John Petrucci
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John Petrucci

Dream Theater

The virtuoso's virtuoso. A master of alternate picking and complex time signatures, he has pushed the boundaries of guitar technique and tone for decades, defining the sound of progressive metal.

3 Eras
12 Gear Items

SIGNATURE TONE

High-fidelity, tight, and articulate. A wall of Mesa Boogie distortion that remains clear even at breakneck speeds, often sweetened with stereo chorus and delay.

SIGNAL CHAINS BY ERA

Explore how the rig evolved over time

1

Images and Words Era (1992-1994)

1992-1994 4 items
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The breakthrough. Ibanez Picasso guitars and rack-mounted Mesa Boogies created a crystalline, high-fi metal tone.

2

Train of Thought Era (2003)

2003 3 items
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Heavy, dark, and aggressive. Tuned down to C standard using the Music Man JP6 and Mesa Road Kings.

3

Modern / Majesty Era (2014-Present)

2014-Present 5 items
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The ultimate evolution. The futuristic Majesty guitar and signature JP-2C amp provide limitless tonal options.