GuitarDistortedSolo
The Best of Times Solo Guitar Tone Settings — Dream Theater
Dream Theater · 2010s+ · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ernie Ball Music Man JP6 (John Petrucci signature, 6-string, likely BFR or standard, as used on Black Clouds & Silver Linings 2009 studio recording)
Pickups
DiMarzio Crunch Lab (bridge), DiMarzio LiquiFire (neck), both humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IV (primary studio amp for this album/era, confirmed by multiple sources for Petrucci's 2000s tones)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 2009. Petrucci is known to use the Mark IV for solos on Black Clouds & Silver Linings. Guitar is the JP6 with DiMarzio signature pickups. Effects are primarily rack-based or high-end pedals. Pickup selector is almost always bridge for his soaring lead tones in this era.
Amp Settings
Mids6.5
Bass5.5
Gain7.5
Reverb2.5
Treble7
Presence6.5
Effects Chain
- Delay pedal (model unknown, likely rack or TC Electronic G-Major/2290) · delay
- Chorus pedal (model unknown, likely TC Electronic SCF Stereo Chorus Flanger) · chorus
Ernie Ball Music Man JP6 → Delay pedal → Chorus pedal → Mesa/Boogie Mark IV (lead channel, digital reverb on amp or rack)
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Tone Character
- singing sustain
- liquid lead tone
- tight and articulate
- smooth legato runs
- high-gain saturation
- clear note separation
- rich harmonics
- expressive vibrato
- compressed attack
- lush ambience