How to Dial In "Afterlife" by Dream Theater - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Afterlife"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From When Dream and Day Unite (1989). When Dream and Day Unite is the debut studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater, released on March 6, 1989, through Mechanic/MCA Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so an Ibanez JEM7V through a Mesa Boogie Mark IIC+ Reissue, the rig we use for Dream Theater's other songs from When Dream and Day Unite, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Afterlife" Tone
What guitar did Dream Theater use on "Afterlife"?
The guitar on "Afterlife" (released 1989) isn't documented; the Ibanez JEM7V above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Afterlife" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, Mid 6.5, Treble 6.5, Presence 6.5, Volume 7. 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 "Afterlife" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Afterlife" 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 "Afterlife" by Dream Theater are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.