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A Dramatic Turn of Events artwork

On the Backs of Angels guitar tone

Dream Theater · A Dramatic Turn of Events · 2011 · Metal

High Gain

Main Riff

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
GuitarJackson Soloist
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN8.5
BASS7
MID4.5
TREBLE6.5
PRESENCE6
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer boost
    Drive 1.5 · Tone 5.5 · Level 9
    Nearly-clean boost that tightens the low end.
  2. Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor eq
    Threshold 5.5
    Keeps the palm-muted riffs tight and quiet.

Tight, all-downstroke picking keeps the riff aggressive.

Lead

Solo Boost

AmpMesa/Boogie Dual Rectifier
GuitarJackson Soloist
PickupBridge humbucker
GAIN9.5
BASS7
MID5
TREBLE6.5
PRESENCE6
REVERB0

SIGNAL CHAIN

  1. Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer boost
    Drive 1.5 · Tone 5.5 · Level 9
    Nearly-clean boost that tightens the low end.
  2. Boss NS-2 Noise Suppressor eq
    Threshold 5.5
    Keeps the palm-muted riffs tight and quiet.
  3. MXR Carbon Copy delay
    Time 4.5 · Repeats 3 · Mix 3
    Kicks in for the solo — repeats tucked under the dry signal.

Lead variant: extra gain and mids to cut through, delay for width. Pick nearer the bridge and let bends sustain.

These are starting points, not gospel. Every amp is a little different, so let your ears do the last 10%.

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