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Riff Tone
On the Backs of Angels
Dream Theater
Guitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JPXI or Majesty, 6-string, with piezo)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark V (studio recording, 2011 era; Axe-Fx II used for some clean tones in studio/live, but Mark V is primary studio amp for this album)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording, 2011. Clean intro/riff uses magnetic neck pickup and/or piezo blended in. Petrucci is known to use the piezo for extra shimmer in clean parts. Effects are mostly rack-based or from Axe-Fx, but core clean tone is Mark V with pedals/effects in front or loop.
Tone Character(10)
crystal-clear and pristineshimmering top endlush and spatialslight acoustic-like piezo charactertight and articulate note separationmodern and hi-fiwide stereo imageno audible breakup or crunchstudio-polished clarityrich, chorus-enhanced depth
Difficulty
The clean riff requires intermediate to advanced technique due to intricate chord shapes, precise timing, and the need for clarity and dynamics, especially with chorus and delay effects.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2010s+
Original Gear
GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JPXI or Majesty, 6-string, with piezo)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark V (studio recording, 2011 era; Axe-Fx II used for some clean tones in studio/live, but Mark V is primary studio amp for this album)
Amp Settings
gain0
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording, 2011. Clean intro/riff uses magnetic neck pickup and/or piezo blended in. Petrucci is known to use the piezo for extra shimmer in clean parts. Effects are mostly rack-based or from Axe-Fx, but core clean tone is Mark V with pedals/effects in front or loop.
Tone Character(10)
crystal-clear and pristineshimmering top endlush and spatialslight acoustic-like piezo charactertight and articulate note separationmodern and hi-fiwide stereo imageno audible breakup or crunchstudio-polished clarityrich, chorus-enhanced depth
Difficulty
The clean riff requires intermediate to advanced technique due to intricate chord shapes, precise timing, and the need for clarity and dynamics, especially with chorus and delay effects.