Dream Theater music, there's a lot of background and context to the songs, as far as the subject matter and the albums… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
2112' basically set the course for my musical career and how I approached Dream Theater. — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
Out of Berklee Dream Theater was born and we've been together ever since. I didn't have to taste that feeling of defeat. — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
Dream Theater has never been a band that hit at a particular fashionable point and said, 'OK, that's basically it.' — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
The C+ amps is vintage at this point, and it definitely has a certain sound to it. I wanted something that was… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
We record Dream Theater shows and I'll sit on the bus and listen to my playing - what worked, what didn't. A… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
One very important side of my playing lies in rhythm; I have a very percussive style. It's one I've developed with Dream… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
Before Dream Theater took off I used to teach a lot, and one of the things my students often asked me was… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
Jordan [Ruddes], he learned that way, and that's what he knows how to do. That's how he kind of approaches all music,… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
I love playing live, but our tours generally last about a year. I could never do this without the understanding and support… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
Even with Dream Theater, we track in a big studio and everything. But when it comes to doing leads, I don't really… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
We used to rehearse and that's where the roots of Dream Theater formed. Y'know, we used to play cover songs and jam… — John Petrucci Copy Share Image
If you practice in a focused, concentrated manner and make efficient use of your time, you will progress a lot faster than if you… — John Petrucci Copy Share
In my touring rig, there's a pedal drawer, where I'm able to switch pedals in and out, going into the front of the amp. — John Petrucci Copy Share
Before Dream Theater took off I used to teach a lot, and one of the things my students often asked me was how to… — John Petrucci Copy Share
I listen to somebody like Shawn Lane, and unfortunately he is no longer with us, but I hear him playing and I am like,… — John Petrucci Copy Share
By adding open strings to even the simplest chords, you can create voicings that sound sophisticated, but are really easy (and fun) to play.… — John Petrucci Copy Share
Sometimes just allowing yourself to noodle without any structure will enable you to stumble upon great new ideas, culminating in creating your own distinct… — John Petrucci Copy Share
Songs come alive every night and can be a new experience for someone. You might have someone in the audience who has never seen… — John Petrucci Copy Share
I'm from the school of putting a lot of hours of practice into playing. But at the same time you have to write original… — John Petrucci Copy Share
I have to say that our fans have been absolutely wonderful all across the world. — John Petrucci Copy Share
I really rely a lot more on memory. I'm definitely not as good of a sight reader. — John Petrucci Copy Share
A violin neck is much smaller than the guitar's, so it's much easier to play wide intervals on one violin string. On the guitar,… — John Petrucci Copy Share
Using open strings is a great way to add texture and atmosphere to any chord progression. — John Petrucci Copy Share
We are very, very fortunate to have built a career based on playing the kind of music we play. In a lot of ways,… — John Petrucci Copy Share
![“Jordan [Ruddes], he learned that way, and that's what he knows how to do. That's how he kind of approaches all music, whether it's to learn a cover song that we're going to play, or to review Dream Theater music - he always uses charts. That's what he knows. I really rely a lot more on memory.” quote by John Petrucci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/4c8/john-petrucci-2141_approach_jordan-ruddes-he-learned-that-way-and-th_645451.png)
![“We used to rehearse and that's where the roots of Dream Theater formed. Y'know, we used to play cover songs and jam to [Iron] Maiden and stuff but we were writing songs and it was this metal, loud style and we'd constantly get knocks on our door, because the rehearsal rooms were right next door to…” quote by John Petrucci](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/3df/john-petrucci-2141_cover-songs_we-used-to-rehearse-and-that-s-where-the_2493514.png)