How to Dial In "The Walking Shadow" by Dream Theater - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "The Walking Shadow"
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 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. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Music Man John Petrucci Majesty through a Mesa Boogie Mark V, the rig we use for Dream Theater's other songs from The Astonishing, stands in. Set the amp to a driven, high-gain crunch and use the bridge pickup. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "The Walking Shadow" Tone
What guitar did Dream Theater use on "The Walking Shadow"?
The guitar on "The Walking Shadow" (released 2016) isn't documented; the Music Man John Petrucci Majesty above gets the sound. Pickup selector: bridge pickup on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "The Walking Shadow" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 7, Bass 5.5, 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 "The Walking Shadow" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "The Walking Shadow" 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 "The Walking Shadow" by Dream Theater are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.