John Petrucci on Crying at Concerts, Perfect Guitar Tone, and His Secret 8-String | Guitar Villains

Join Guitar Super System today: guitarsupersystem.com
Stream my debut album Lotus on Spotify: spoti.fi/40kR5x2
Stream my debut album Lotus on Apple Music: apple.co/476OXuP
Follow on Instagram: / musiciswin
Follow on Facebook: / musiciswin
Intro and John Petrucci's supervillain alter-ego: 00:00
Burning Questions: 9:10
Name Those Notes: 18:20
John's new album, Terminal Velocity: 33:34
John's craziest G3 story and reuniting with Mike Portnoy: 47:25
The evolution of John's guitar tone and his secret 8-string signature guitar: 55:35
John's favorite airplane album: 1:03:10
John's dream band: 1:04:23
John's supervillain advice: 1:05:40
Subscribe to Guitar Villains on Spotify: spoti.fi/3i8q2xg
Subscribe to Guitar Villains on Apple Podcasts: apple.co/3n08vL3
Welcome to the pilot episode of 'Guitar Villains', my new podcast that will feature some of the world's greatest guitar players in a way you've never heard before. Why Guitar "Villains", you ask? Because villains are cooler than heroes, it's just a fact. Today’s Guitar Villain is John Petrucci. A legendary riff-writer, almighty shred-lord, dedicated gym-rat, purveyor of fine bourbon, and all-around nice guy, this bearded phenom (who some believe to be a wizard or even God himself) is here to spill his guitar secrets. John has recently dropped on us his second solo album entitled Terminal Velocity, which we’ll dive deep inside. I’ll also be challenging the prog prince in ways he’s never been challenged before, and I am honored to have him as the inaugural guest of the very first episode of Guitar Villains.
Check out John's brand new solo album, Terminal Velocity, streaming everywhere now: bit.ly/JP_GuitarVillains
#GuitarVillains

[@MusicisWin]

Intro and John Petrucci's supervillain alter-ego: 00:00 Burning Questions: 9:10 Name Those Notes: 18:20 John's new album, Terminal Velocity: 33:34 John's craziest G3 story and reuniting with Mike Portnoy: 47:25 The evolution of John's guitar tone and his secret 8-string signature guitar: 55:35 John's favorite airplane album: 01:03:10 John's dream band: 01:04:23 John's supervillain advice: 1:05:40 Subscribe to Guitar Villains on Spotify: ​spoti.fi/3i8q2xg​ Subscribe to Guitar Villains on Apple Podcasts: ​apple.co/3n08vL3​ Welcome to the pilot episode of 'Guitar Villains', my new podcast that will feature some of the world's greatest guitar players in a way you've never heard before. Why Guitar "Villains", you ask? Because villains are cooler than heroes, it's just a fact. Today’s Guitar Villain is John Petrucci. A legendary riff-writer, almighty shred-lord, dedicated gym-rat, purveyor of fine bourbon, and all-around nice guy, this bearded phenom (who some believe to be a wizard or even God himself) is here to spill his guitar secrets. John has recently dropped on us his second solo album entitled Terminal Velocity, which we’ll dive deep inside. I’ll also be challenging the prog prince in ways he’s never been challenged before, and I am honored to have him as the inaugural guest of the very first episode of Guitar Villains. Check out John's brand new solo album, Terminal Velocity, streaming everywhere now: ​bit.ly/JP_GuitarVillains​

[@DannySathya]

Loved the interview. Just a suggestion, keep questions shorter and have add-on questions in-hand instead of really long winded questions. Gives the interviewee more air time. Also, brilliant transitions but instead of the live camera as the background with the person looking awkwardly, I suggest adding in some photoshopped pictures of the guest. I think that would look even more Metal! I hope you take this in the right mindset and not see it as a random rant by a rando on the interwebs, even though it kinda is. Ha ha rock on! \m/

[@Handsofakiller19]

Buffalo Trace is my favorite Bourbon, hands down!

[@LonnardTree]

You’re in Nashville? Me too. If you know Elmington Park I live off that road. Love your channel as a fellow guitarist and the intelligence brought to the audience 👍🏻

[@howlinhirshy8358]

Kiko Loureiro and Synyster Gates pleaseee

[@Will_Wel]

Back when CDs were still a thing, that was my most expensive CD ever. I bought the limited edition with gold inside CD version of Friday night live in San francisco. It was like a $80 special order.

[@Livin5]

Tyler:“Villains are better than heroes.“ Also Tyler:*wears a Captain America hoodie*

[@coda5934]

I mean, being Captain America means he is a villain from other countries perspective

[@Akirashinto]

@@coda5934 yeah like Iraq. 🇮🇶😁

[@paulypoobrain2929]

When Steve Rogers became Nomad I’m sure some US government officials would have deemed him a villain as well if they weren’t already villainous and leading terror organizations.

[@shawnmcvey7789]

There's a whole arc where Red Skull uses a cosmic cube to change history and made Cap a Hydra agent from the begging. It's pretty divisive, but ends with Hydra Cap completely taking over and donning an Iron Man suit powered by Cosmic Cube shards only to be defeated by the real Captain America wielding Mjolnir.

[@debuhokontra2006]

if villains are better than hero, then why mojority of our idols called guitar heroes

[@des-lv4tp]

RIP EDDIE WE LOVE YOU

[@zaidanp7258]

😭🎸🎸🎸

[@ZaneDalton]

🤘😢

[@nubymcnubyface6337]

Guitarist Tribute I was going to comment this but you did so thanks and RIP eddie

[@peakxv2246]

we need on here the following people: Herman Li Steve Vai Kirk Hammet James Hetfield Kai Hansen Michael Weikath Henjo Richter Good 'Ol Stevie T The replies' suggestions: Dave Mustaine Brian May Michael Angelo Batio Buckethead Guthrie Govan Yngwie Malmsteen Joe Satriani Steve Lukather David Gilmour Brendon Small Nuno Bettencourt Anngus Young Tom Morello Eric Johnson Ron Jarzombek Marty Friedman Tosin Abasi Slash Synyster Gates Steve Morse Tim Henson

[@lordsaladinns5973]

and Michael Angelo Batio

[@thegoodhunter8316]

Can we get buckethead in the chat? Lol

[@bread9479]

Tim henson to.

[@treymorgan8648]

Herman Li is coming he said it on Instagram. Along with a few others including joe Satriani

[@staciehaskins6483]

We need yngwie malmsteen on the list

[@RC32Smiths01]

Rest in Peace to the wonderful EVH, who will never be forgotten. But of course, we should celebrate his life, knowing the lasting impact he has had on guitar. I know I will be happy to see this!

[@thecosmicyak1370]

News of an 8 string? Djohn Petrucci....

[@cappuccino4366]

Djont

[@speedrun_dave9282]

That's dhilarious

[@andresaedozapata7549]

Petruccstring

[@danielsulistyo3659]

Djont Petrucci

[@stefandobrev2238]

Dj0hn Petrtrucci

[@pawnhearts8785]

RIP Eddie. The guy who showed me what you could really do to a guitar.

[@kyledeedrick2768]

RIP

[@kasperilundgren5317]

Make it franken and do eruption

[@TRONOFTHEDEAD]

What he could do "to" a guitar: Makes me think of a guitar cowering in a corner, "No! Please Eddie no, PLEASE!"

[@rasersharp9744]

Love the way you phrased that. I always been fairly delicate to mine. Now it's my bitch and It wants to be played with.

[@rickmartin7674]

@@TRONOFTHEDEAD well he kind of did. But I really think the guitar liked it.

[@rangamsarmah2061]

"Things will get progressively harder" I see what you did there 👀 I really hope this podcast takes off, and I'm sure it will, cuz this was really fun!

[@i-ate-bread]

Goddamn it kirk wahmett 89 you're everywhere

[@notoriusdrifter40]

@@i-ate-bread He is "Just some guy without a mustache" of the guitar community.

[@josteinrefseth]

yeah great podcast, great host and great guest

[@bethanylarson2508]

This is so good!! John is such a nice guy. Can’t wait for the others!!

[@GammaFZ]

wait is this actually bethany larson

[@benjaminwiklund2602]

Yes.

[@rickfeith6372]

John is an amazing human. Just an all around awesome dude.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Hes the best!!!!

[@jingus1942]

Wait... this is his wife. Hello.

[@reganludwig2292]

Rest in peace, legends may pass away but they never die. Your mark has been left and will never be removed, thank you eddie and rest in peace

[@jurek1480]

Tyler saying villiains are better that heroes while wearing Captain America hoddie.

[@vicenteeeeeeeeee]

yeah, and JP > Tyler lol

[@staystrongjoseph]

I think it's on purpose You know like the hero asking the villian

[@Willl_b_]

He had better get rid of that hoddie

[@shhs1227]

I mean there was secret empire

[@journal.revival]

For real tho

[@ShredmasterScott]

This was really good....not just the same old questions

[@mcguirem]

Hey shred

[@ryansheesley3703]

@Big Chungus hey Chungus

[@lordamoghxd]

Muahahahhahahahhaaa

[@huntercrozier128]

The secret is all in the beard you guys

[@alieffauzanrizky7202]

Remind me of his quote from a dvd bonus "the bigger the beard the heavier the song is" or something like that

[@ChessCat1500]

fake news.. I grew a beard and long hair but I still suck at guitar.

[@DarrenWaters75]

EVH never had one... just saying

[@huntercrozier128]

Darren Waters but have you seen his hair?

[@danspinkguitar]

@@DarrenWaters75 Yes he did. Nonetheless clearly not required from the first 40 years of his life.

[@spacecadet4191]

“Why guitar villains you ask” because guitar hero is already licensed?

[@andrewlevistermma]

My god I love John Petrucci so much! I just bought my first ever Music Man guitar and it’s a Sweetwater exclusive Majesty.

[@kmassey-do2sy]

I got one a little over a year ago, did you get the one by sterling or the real deal?

[@andrewlevistermma]

CrossBow_ One2408 Sweetwater only sells American ones. I got the 6 string in the limited paint job called Eclipse Sparkle.

[@kmassey-do2sy]

@@andrewlevistermma they are amazing guitars, shred it up and enjoy every fret on the guy

[@andrewlevistermma]

CrossBow_ One2408 It’s gonna get delivered to my house later today I think. I’m so happy. I’m tired of his shitty Epiphone Les Paul

[@JohnsJustSaiyan]

Andrew Levister that is a fuckin HELL of an upgrade 😂

[@Moskal91]

John is my #1 favorite guitarist. i own a majesty and base my playing off of a healthy mix of dream theater and liquid tension experiment. he is the one guitarist that has helped me be inspired to push my technical limits. Thank You John ❤️🤟🎸

[@christopherwright2164]

@ElectrixGuitar99 I totally relate to you there. I’ve spent the last 11 years learning every Dream Theater song, and especially solo, which has been tough to say the least. His writing has pushed me beyond any goal I’ve ever set for myself.

[@landendoesyoutube1543]

Rest In Dive Bombs EVH NEVER FORGET

[@dylanmadsen5079]

What a way to start this podcast. John Petrucci is my absolute favorite guitarist and I'm ecstatic to see more. Would personally love to see Tosin Abasi in the near future!

[@fripptricky5099]

The last time I cried at a concert it was to John Petrucci's face. I saw him before the show in Chicago in 2019 and told him what Scenes From a Memory means to me. He smiled that Santa Claus smile of his and just said "Well, then, let's enjoy the show together." Great guy.

[@notwingwing]

Can’t wait to listen later! This sounds so sick so far, and only 30 seconds in.

[@porknoodle7886]

Rest in peace Eddie, you will always be remembered as an amazing, inspirational guitarist.

[@staystrongjoseph]

I can see tyler going crazy inside but trying not to show it 😂😂😂 I would've remained silent

[@johnnyresin]

The one time I saw Dream Theater live was i think the 20 year anniversary show in Hollywood where they brought out the original singer and keyboardist for the second set and played the whole first album. I was blown away by their energy!

[@martin9707]

John Petrucci is so wholesome. He is this super scary Rasputin-looking figure, but is so nice and it warms my heart to look at this

[@xanderdaniels8284]

I’d love to see one of these with Alex Lifeson, he’s underrated as guitarist and has a cool personality

[@rickfeith6372]

I've seen DT live fourteen times now and have shed a tear on more than one occasion. Halfway through the video I had to take a half hour break...I couldn't get Jaws of Life out of my head and nothing helps with that better than playing it. All better now.... continue djentleman

[@olafminnich]

Love this! Congratulations on your success! You never seem to run out of great ideas. I'm so excited for the rest of the episodes!

[@stevenc5448]

What an awesome interview. As a jp fan, ive heard a lot of interviews. So its very cool to hear some really new and interesting things. This one really shows a unique and personable side of john that doesnt really get much light. Thank you!

[@ehmednauman.]

Hey Tyler, I just wanted to let you know how much your videos help me out with having a laugh or learning something new or just needing something to take my mind off of other things. I always come back to your videos when i’m anxious or if im feeling down and I among so many others really appreciate how much quality content you consistently put out.

[@TruthGuitar]

Dude this is so good. I am watching from work during my lunch hours and in between breaks. Such a great idea. Such a great line up. Dude you even freakin nailed the commercials....love that you mentioned the youtube guitar lessons. SUPER COOL!

[@AchillesWrath1]

Tyler, this was fantastic. I really enjoyed the interview. I can't wait to see more in the future.

[@JonasCraftUltimate]

This is just so awesome, everything Ive waited for in a podcast. looking forward to many more.

[@firedupfrets]

This is an exceptional interview! Tyler has a great back for having an informative and natural feeling conversation. I can't wait for more GV podcasts. Great work...and thanks for all you do Tyler! RIP EVH

[@stuffjoeyloves]

Yes!

[@jammster]

You are correct Tyler. 20 minutes in and this is THE greatest guitar podcast ever!

[@tonyv.207]

John’s initial comment on not just letting a big moment pass by without acknowledging each other’s contributions is so often overlooked.

[@shanechaisson9383]

This was awesome. Perfect and well executed interview.

[@J0SEM3ZA]

Rip man I'm here because of the live

[@jankanters2905]

Awesome podcast!

[@chazbarnes3221]

Really nice job with the interview and the overall structure. Nice spin on the traditional interview format. John seems like such a straight up nice dude.

[@Mayhemzz]

I think having John as the first guest is an insane power move that sets the bar for this series SUPER high. I'm not a guitarist myself but I do love hearing other musicians geek out about their gear and music in general.

[@tsbdgaming69s96]

I can’t wait for John Petrucci’s 8 string! Also, RIP EVH

[@zackoc5805]

“The greatest guitar podcast in the world” first question: what’s your bourbon of choice? lol great stuff tyler keep it up

[@TrippyWheelz]

JP seems like such a nice humble guy. Just taking the time to do a podcast on its first episode is very nice of him.

[@scottmcnaughton4143]

This was the best inaugural episode of a series anyone could imagine. It was worth every minute. Had me on Amazon Prime after first ten minutes. JP is such a gracious and honest guy. Best of luck with this. Not missing one.

[@SergeantFive]

Yo, landing the legend himself on the first podcast! Excited for this podcast series

[@promaparomita3901]

Kick Ass name for a show. Put it in the name first. As in - "Guitar Villains| John Petrucci on...." Looking forward to the rest of the series. Good luck.

[@lunaleonem3378]

Not even 10 minutes in and it already shows how much work you out into the project. Great podcast Tyler.

[@KibatsuMusic]

That was so enjoyable listening to John and his thoughts and stories. What a wizard and great human being. Awesome interview, well spoken and much to gain from this podcast 🎸

[@shreddiestreams]

I'm so happy Petrucci has appreciation for Tommy Emmanuel. Tommy is truly a guitarists guitarist.

[@blinberland]

i can never find the part where he talks about him, you know where it is? sorry and thank you

[@megsrini5013]

RIP EVH😭😭💔

[@13Hard]

This is the first "Podcast" ever in my Life I finished. And also in one run! Just Great!! Awesome formate, great topics and you have been so serious and professional but also funny the way you are usually! Congratulation!

[@markslist1542]

That's one of the best interviews of a guitarist I've ever heard.

[@zamkowicz]

A whole hour of John Petrucci talking? Sign me up

[@fanson1986]

Unfortunately, it was not the case. I learned much more about the interviewer who I don't care about rather than John

[@Zakariah1971]

Zzzzzzzz

[@AmanKhan-qk7pu]

PLEASE BRING MIKAEL AKERFELDT HERE PLSSSSS I BEG

[@sunsetsmusic3792]

Congrats on Interviewing him! Can't wait for more!!!

[@willgibsonguitar]

This was amazing! great job guys. I love John Petrucci so it was super cool to see him collab with you. I loved that you asked him a lot of unique questions, instead of just all of the same questions as everyone else.

[@baldbearded9601]

You were channelling your inner Sean Evans there! 👌 That was seriously really good

[@lebebop1682]

Imagine if John and Devin Townsend meet up... How much kindness, wisdom and positivity would radiate. The world could become a better place instantly.

[@KakuraZenom]

Thank you for this, Ill never be bored listening to the master JP ! The interview was very well prepared

[@wolfganghumboldt4830]

I will be tuning in to each one of these. Very cool.

[@coolguitarchannel]

This was great. Loved it. But my one criticism is that I think you interrupted John a little too much. Let him talk a little more!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

I think so also.

[@blessed7fold]

100 % correct! It was mostly him doing all the talking instead of John. For this supposedly being the best channel for guitar interviews I think he totally bombed and blew it.

[@147pablox]

I was about to say the same. Some questions were original, but yeah, let him talk.

[@VictorM86]

It's impossible to imagine John Petrucci as a villain.

[@psevdonymo]

John is so humble, it warms my heart everyday. Hey Tyler, thanks for this man. Super informative and fan as well. Greetings from Greece.

[@10buck289]

Fantastic job. Looking forward to future episodes.

[@daviddinhof2305]

If you could get Mark Holcomb on this show, that would be amazing

[@attafahqi]

Hei, i am here after watched your live

[@StavK]

I’m really enjoying watching how you’re growing your channel. This series is great and I can’t wait to see more of it. Thank you for all the content!

[@RogueA.I.]

Two things. I knew after watching you interview Victor Wooten you would be good at this. I love that you chose to do it. Great job. I look forward to this new series! I ran into John outside his hotel at NAMM a few years back and went total fan girl on him. He was so gracious and seemed to genuinely appreciate his fans. He was as he is in this interview. So down to earth. My wife and I have been fans of theirs since they played clubs on Long Island and he gave me a great memory by being so accommodating.

[@suryayenamandra7708]

RIP EDDIE WE WILL MISS YOU

[@pablothecloudman]

Would love an interview with the guys from Chon / Polyphia ;) also RIP Eddie

[@HigzyTeflon]

Out of all of your uploads, this one here is my favourite, by far.... and that's saying a lot! You're like... the best interviewer, ever. Seriously, this was fun to watch. KIU!

[@bizeeibrahim]

THANK YOU SO MUCH! Loving the format, super chill & very personalize. I am glad to discover new things that I don't know before. Dream Theater for life!

[@tappiocah]

Great video man, can you do John Frusciante next?

[@Matt-cr4fr]

I really hope we get a Herman Li or Tim Henson episode those would be fun

[@socialcollective1741]

Great format and interview. Thank you

[@cambloklandmusic]

This is one of the coolest guitar interviews ever! Such a unique/interesting approach. Looking forward to the next one :)

[@davidepannone6021]

As MAB said himself long ago "it's better to have it and not have to use it, rather than not having it and having to do it". I can't wrap my head around how that "you don't have feel" still comes out in 2020. If these were the 80s, sure, i could see that argument pop off. As always, something new is most of the time shun upon. But this being still a thing after all these years is simply ridicolous. And as Tyler said himself, 90% of the times that argument pops up, it comes from people that can't play fast. So they have to rationalize the fact they're deficient by saying "oh, but i play with feel". It's really the classic "fox and the grape" story.

[@BrandonBames]

Petrucci's playing has been some of the hardest stuff I've ever tried learning. Not necessarily the speed or technical prowess (although it IS there), but he just has such a fluid and soulful style that stands out amongst the thousands of shredders who can probably play circles around him but can't touch his finesse. Plus, his deep interest in tone and gear just makes him such a fun and interesting dude. Glad you exist, my man!

[@TOPTENTRAVEL01]

Love that you did a guitar version of "Name That Tune": "I can name that tune in four notes." Look forward to the next episode!

[@obiem9319]

Well said. 21:00 People who say that technical guitarist don't have no feel or soul are the once who lack musical knowledge and mastery of their instrument. And that's me saying that.

[@garrettlee8365]

Tyler: dedicates video to EVH Everybody liked that

[@lewis2207]

22:35 Crying at a Tommy Emmanuel gig

[@abls8458]

Thanks for the time stamp!

[@kennybenally7187]

I cried first time ever at a DT gig. That damn 'Illumination Theory' tugs on the heart strings.

[@vascopereira9978]

This is amazing, man! Thank you Tyler and John for giving us all the opportunity to watch this really entertaining and fun conversation between you too :) Btw, I think one of these with Guthrie would be absolutely mind blowing!! Once again, thank you, see you in the next video!

[@ipleadguilty4918]

Please keep doing these, the potential this has is unreal.

[@TheAxe4Ever]

A perfect example of how an interviewer loves to hear himself talk more than the interviewee.

[@bassimprovjams3772]

He does speak more than JP

[@aymentunisien]

i agree

[@lmjc2007]

He definitely should leave more space for the guests to express themselves. It kinda look like a monologue

[@trialusert]

Exactly!!!

[@Zakariah1971]

Egomania

[@pgrove]

I wonder how many times John thought "just get on with it" in his own head during this podcast.

[@mk.1524]

The show is fantastic, it's a brilliant idea and fantastic interviews where we get to meet these fantastic guitar players even deeper. You were definitely right about this being one of the best interview. I can't wait for the interview with Guthrie Govan. Keep doing the great work.

[@Human192]

"Guitar is the most expressive instrument next to the voice" I love that. And I wholeheartly believe that. There's a certain comfort in the way someone can play the guitar. It's able to scream, to shout, to lull you in. I'd absolutly love to hear you talk about Gary Moore in that regard. Just listen to his cover of "The Messiah will come again" or even "Empty Rooms" live from Stockholm. Man, the way his playing fills you with emotions is crazy. Amazing interview here. John's a neet dude. And ofc RIP Eddie. Cheers to you, hopefully rockin' upstairs.

[@law3276]

F in the chat for EVH

[@jasonlieberman4606]

2:53 TL;DR: celebration is NOT overrated

[@leighjones4396]

Tyler, phenomenal job putting this podcast together! Incredible production value, entertaining with your different segments, backing music/graphics are awesome, and you have a kickass selection of guests coming! Can't wait to see what you have in store for us!

[@theworldismonde6588]

thank you very much that was an amazing show guitar villains rocksssss!!!!!!!!

[@ToniMcaroni]

hi

[@suryayenamandra7708]

Les goo first

[@des-lv4tp]

Nah I was

[@lettersoftransit3994]

140k views and 8k likes.. what??? and to those 70 dislikes... WTF???? JP is the man and Tyler is proving to be a great interviewer. Loving this series.

[@thomaspearson2756]

This was really great tyler. Im glad I have another podcast to watch all the time!

[@danielebucci4067]

🤟🤘 EVH ❤️🤍🖤❤️🖤

[@terrenceflynn]

"I think villains are cooler than heros." *casually sports captain America hoodie...

[@DoobieKeebler28]

This was awesome! Can't wait to watch future episodes.

[@reme7903]

John Petrucci is my favourite guitarist and i love the way you made this podcast, i will tune in for the other ones coming up as well!