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Riff Tone

Voices

Dream Theater

Guitarmetal1990s

Original Gear

GuitarErnie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature (likely JP6 or JPM100, as used on 'Awake' album)
AmpMesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ (studio recording, as confirmed for 'Awake' era)

Amp Settings

gain7.5
bass6

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Effects & Signal Chain

Notes

Studio recording, 1994. Gear confirmed for 'Awake' album sessions. Petrucci used his signature Ernie Ball Music Man (JPM100 or early JP6) with DiMarzio pickups into a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ head and 4x12 cab. No evidence of additional pedals for the main riff tone; effects loop not confirmed for riff. Settings estimated based on typical Mark IIC+ usage for heavy rhythm in this era.

Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivesaturated but articulateaggressive pick attackfocused midrange punchcontrolled high-end sizzledynamic response to pickingminimal ambiencefast note trackingpalm-muted claritymodern progressive metal voicing

Difficulty

The riff requires advanced right-hand technique, fast alternate picking, and precise palm muting, along with complex rhythmic patterns typical of progressive metal.

This tone has been researched 2 times by the community

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