Song Rig
On the Backs of Angels
John Petrucci · A Dramatic Turn of Events · 2011
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Dream Theater's first track with Mike Mangini — a powerful, melodic statement that showcases Petrucci's clean and heavy guitar tones in equal measure. The clean intro arpeggios are bright and crystalline; the heavy sections use the full Mesa Boogie/PRS combination. One of the more accessible DT tracks in terms of musical structure.
Signal Chain
- 1PRS Guitars (Petrucci signature model)
- 2Mesa Boogie JP-2C (John Petrucci signature amp)
- 3DigiTech Whammy (select passages)
Amp Settings
Modern Mesa Boogie high-gain character — the JP-2C is Petrucci's custom Mesa Boogie, tuned specifically for his sound. High gain with tight low end (active pickup-style tightness from the PRS and amp combination). Clean sections: separate clean channel, very bright and articulate.
Technique
How to Play It
Clean arpeggiated intro (right-hand tapping technique) transitioning to heavy riffing — the intro uses a clean arpeggio pattern that shows Petrucci's perfect picking accuracy. The transition to the heavy verse is abrupt and dramatic, contrasting the two tones immediately.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Humbucker guitar with active-style tight response → Mesa Boogie JP-2C or Dual Rectifier → clean channel with delay for intro arpeggios.
Your Gear
Adapt to My Amp
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