John Petrucci
John Petrucci performing in 2005.
Background information
Birth name	John Peter Petrucci
Born	July 12, 1967 (1967-07-12) (age 40)
Origin	Kings Park, Long Island, New York
Genre(s)	Progressive metal Instrumental rock
Instrument(s)	Electric guitar
Years active	1985 - present
Associated acts	Dream Theater, Liquid Tension Experiment, Explorers Club, G3, Marty Friedman, Derek Sherinian, Jordan Rudess, Jon Finn Group
Website	www.johnpetrucci.com
Notable instrument(s)
Ernie Ball Music Man John Petrucci Signature Model

John Peter Petrucci (born July 12, 1967) is an American guitarist best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. He has produced (along with his bandmate Mike Portnoy) all Dream Theater albums since their 1999 release, Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory. He is also the band's main lyricist. is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. ... Kings Park is a census-designated place (CDP) and town located in the Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County, New York. ... This article is about Long Island in New York State. ... This article is about the state. ... This article does not cite any references or sources. ... Progressive metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal music which blends the powerful, guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex compositional structures, odd time signatures, and intricate instrumental playing of progressive rock. ... Instrumental rock and roll is a type of rock and roll music which emphasises musical instruments, and which features no or very little singing. ... A musical instrument is a device constructed or modified for the purpose of making music. ... Two different electric guitars. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock/metal project, founded by drummer Mike Portnoy, in 1997. ... Explorers Club is a progressive rock supergroup headed by the Gardner brothers of Magellan featuring, among others, James LaBrie, John Petrucci and Derek Sherinian of Dream Theater, Billy Sheehan, and Steve Howe. ... G3 is an almost annual live music show and concert tour featuring three select guitarists of the generation; hence its name. ... Marty Friedman was the lead guitarist for the thrash metal band Megadeth for a period of almost twelve years (1988 to 2000). ... Derek Sherinian (born August 25, 1966 in Laguna Beach, California) is a ‎rock and fusion keyboardist based in Los Angeles, California. ... Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Rudes on November 4, 1956) is a progressive rock keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Jon Finn Group is a rock band formed and lead by the Boston guitarist Jon Finn. ... Music Man is an American guitar, bass guitar and amplifier manufacturer. ... is the 193rd day of the year (194th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1967 (MCMLXVII) was a common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar) of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. ... For the UK magazine, see Guitarist (magazine). ... Progressive metal is a sub-genre of heavy metal music which blends the powerful, guitar-driven sound of metal with the complex compositional structures, odd time signatures, and intricate instrumental playing of progressive rock. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... In the music industry, a record producer (or music producer) has many roles, among them controlling the recording sessions, coaching and guiding the musicians, organizing and scheduling production budget and resources, and supervising the recording, mixing and mastering processes. ... Michael Stephen Mike Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American drummer primarily known for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ...

Biography

Petrucci first played guitar at the age of eight when he noticed his sister (who was taking organ lessons at the time) was allowed to stay up past her bed time to practice. He soon dropped it when his plan failed. At age 12, he began playing again when he was invited into the band of his friend Kevin Moore, who would later become the first keyboardist of Dream Theater. Petrucci began to practice in earnest whilst exercising physically. He was a largely self-taught guitarist who developed his skills through attempts to match the skill of his idols, who included Steve Morse, Steve Howe, Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Al Di Meola, Alex Lifeson and Allan Holdsworth. He has jokingly referred to his guitar idols as "the Steves and the Als".^[1] Kevin Moore promotional photo Kevin Moore (born May 26, 1967) is a keyboardist, composer and original member of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Piano, a well-known instance of keyboard instruments A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a musical keyboard. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Autodidacticism (also autodidactism) is self-education or self-directed learning. ... Steve Morse Steven J. Morse is a rock guitarist and guitar virtuoso, best known for his position as guitarist in the Dixie Dregs and Deep Purple. ... Stephen James Steve Howe (born April 8, 1947 in Holloway, North London, England) is a guitarist best known for his work with the progressive rock group Yes. ... Steven Steve Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 in Carle Place, New York) is a Grammy Award winning guitarist, composer, vocalist, and record producer. ... Stephen Stevie Ray Vaughan (October 3, 1954 – August 27, 1990), born in Dallas, Texas, was an American blues guitarist. ... Al Di Meola (born Al Laurence Dimeola July 22, 1954 in Jersey City, New Jersey) is an American jazz fusion and Latin jazz guitarist. ... Alex Lifeson, OC (born August 27, 1953), is a Canadian musician, known as the guitarist for the rock group Rush. ... Allan Holdsworth (born August 6, 1946 in Bradford, West Yorkshire) is a British jazz guitarist and composer. ...

Petrucci attended Berklee College of Music in Boston with childhood friend John Myung (bass), where they met future bandmate Mike Portnoy (drums). These three in addition to another childhood friend of Petrucci and Myung, Kevin Moore (Keyboards), formed the band Majesty, which would later become Dream Theater. Berklee College of Music, founded in 1945, is an independent music college in Boston, Massachusetts with many prominent faculty, staff, alumni, and visiting artists. ... Boston redirects here. ... John Ro Myung (IPA: ) (born on January 24, 1967 in Chicago, Illinois) is a bassist and a founding member of the progressive metal group Dream Theater. ... A sunburst-colored Fender Precision Bass The electric bass guitar (or electric bass[1][2]; pronounced , as in base) is a bass stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers (either by plucking, slapping, popping, or tapping) or using a pick. ... Michael Stephen Mike Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American drummer primarily known for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... For other kinds of drums, see drum (disambiguation). ... Kevin Moore promotional photo Kevin Moore (born May 26, 1967) is a keyboardist, composer and original member of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Piano, a well-known instance of keyboard instruments A keyboard instrument is any musical instrument played using a musical keyboard. ...

While Dream Theater is what Petrucci is most commonly associated with, he is also a part of the project band Liquid Tension Experiment and has appeared as a guest on several records by other artists such as the Age of Impact album by the Explorer's Club. Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock/metal project, founded by drummer Mike Portnoy, in 1997. ... Age of Impact, released in 1998, is Explorers Clubs first studio album. ... Explorers Club is a collaboration of prog artists who released the albums Age of Impact and Raising the Mammoth. ...

Petrucci has released a guitar instructional video, "Rock Discipline", which covers warm up exercises, exercises to avoid injury while playing, alternate picking, sweep picking, chords and other techniques for developing one's guitar playing. Petrucci also has a book named "Guitar World presents John Petrucci's Wild Stringdom", which was compiled from columns he wrote for Guitar World magazine, bearing that same title.

In 2001 he was invited by Joe Satriani and Steve Vai to tour with them on the popular G3 guitar tour, which exposed him to a massive number of new fans and inspired him to record a solo album. Suspended Animation was released on March 1, 2005, and made available for order from his web site. He also appeared on the 2005, 2006 and 2007 G3 tours. Joseph Satch Satriani (born July 15, 1956 in Westbury, New York, U.S.) is an American guitarist and former guitar instructor. ... Steven Steve Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 in Carle Place, New York) is a Grammy Award winning guitarist, composer, vocalist, and record producer. ... G3 is an almost annual live music show and concert tour featuring three select guitarists of the generation; hence its name. ... Suspended Animation is the first John Petrucci solo album, released on March 1, 2005. ... is the 60th day of the year (61st in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Petrucci also wrote and recorded two instrumental soundtrack songs for a Sega Saturn game titled Digital Pinball: Necronomicon. Each track is roughly two minutes long and they are simply titled "Prologue" and "Epilogue". Petrucci is an avid Sega Saturn gamer, and has revealed in interviews that he never tours without one. The Sega Saturn ) is a 32-bit video game console, first released on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America and July 8, 1995 in Europe. ... The Sega Saturn ) is a 32-bit video game console, first released on November 22, 1994 in Japan, May 11, 1995 in North America and July 8, 1995 in Europe. ...

In 2007, John Petrucci went on G3 tour again, this time with Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert. Paul Brandon Gilbert (November 6, 1966) is a guitarist best known for his work with Racer X and Mr. ...

Dream Theater bandmate Jordan Rudess revealed in an interview that Petrucci is a practicing Catholic.^[2] Petrucci is married to Rena Sands, a guitarist in the all-female heavy metal band Meanstreak, and they have 3 children, SamiJo and Reny (who are twins), and Kiara. Rena Sands is a member of the all-female heavy metal band, Meanstreak. ... Meanstreak is a heavy metal band from Westchester, New York. ...

John Petrucci won the "Guitarist of the Year 2007" award recently in Total Guitar Magazine.

He is a voting member of NARAS. The National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences is known variously as NARAS or The Recording Academy. ...

Musical style

Petrucci is respected for his variety of guitar styles and skills. One of the most notable of these is his high speed alternate picking which, as he himself claims, requires a 'strong sense of synchronization between the two [playing] hands'^[3]. He has performed alongside Joe Satriani and Steve Vai on their annual G3 tour 6 times. Guitar magazines and fans worldwide consistently vote Petrucci as one of the world's finest guitar players.^[4] He has been labeled as a virtuoso on some fansites and webzines, including Sputnikmusic^[5], and TheFunkyGibbons ^[6], among others. He was ranked #9 on GuitarOne's "Top Shredders of All Time". Joseph Satch Satriani (born July 15, 1956 in Westbury, New York, U.S.) is an American guitarist and former guitar instructor. ... Steven Steve Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 in Carle Place, New York) is a Grammy Award winning guitarist, composer, vocalist, and record producer. ... G3 is an almost annual live music show and concert tour featuring three select guitarists of the generation; hence its name. ... For other uses, see Virtuoso (disambiguation). ...

Studio Albums

• When Dream and Day Unite
• Images and Words - Triaxis 2/90 (dirty), Roland JC120 for cleans. A Marshall preamp was used for "Metropolis Part 1"
• Awake - Only album to be quadruple layered. 2 takes using Dual Rectifier, 2 takes using Mark IIC+
• A Change of Seasons - Mark IIC+, Mark IV, TriAxis
• Falling Into Infinity - Rectifier, Mark IIC+, Mark IV, TriAxis
• Scenes From A Memory - Mark IIC+, Mark IV
• Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence - Mark IIC+, Dual Rectifier
• Train Of Thought - Road King Series I
• Octavarium - Road King Series I & II, Lone Star, Mark IV
• Systematic Chaos - Lone Star, Mark IV
• Suspended Animation (solo cd) - Roadking Series 1, Mark IIC+
• Liquid Tension Experiment - TriAxis, 2:90 power amp
• Liquid Tension Experiment 2 - Mark IIC+, Mark IV

Live and DVD release rigs

• I&W Tour - 2 Triaxis Preamps (one for backup), 2:90 power amp, Mesa Abacus+Mesa Midi Matrix for switching
• Scenes From NY - Triaxis, Dual Rectifier, Mark IIC+, Mark IV, Formula Preamp, 2:90 power amps
• Live At Budokan - Road King Series 1 (x3), Lonestar (x2)
• Score - Custom Built "Nunya" Preamp, Formula Preamp, mesa 2:100 power amp, 4 Mesa 4x12's and 4 Mesa 2x12's. Midi switching by Steen Skrydstrup.
• 2007 G3 tour - Mark IV (x2), Formula preamp
• 2007 Systematic Chaos Tour - Mark IV (x2), Lonestar (x1). TC Electronic 2290, M3000, Eventide Ultra Harmonizer, Jim Dunlop rack wah & various stomp boxes. Midi switching by Axess Electronics

Discography

When Dream and Day Unite (1989) is the first studio album released by Dream Theater, a progressive metal band, on March 6th, 1989. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Images and Words is the second album by progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... James LaBrie (born May 5, 1963) is a Canadian vocalist who is best known for being the lead singer in progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... For the Irish music festival, see Live at the Marquee (festival). ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Awake is the third studio album from progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Kevin Moore promotional photo Kevin Moore (born May 26, 1967) is a keyboardist, composer and original member of the American progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... A Change of Seasons is a 1995 EP by progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Derek Sherinian (born August 25, 1966 in Laguna Beach, California) is a ‎rock and fusion keyboardist based in Los Angeles, California. ... Falling into Infinity is the fourth full-length studio album by progressive metal band Dream Theater, released in 1997. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Derek Sherinian (born August 25, 1966 in Laguna Beach, California) is a ‎rock and fusion keyboardist based in Los Angeles, California. ... Liquid Tension Experiment was released in 1998 by Liquid Tension Experiment through Magna Carta. ... Michael Stephen Mike Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American drummer primarily known for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Rudes on November 4, 1956) is a progressive rock keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Tony Levin (born June 6, 1946, Boston, Massachusetts) is an influential American bass player. ... Once in a LIVEtime is a 2CD live album by progressive metal band Dream Theater, recorded at the Bataclan in France and released in 1998. ... This article is about the capital of France. ... Age of Impact, released in 1998, is Explorers Clubs first studio album. ... Jon Finn Group is a rock band formed and lead by the Boston guitarist Jon Finn. ... Liquid Tension Experiment 2 is the second album by the band Liquid Tension Experiment. ... Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock/metal project, founded by drummer Mike Portnoy, in 1997. ... Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Rudes on November 4, 1956) is a progressive rock keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... In popular music, a concept album is an album which is unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical (Shuker 2002, p. ... Jordan Rudess chronology Resonance (1999) An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess (2000) Feeding the Wheel (2001) An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Rudess is an album by fellow Dream Theater bandmates John Petrucci (guitars) and Jordan Rudess (keyboards). ... Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Rudes on November 4, 1956) is a progressive rock keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Feeding the Wheel is the third of many album by keyboardist Jordan Rudess of Dream Theater and Dixie Dregs fame. ... Jordan Rudess (born Jordan Rudes on November 4, 1956) is a progressive rock keyboardist best known as a member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Live Scenes From New York is a 3CD live album by progressive metal band Dream Theater, recorded on August 30, 2000, at the Roseland Ballroom in New York City. ... This article is about the state. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American... Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence (often abbreviated to SDOIT or 6DOIT) is the sixth full-length studio album by progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... A double album is an audio album of sufficient length that two units of the medium in which it is sold (especially records and compact discs) are necessary to contain the entirety of it. ... Train of Thought is the seventh full-length studio album by progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Live at Budokan is a 3CD/2DVD combination released by progressive metal band Dream Theater on October 5, 2004. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... For other uses, see Tokyo (disambiguation). ... Suspended Animation is the first John Petrucci solo album, released on March 1, 2005. ... Steven Steve Siro Vai (born June 6, 1960 in Carle Place, New York) is a Grammy Award winning guitarist, composer, vocalist, and record producer. ... Joseph Satch Satriani (born July 15, 1956 in Westbury, New York, U.S.) is an American guitarist and former guitar instructor. ... Octavarium is the eighth full-length Dream Theater studio album, released on June 7, 2005 (see 2005 in music). ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... DVD Cover Score is a 3CD/2DVD combination by progressive metal band Dream Theater. ... This article is about the state. ... For other uses of terms redirecting here, see US (disambiguation), USA (disambiguation), and United States (disambiguation) Motto In God We Trust(since 1956) (From Many, One; Latin, traditional) Anthem The Star-Spangled Banner Capital Washington, D.C. Largest city New York City National language English (de facto)1 Demonym American... Blood of the Snake is the 5th solo album by keyboardist Derek Sherinian. ... Derek Sherinian (born August 25, 1966 in Laguna Beach, California) is a ‎rock and fusion keyboardist based in Los Angeles, California. ... Loudspeaker is an album by Marty Friedman, released in 2006. ... Marty Friedman (born Martin Adam Friedman December 8, 1962 in Washington, D.C., United States) is an American guitarist. ... Alternate Cover Special Edition CD/DVD Cover Systematic Chaos is the ninth studio release of the progressive metal band Dream Theater, and their first released on the new label, Roadrunner Records. ... Roadrunner Records is a major record label that concentrates on metal bands. ... Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Roadrunner Records is a major record label that concentrates on metal bands. ... Dolby Digital is the marketing name for a series of lossy audio compression technologies by Dolby Laboratories. ... Michael Stephen Mike Portnoy (born April 20, 1967) is an American drummer primarily known for his work with the progressive metal band Dream Theater. ...

Videography

5 Years in a LIVEtime is the second home video release by Dream Theater. ... Live at Budokan is a 3CD/2DVD combination released by progressive metal band Dream Theater on October 5, 2004. ... DVD Cover Score is a 3CD/2DVD combination by progressive metal band Dream Theater. ...

See also

• Dream Theater
• Liquid Tension Experiment
• G3 (tour)

Dream Theater is an American progressive metal band formed in 1985 under the name Majesty by John Myung, John Petrucci and Mike Portnoy while they attended Berklee College of Music in Boston, before they dropped out to support the band. ... Liquid Tension Experiment is an instrumental progressive rock/metal project, founded by drummer Mike Portnoy, in 1997. ... G3 is an almost annual live music show and concert tour featuring three select guitarists of the generation; hence its name. ...

References

External links

• Dream Theater official web site
• John Petrucci official forum
• John Petrucci official web site