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Riff Tone
The Count of Tuscany
Dream Theater
Guitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JP7, 2009 era)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IV (studio recording, 2009)
Amp Settings
gain8
bass5.5
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Notes
Studio recording for 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' (2009). Petrucci is confirmed to have used his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar and a Mesa/Boogie Mark IV for the heavy riff sections. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for the studio riff tone.
Tone Character(10)
tight and aggressivehigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackcontrolled low-endslightly scooped low-midsboosted mids and trebleclear note separationpercussive palm mutingmodern progressive metalsustained, singing leads (for transitions)
Difficulty
The riff section demands advanced picking accuracy, tight palm muting, and the ability to navigate complex time signatures and syncopation, making it very challenging for most guitarists.
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Create Free AccountGuitarmetal2000s
Original Gear
GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JP7, 2009 era)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IV (studio recording, 2009)
Amp Settings
gain8
bass5.5
Create an account to see all tone details
Create Free AccountEffects & Signal Chain
Notes
Studio recording for 'Black Clouds & Silver Linings' (2009). Petrucci is confirmed to have used his signature Ernie Ball Music Man guitar and a Mesa/Boogie Mark IV for the heavy riff sections. No evidence of live rig or alternate amp for the studio riff tone.
Tone Character(10)
tight and aggressivehigh-gain saturationarticulate pick attackcontrolled low-endslightly scooped low-midsboosted mids and trebleclear note separationpercussive palm mutingmodern progressive metalsustained, singing leads (for transitions)
Difficulty
The riff section demands advanced picking accuracy, tight palm muting, and the ability to navigate complex time signatures and syncopation, making it very challenging for most guitarists.