TonesMatch
Another Day — Dream Theater1 / 2
Original RigYour Adaptation
GuitarDistortedRiff80% confidence

Another Day Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Dream Theater

Dream Theater · 1990s · rock

studio

Original Recording

Guitar
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or similar, early 1990s version)
Pickups
DiMarzio Custom-wound humbuckers (early prototype, likely similar to later Steve's Special/Custom models)
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+
Pickup Position
Position 4 (inner coils of both humbuckers in parallel)

Studio recording, 1992 (Images and Words album). Gear confirmed for era and album by multiple sources, but exact pickup model was pre-signature. No evidence of live/tour gear being used for studio. Riff section is rhythm, not solo.

Amp Settings

Mids
6
Bass
6
Gain
6
Reverb
3
Treble
7
Presence
6

Effects Chain

  • Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus

Guitar (inner coils parallel) → Chorus pedal → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (plate reverb)

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Tone Character

  • warm and smooth
  • bright and articulate
  • chorus shimmer
  • almost acoustic-like clarity
  • slightly compressed
  • dynamic and expressive
  • clean with slight edge
  • lush stereo image
  • not brittle or harsh
  • full-bodied

Notes & Caveats

  • ⚠️No direct source lists exact amp knob settings for 'Another Day' riff; settings estimated based on typical Mark IIC+ clean/edge-of-breakup tones and era.
  • ⚠️Pickup configuration inferred from forum and ear: 'inner coils in parallel' for clean/chorus sound.
  • ⚠️Pedal/effect models for chorus are not confirmed for studio recording; chorus is clearly audible but exact pedal unknown.
  • ⚠️No evidence of overdrive/distortion pedals or compression on riff section; chorus effect is primary.
  • ⚠️If more precise studio notes emerge, update settings and pedal model.
  • ⚠️Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. John Petrucci in the 'Images and Words' era used a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ with moderate-high gain for singing sustain, tight bass, forward mids, and clear but not harsh highs; the riff section is articulate, punchy, and not overly saturated, with minimal reverb typical of early 90s progressive metal production.

Sources