Riff Tone
Trial of Tears: I. It's Raining, II. Deep In Heaven, III. The Wasteland
Dream Theater
Guitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JPM100, as used in 1997 studio sessions)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1997)
PickupsDiMarzio Steve's Special (bridge), DiMarzio Air Norton (neck) humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid5.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording for 'Falling Into Infinity' (1997). Petrucci was known to use the Music Man JP signature guitar and Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ for heavy rhythm tracks in this era. No evidence of live rig or later amp models being used for this specific recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated high-gain rhythmarticulate note separationaggressive palm mutingclear, defined low endscooped but present midscrisp attackslight ambiencemodern progressive metal characterminimal muddiness
Difficulty
The riff section requires advanced rhythm technique, tight palm muting, and precise picking to maintain clarity and articulation at moderate to fast tempos, characteristic of Dream Theater's progressive metal style.
Sources
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal1990s
Original Gear
GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JPM100, as used in 1997 studio sessions)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, 1997)
PickupsDiMarzio Steve's Special (bridge), DiMarzio Air Norton (neck) humbuckers
Amp Settings
gain7.5
bass6
mid5.5
treble7
reverb1.5
presence6.5
Effects & Signal Chain
noise_gateUnknown Noise Gate (model unknown)
Notes
Studio recording for 'Falling Into Infinity' (1997). Petrucci was known to use the Music Man JP signature guitar and Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ for heavy rhythm tracks in this era. No evidence of live rig or later amp models being used for this specific recording.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated high-gain rhythmarticulate note separationaggressive palm mutingclear, defined low endscooped but present midscrisp attackslight ambiencemodern progressive metal characterminimal muddiness
Difficulty
The riff section requires advanced rhythm technique, tight palm muting, and precise picking to maintain clarity and articulation at moderate to fast tempos, characteristic of Dream Theater's progressive metal style.
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