How to Dial In "Hollow Years" by Dream Theater - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Hollow Years"
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.
A ballad on Falling into Infinity, released in September 1997 and produced by Kevin Shirley, with John Petrucci's clean, chorused arpeggios opening the song and a melodic, singing solo later on. It is one of the band's most accessible songs and shows a restrained side of his playing. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a signature-model Ibanez through a Mesa/Boogie with a digital delay stands in. Use the neck pickup, a clean channel with a little delay and a smooth lead tone for the solo.
Common Questions About the "Hollow Years" Tone
What guitar did Dream Theater use on "Hollow Years"?
The guitar on "Hollow Years" (released 1997) isn't documented; the Ibanez JPM100 P1 above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Hollow Years" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 4, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, 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 "Hollow Years" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Hollow Years" 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.
What pedals are on "Hollow Years"?
Whether you own those exact units or close substitutes, ToneMirror maps the pedal voicings onto the pedalboard you actually have.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Hollow Years" by Dream Theater are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.