The John Petrucci Interview

In this episode of SOUNDING OFF we talk to Dream Theater's Guitarist John Petrucci. Here is a bio of John:
John Peter Petrucci (born July 12, 1967) is an American guitarist, composer and producer. He is best known as a founding member of the progressive metal band Dream Theater. With his former bandmate Mike Portnoy, he has produced all Dream Theater albums from 1999's Metropolis Pt. 2: Scenes from a Memory to 2009's Black Clouds & Silver Linings, and has been the sole producer of the band's albums released since Portnoy's departure in 2010. Petrucci was named as the third player on the G3 tour six times, more than any other invited guitarist. Joel McIver's 2009 book The 100 Greatest Metal Guitarists ranks Petrucci second, after Dave Mustaine. He was also named as one of the "Top 10 Greatest Guitar Shredders of All Time" by GuitarOne magazine. In 2012, Petrucci was ranked the 17th greatest guitarist of all time by a Guitar World magazine reader's poll.
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[@Goreuncle]

Almost 5 years and only 138k views? People clearly don't know what's good. There's nothing like listening to a geeky conversation between musicians, especially when Petrucci is involved. A guitar legend, yet so down to earth, friendly, funny and honest.

[@stoyanpetkov182]

Please do a Dream Theater song in "what makes this song great"!

[@TTDimes]

YEAH man! i would love that! Breaking all Illusions or Octavarium

[@king-manu2758]

@@TTDimes you'd have to go further back than that to actually find songs that merit a what makes this song great segment

[@enki2958]

@@king-manu2758 I would recommend "Caught in a web", "The dance of eternity" or "This dying sould".

[@AskAScreenwriter]

I know it may be cliche but "Pull Me Under" somehow defied all odds to become a radio hit, as well. That's how I first discovered Dream Theater. I can certainly see a 'What Makes This Song Great" breakdown of it. And if you know the band, maybe you won't get demonetized for it! ;-)

[@archikogan]

6 00

[@aloak]

It’s 2021, almost 2022 and I’m still waiting for a “what makes this song great” on Dream Theater. :(

[@texoport]

You can't do that if there are no great Dream Theater songs /s

[@dntinpalevo]

Being able to skype call God...what a great time we live in!

[@Ojoe2010]

Hehehe, exaggerated...yet funny. You made me giggle, thank you. :)

[@DrunkenMaster420]

Jesus

[@CelinePeren]

John talking about Allan Holdsworth is literally me talking about John Petrucci

[@JimbrasMermelevos]

I wonder what happens if you talk about Holdsworth, then...

[@pzdipuing]

Maybe allan holdsworth knw more about playing outside the key but damn john petruci kills evrybody in sense of timing n melody

[@JimbrasMermelevos]

@@pzdipuing hey, could we have a coffee or something? I loved the way you talk... Let's talk more to each other, alright?

[@jamescuttsmusicjcm5013]

@@kendrakrust1244 jeeebuz! I would too.

[@andym28]

Give it 15 years you'll go on about holdsworth

[@zackeriah87]

Eric Johnson would be a EPIC interview as well.. This was so great.. Steve Vai now John.. I'm in heaven!

[@dwightdwindley3141]

Yes would be the ultimate gear discussion

[@andresilvasophisma]

Great interview, Petrucci is a very down to Earth guy. I had the luck of talking to him once, he was just like this. It's not just for the camera.

[@danielmj85]

Obviously ... he is Jesus ... jk

[@onixtheone]

Never clicked on a video this fast..

[@distantstorm3808]

Petrucci?!?! My mind is officially blown. Way to go, Rick.

[@CASNY4METAL]

DT got their very first Grammy, so glad for them

[@tronlady1]

Brought me to tears. Even though I don’t find the stuff Petrucci is doing nowadays exciting I have so much love for the guy. I think the songwriting has gone downhill in the last few years but they’ve worked so hard for so long and produced the most incredible back catalogue. It’s time DT got the recognition they deserve they’ve bloody well earned it.

[@petergrifindor]

This is insane. Best channel ever

[@The_Tarmaster]

I love being alive in this age. To be able to access such amazing things like your channel for free is just mind blowing. I was born in 82. I grew up before technology. My childhood was rich with experience. Now, I am an adult during this incredible explosion of innovation and advancement. I'd like to think I am getting to live through the greatest time in mankind's history.

[@Bayo106]

you grew up in 1782?

[@richstellman4992]

Great point. Would've killed back then to have this access and insight into players like Rhoads, Lynch, Satch, etc.

[@kryme]

I think it's safe to say that this is BY FAR the best music related interview I've ever read or watched. I was stuck to the screen and headphones for 45 minutes straight, these questions were so relevant and well thought out, actually all the stuff that I am constantly wondering about. So all I can say is THANK YOU RICK, keep up the good work. It's your contribution to make this world a better place! :)

[@mattf9076]

It will never cease to amaze how all these greats view Holdsworth in such high regard. Their awe and shock is the same as mine(and I am nothing but a keyboard warrior). Holdworth really was his own genre.

[@silviomp]

Rick, you're the man! Your channel is a huge contribution to mankind!

[@SenseInTheChaos]

Rick you're killing it with these 'Sounding Off' interviews. I've never been so glad to have subb'ed to a KZbin channel! Thank you!!

[@RickBeato]

SenseInTheChaos I'm not sure people realize that the more people that subscribe the easier it is to get great guests like John. So for the people that haven't subscribed and watch my channel they should subscribe because it'll help me get a lot more interviews like this. Thanks! Rick

[@UroboricNate]

Man, i want to own every Dream Theater album with John Petruccis signature instrumental mix!

[@benjammin105123]

It takes a guy like Rick who knows a lot to even interview John effectively.

[@dougmacaulay3105]

I’m so happy he finds some of his own licks hard... makes me feel pretty good about my bad versions of them.

[@punishmentforall]

John Petrucci standing in awe of Allan Holdsworth - it raises his standing even higher.

[@tonyr7474]

I wish I could see the in concert. Back when Mike Portnoy was in the band. Sad that he left Dream Theater. However, Mike Mangini came in and filled Portnoy’s shoes beautifully. Mangini plays and keeps the music as original to the albums and doesn’t change anything on all the music Portnoy played. And that’s awesome. Thats respect.

[@jarnalyrkar]

He's back 😄

[@tonyr7474]

John is absolutely one of the greatest guitarists. He’s sound is powerful but at the same time very melodic. All his solos are great. Love his new pickups from dimarzio

[@Chudley716]

John is the best and a great guy too. I met him in 2017 and he was just like in this interview. Friendly and down to earth.

[@bskavronsky]

This is legit one of the most important channels on KZbin

[@rrsscc2006]

Rick from the bottom of my heart , thank you ... its the best channel Ever . Im in love , watching it every day , all day . Your contribution to the music community its un unbelievable . Thanks 🙌

[@garylayton5719]

Great interview, Rick. I don’t know how I’ve only found this recently. John is definitely my hero when it comes to guitar. I stumbled upon him back in high school when images and words came out. I was in awe and have been ever since. I’ve been lucky enough to meet him a few times and what a nice guy. He’s full of humility and treats everyone with the utmost respect.

[@juancarlos-dx1or]

I love how open minded ricks channel is regarding to its guests,its a way of celebrating great musicianship regardless of genres

[@RickBeato]

Thank you Juan!

[@NotRightMusic]

I usually don't get into interviews because the interviewer usually asks generic questions that don't interest me. What's nice about Rick is that he is also heavily involved with music, asks the kind of questions I would ask, and isn't afraid to geek out! Thanks Rick!

[@DominicAirola]

Do an episode with Michael Romeo of Symphony X

[@aerollzkie]

Yes please

[@VasilBelezhkov]

Now try to make John Myung talk for at least half an hour...

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Lmao Scott’s bass lessons did but we only get about 10 mins of it lol

[@tanvarma4169]

Gear talk: I have a bass amp which I play my bass through. It's a 5-string.

[@flapjackson6077]

Rick, you’re a great interviewer. Your breadth of musical knowledge is perfectly suited to interviewing musical geeks like John Petrucci. What a cool interview! Two musical masters talking music! 🤙

[@feeldablues7235]

The greatest of all time

[@IRo415]

Thanks, Rick, so much for the interview with DT's John Petrucci. As a drummer, I was always interested in listening to percussion/bass musicians. However, as I have been listening to your shows for the past 6 months, my interests are widening to include composers, guitarists, vocalists, keyboardists, and the audio production contributors as well. Your interviews pull for genuine, intimate, well-informed p.o.v. of the mind, heart, and soul of these creative people. Thanks again. Appreciate all your efforts.

[@mprater86]

Dude, you got to talk to Petrucci for an hour? So COOL! :D & Thanks for posting

[@GridZone]

Killing it with the guests...

[@larrysixstring6790]

Classy interview fantastic tribute John. R.I.P. Mr. Holdsworth. Well done Rick. Fantastic interview.

[@ilcrostini]

Rick - have you heard the live album “An Evening with John Petrucci and Jordan Ruess”? Talk about beautiful, melodic, tasty, complex playing. Classical and jazz influences. A beautiful 5/4 ballad with a “Take 5” feel. Tender ballads but also shredding intensity on some tracks. I think you would love that album.

[@ilcrostini]

Jordan ‘Rudess’…. Sorry. Maybe it is some kind of 11 time on “Hang 11” that sounds like 5/4? That’s the song I thought was 5/4.

[@MikeTroy74]

Another AMAZING and articulate interview. So darn good.

[@tonyr7474]

I just started listening to Dream Theatre a few years ago. I can’t believe I hadn’t heard from them before. I’ve gotten all there albums and listened to all of the from the first album to their newest and current album. It seems every album has a solo or two that really hits me hard and grabs me deep inside and inspires me.

[@mitchweiner]

Same here. I just got into them last year because they were in my recommendations through Rick Beato!

[@bassimprovjams3772]

Awesome!! Glad you found them!!! Enjoy 😊

[@bassimprovjams3772]

@@mitchweiner nice!!! Enjoy homie!!!

[@adam872]

JP is by far one of the most interesting musicians in the rock world. I can listen to him geek out about this stuff all day. He's also a top bloke and an incredible guitar plan. I also have to say that he has some of the best live guitar tone I've ever heard.

[@NeilRaouf]

John is one of the good guys on this earth! If you like this kinda guys you can't be a bad person. terrific artist and man!

[@RickBeato]

The nicest guy!

[@ringchamp6543]

As always really great questions Rick! And your line up is very impressive. Thanks so much for these - you are awesome.

[@Graiskye]

Awesome interview Rick. thanks really enjoyed it. John seems like such a cool guy, always enjoy hearing from him.

[@DrewciferFSA]

This was a great one, Rick! Loved hearing questions no one has asked him before, especially the in-ear mix!

[@nils-akeakesson9691]

Loved the interview Rick, great questions. Thank you!

[@ovivan79]

What a legend.

[@kenmcnutt2]

The greatest rock guitarist of all time, and I've seen most of them. The Scenes From a Memory Tour was the pinnacle of live performance, and it hurts me to say that because Rush is my favorite band.

[@killswitchlee123]

Trooch is an awesome person. Had the pleasure of witnessing him and the rest of the guys live. Awesome every time.

[@flahgdoe4558]

Troooooch haha. Glad I'm not the only one who refers to him as that.

[@paulkrieger336]

Thist interview is soooo interesting! I've watched it multiple times.

[@JakeTerch]

Wow, this is one of the best Petrucci interviews I’ve heard, awesome stuff Rick!

[@Danimal77]

Great interview Rick! John seem's like a really nice and down to earth kind of guy.

[@luis_gmr]

Nicely done, keep doing Rick! big fan. I love your channel, anxious to see more!

[@JustinOhio]

Great interview!!! Awesome questions!!! Thank you.

[@fraterariel9879]

What a cool guy and fantastic interview.

[@demondik]

Man Rick, another awesome guest/interview! Thanks for posting it.

[@davidevans1723]

Jesus Petrucci

[@BMR86]

I came back to listen to this interview years later since it first posted, this is a gold mine of an interview! I really hope people came back to see the amazing work Rick has done on his channel!

[@jcthomas1836]

Another great conversation with another great artist, way to go!!!

[@kilochfuller]

God damn! Love all your videos! Can't believe I just stumbled on them

[@theozamparo]

Wow dude, you're bringing in the best people for these ! Thank you so much !

[@mravanteguarde]

Woooooaaaaaa petrucci.. Always really-really great stuff.. Thank you so much. Very awesome channel, you deserve to have 1 billion subscribers mr. Beato.

[@marcos061059]

What a fantastic interview. Great insights into the industry and performances.

[@TheBassMan533]

When John said he has no vocals in his in-ears during shows I legit lost my shit. Lol

[@Marunius]

Well, who would want these vocals going straight to your ear though :F Sorry.

[@crimsun7186]

Especially considering that studio LaBrie and live LaBrie sound like completely different singers.

[@DiegoPujolT]

That's the reason JLB is still in the band. He's not aware.

[@hipbubble7685]

Understandable XD

[@DonHaka]

@@DiegoPujolT the reason why is still in the band is because he is a good friend of every member in the band, their kids are friends, he is the singer and has been a full fledged member with equal decision making as JP and all the others. I personally have no problem with how JLB sounds, he doesn't sound as good as he used to, but he has his moments.

[@SATedeschi]

Rick - Catching up on some video's. Excellent interview. Would love to see a similar episode with Al DiMeola. Thanks again

[@yarinein]

Dear Rick - before this video i loved you and your videos, you have so much knowledge and experience to share and amazing stories to tell, but after finding this gem - even more! thank you! i'm a big DT fan+guitarist+music lover and this was a delight to watch.

[@swingthestatue]

One of the best channels on youtube for sure, thanks Rick!

[@marksc1929]

...these are great and very informative interviews....thx Rick

[@fluntimes]

The most influential guitarist of the 21st century in my opinion. Love all JP's work.

[@MatthewMakingMusic]

Agreed

[@Ynherag]

Well, I didn't know why I've been learning english for years until know. Having access to such great material is amazing. Thank you Rick!

[@DiogoSarcinelli]

Rick is gonna break the internet

[@murrayrowley2900]

He sure deserves to... :-)

[@GuitarAndWhatevs]

More like space-time

[@DiogoSarcinelli]

Rick Beato - SOUNDING OFF with Everything Music's Rick Beato

[@VnMJack]

JP is awesome

[@enricobiggio1099]

great interview to an amazing musician, tnx Rick

[@Zedd5]

great interview, thx very much, good questions, I enjoyed all the technical stuff about boogies

[@Wallimann]

Super interesting and great questions. Thanks!

[@deathblowhere]

6:04 - It's probably Mesa Boggie formula pre - great clean tones! Thanks Rick for this brilliant interview! Cheers!

[@ralphus555]

Awesome guitar player... Seems like a great guy. So smart and down to earth.

[@blackcitadel37]

Uncle Petrucci? Holy shet. I didn't expect that one. For God's sake, please interview Guthrie Govan and Tosin Abasi.

[@jerekoivumaki]

Great questions! It was really entertaining. Thank you :)

[@kevc-69-]

Great conversation, thank you.

[@travisolsonmusic]

Building bridges across the world of music. Excellent content, Mr. Beato.

[@mstephencrowell]

Fantastic Interview..."The Pursuit of Tone"!

[@nickcharles6530]

Rick, it's really awesome how you've had the most awesome musicians on here in such a short time span!!! Thank you so much! I would really love to see an interview with Lorn Leber. I cant find any interviews with him, yet Steve Vai claims he was THE big hotshot guitarist when Steve was at Berklee. Also, I loved the Victor Wooten interview, but no one ever mentions Regi Wooten, who is an INCREDIBLE funk/rock/jazz guitarist/technician Keep up the good work and thanks again!!!

[@UroboricNate]

Thats gotta be really cool to hear that John has watched your videos and is impressed with your son.

[@paskudne]

Dont know if it even possible, but will be interesting to see that kind of video with Fredrik Thordendal

[@Athraminaurian]

Man, John seems like such nice fella. Awesome interview.

[@theoriginalbillholt]

Rick -- if you even get to read many of these comments, and mine happens to be one -- I found your channel a mere several days ago. Immediate subscription. ; ] I'm sure I'd heard your name, but I truly didn't know anything about you. I'm glad I clicked on that fateful 'thumbnail description' in the sidebar. 'Everything Music' is a most apt title for your offerings. Your 'bag of tricks' is the size of a shipping container. Ha! I aim to be appreciative when I take to typing in KZbin comment sections, but I don't favorably impress easily. That said, I'm rather awestruck with your depth of knowledge, experience, and rubber-meets-the-road abilities. I've been watching a lot of your material, and that will continue. It's great to see a real-deal, consummate, well-versed, no-nonsense pro who seems like a genuinely nice and cool guy. Thanks!

[@RickBeato]

Thank you and sorry it took so long to answer it :)

[@marcio1745]

Petrucci ... gosh .. THANK YOU, Rick ... your channel is a blessing ....

[@kariskgtr]

Really satisfied with this interview a lot. Many other things that you asked to him beside his guitar and amp. That what I looking for. Thanks Rick. Subscribed :)

[@manifestgtr]

First Steve, now this? You're killin it man Great stuff

[@54NT14G0]

Great interview!

[@YsAbTones]

Great ! i was waiting for this !

[@alfonshomac]

are you kidding me Beato?! my highest fives!

[@reallyreallyryan]

It's crazy how much your channel has changed and grown. It feels like only a few weeks ago you had like (I want to say) 2k and the occasional theory video! Holy crap. I hope it keeps on the up man, it's deserved. You've got a great thing going, your videos are hugely insightful.

[@katesjanice]

Please interview Kerry Livgren before he passed away. Great guitarist, keyboardist, and especially prog composer!

[@KimonHaldas]

These players that you are getting on are amazing!!!! ALL OF THEM!!!!!! I just watched a video doing an in depth annalist on Deacon Blues. Thought it might be a good idea if you make an accompanying video (to sounding off) taking apart one of these amazing artist's tunes. Thanks Rick!!!!! :)

[@robflores5172]

Guthrie Govan and Greg Howe please 😊❤️

[@bobkrause3796]

Awake is definitely my favorite

[@josefrancisco6969]

Great interview.

[@pauli8267]

Both Passion and Warfare, plus Images and Words (maybe I was just attracted to juxaposed album titles) had a massive formative effect on me, a major part of the reason I I'm a happy plucker. So, the fact you've had both Steve Vai and John Petrucci is insane. Thank you!

[@ryanburchett8455]

Dude, I am so envious. Petrucci is awesome for doing this.

[@ubda1]

i still cant believe JP is on. He's so down to earth and honest. I ran into him once in a stairwell at one of his shows, what a cool dude.