How to Dial In "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" by Dream Theater - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I"
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 Systematic Chaos (2007). Systematic Chaos is the ninth studio album by American progressive metal band Dream Theater. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Music Man JP6 through a Mesa Boogie Road King II, the rig we use for Dream Theater's other songs from Systematic Chaos, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" Tone
What guitar did Dream Theater use on "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I"?
The guitar on "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" (released 2007) isn't documented; the Music Man JP6 (John Petrucci signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7.5, Bass 6, Mid 6, 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 "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" 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 "In the Presence of Enemies - Part I" by Dream Theater are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.