John Petrucci
John Petrucci co-founded Dream Theater and has built a career as the most technically proficient and harmonically sophisticated guitarist in progressive metal. A Berklee College graduate, his playing encompasses jazz theory, classical scales and metal technique with unmatched control and precision.
Music Man JP signature guitar with Bare Knuckle or DiMarzio pickups into Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier — tight, precise, scooped metal tone with extraordinary clarity at high gain. Lead tone uses the neck pickup for warmth and vocal quality over the aggressive rhythm setting.
Guitars
Music Man JP15 John Petrucci Signature
Florentine cutaway, Petrucci custom DiMarzio pickups. Current primary guitar.
Music Man Majesty
Angular exotic wood body, carved maple top. Newer signature model.
Music Man JP6 / JP7
Earlier 6 and 7-string models used through the 2000s.
Amplifiers
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
Primary metal amp — three channels, massive high-gain third channel.
Amp guide →Mesa/Boogie JP-2C John Petrucci Signature
Signature version of the Mark IIC+ — his designed amp for precision and clarity.
Effects Pedals
TC Electronic G-Major
Rack-mount effects unit for delays, reverbs and modulation.
Dunlop Cry Baby JP95 Wah
Signature wah with his voiced frequency sweep.
Radial Tonebone Classic
Channel switching and boost for solos.
MXR Carbon Copy
Analog delay for warm, natural repeats.
Key Albums & Tone
"Metropolis Part 1" and "Pull Me Under" — defining progressive metal tones.
Heavier, darker — "Caught in a Web" and "Erotomania".
"The Dance of Eternity" — the pinnacle of technical progressive metal playing.
Guitar instrumental showpiece — full range of technique and tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar does John Petrucci use?
Music Man JP15 John Petrucci Signature and Music Man Majesty. Florentine cutaway, Petrucci custom DiMarzio pickups. Current primary guitar.
What amp does John Petrucci use?
Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier and Mesa/Boogie JP-2C John Petrucci Signature. Primary metal amp — three channels, massive high-gain third channel.
What pedals does John Petrucci use?
John Petrucci uses TC Electronic G-Major, Dunlop Cry Baby JP95 Wah, Radial Tonebone Classic and more.
What is John Petrucci's signature sound?
Music Man JP signature guitar with Bare Knuckle or DiMarzio pickups into Mesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier — tight, precise, scooped metal tone with extraordinary clarity at high gain. Lead tone uses the neck pickup for warmth and vocal quality over the aggressive rhythm setting.