Metal Rhythm
DREAM THEATER
This month Jamie Hunt demonstrates two powerful rhythm approaches from the Massachusetts band’s picker and riffmaster extraordinaire, John Petrucci.
VIDEO & AUDIO https://bit.ly/4ekuh7c
John Petrucci plays his Music Man Majesty seven-string
NEIL H KITSON/REDFERNS VIA GETTY IMAGES
When it comes to rhythm guitar, Dream Theater’s amazing six and seven-stringer John Petrucci moves between ‘wall of sound’ powerchords to fast, thrash-inspired phrases, intricate melodic motifs, and lush, clean, arpeggiated chord progressions. With progressive rock bands Rush and Yes being a significant influence on the members of Dream Theater, time signature changes are never far away. This often results in rhythm patterns and riffs becoming extended or shortened as they explore thematic variations. Due to the range of moods and emotions within Dream Theater’s music, it’s not uncommon to hear Petrucci move through a wide range of these approaches within a single song. Our two examples this month aim to reflect this broad range of approaches, so get ready to dive in.