GuitarDistortedRiff
Voices Riff Guitar Tone Settings — Dream Theater
Dream Theater · 1990s · metal
studio
Original Recording
Guitar
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JPM100, as used on Awake album)
Pickups
DiMarzio Steve's Special (bridge), DiMarzio Air Norton (neck), both humbuckers
Amp
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, as used on Dream Theater's 'Awake' album)
Pickup Position
Bridge pickup
Studio recording, 1994. Gear confirmed for 'Awake' era by multiple interviews and rig rundowns. Petrucci used his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar with DiMarzio pickups and a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amp for heavy rhythm tones. No evidence of additional pedals or effects for the main riff section; tone is amp-driven. No chorus, delay, or modulation audible in the riff section.
Amp Settings
Mids5.5
Bass6
Gain7.5
Reverb1.5
Treble7
Presence6
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Tone Character
- tight and percussive
- high-gain saturation
- articulate pick attack
- focused mids
- clear note separation
- aggressive rhythm crunch
- modern metal clarity
- percussive low end
- fast attack
- minimal ambience