GuitarDistortedSolo80% confidence
Pull Me Under Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Dream Theater
Dream Theater · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6, 1991-1992 model, basswood body, rosewood fretboard)
Pickups
DiMarzio Steve's Special (bridge), DiMarzio Air Norton (neck), both humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, confirmed for solos on Images and Words era)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording for 'Pull Me Under' solo (1991-1992). Petrucci used his Ernie Ball Music Man signature guitar with DiMarzio humbuckers and a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amp for the solo. No evidence of other guitars or amps used for this specific solo. Effects are inferred from audio and era-typical rig, as no direct pedalboard photo or session sheet is available.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb2
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Delay pedal (model unknown) · delay
- Chorus pedal (model unknown) · chorus
Guitar → Delay pedal → Chorus pedal → Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (lead channel, spring reverb on amp)
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Tone Character
- singing sustain
- liquid and smooth lead tone
- tight low end
- articulate pick attack
- rich harmonic overtones
- slight ambient delay
- clear note separation
- fast legato and alternate picking clarity
- moderate compression
- slightly scooped mids
Notes & Caveats
- No direct studio session sheet or pedalboard photo for 'Pull Me Under' solo; gear and settings inferred from era, interviews, and typical Mark IIC+ usage.
- Exact pedal models for delay and chorus are not confirmed for this recording; effect types included based on clear audibility in the solo and Petrucci's known rig from the era.
- Amp settings estimated based on typical Mark IIC+ lead channel usage for Petrucci in early 1990s; no numeric settings found in sources.
- Pickup choice inferred from tone and Petrucci's typical solo approach; bridge humbucker is standard for his lead tones.
- Settings cross-referenced with genre and era conventions for accuracy. John Petrucci's 'Pull Me Under' solo tone (1992) uses high gain (Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+), tight bass, balanced mids (not scooped), and bright but not harsh treble/presence for clarity and articulation. The reverb is minimal, as was typical for early 90s progressive metal production.