How to Dial In "A Better Life" by Dream Theater - Guitar Tone Settings
What Dream Theater Actually Used on "A Better Life"
Original Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
These numbers are for a Mesa Boogie JP-2C. On your amp, they won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From The Astonishing (2016). The Astonishing is the thirteenth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on January 29, 2016, through Roadrunner Records, which was their final release through the label. John Petrucci has said the whole album was recorded with the Mesa/Boogie JP-2C and his Music Man Artisan-series Majesty; the standard John Petrucci Majesty stands in for the Artisan model. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch with the mids kept up, and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "A Better Life" Tone
What guitar did Dream Theater use on "A Better Life"?
Dream Theater tracked "A Better Life" on a Music Man John Petrucci Majesty (released 2016). Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "A Better Life" need?
On Mesa Boogie JP-2C: Gain 7.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 6.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "A Better Life" without a Mesa Boogie JP-2C?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the original recipe above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "A Better Life" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "A Better Life" by Dream Theater are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.