Author Topic: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings  (Read 53857 times)

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Offline Metro

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List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« on: August 08, 2017, 11:43:17 AM »
When Dream and Day Unite
A Fortune in Lies
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)

Status Seeker
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)

Ytse Jam
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)

The Killing Hand
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Electric and Classical)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)

Light Fuse and Get Away
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)

Afterlife
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)

The Ones Who Help to Set the Sun
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)

Only a Matter of Time
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (E Standard, 4-string)


Images and Words
NOTE: JM recorded the album with a 4-string bass, but switched to 6-string bass starting on the I&W tour. Most songs can be played on a regular 4-string. Take the Time has a low C#, but it's unclear if he used a 5 or 6-string bass or if he tuned down.

Pull Me Under
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 4-string)

Another Day
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 4-string)

Take the Time
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G (Standard, 5-string) or B E A D G C (Standard 6-string)

Surrounded
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 4-string)

Metropolis Pt.1
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 4-string)

Under a Glass Moon
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 4-string)

Wait for Sleep
No Guitar or Bass

Learning to Live
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 4-string)


Awake
6:00
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Caught in a Web
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Innocence Faded
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Erotomania
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Voices
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Silent Man
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Mirror
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Lie
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Lifting Shadows Off a Dream
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Scarred
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Space-Dye Vest
Guitar: D A D G B E (Drop D, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


A Change of Seasons
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Falling Into Infinity
New Millennium
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: ? ? ? ? ? ? (12-string Chapman Stick)

You Not Me
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Peruvian Skies
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Hollow Years
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string Fretless)

Burning My Soul
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Hell’s Kitchen
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Lines in the Sand
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Take Away My Pain
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: ? ? ? ? ? ? (12-string Chapman Stick) played on a regular 6-string bass tuned B E A D G C live

Just Let Me Breathe
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Anna Lee
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Trial of Tears
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Cleaning Out the Closet
Don’t Look Past Me
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 4-string)

Cover My Eyes
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Eve
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Raise the Knife
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Speak to Me
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

To Live Forever
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: E A D G (Standard, 6-string)

The Way It Used to Be
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Where Are You Now?
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Scenes From a Memory
Regression
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic)
No Bass

Overture 1928
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Strange Déjà-Vu
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Through My Words
No Guitar or Bass

Fatal Tragedy
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Beyond This Life
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Through Her Eyes
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic and Electric)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string Fretless)

Home
Guitar: D A D G B E (Drop D, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Dance of Eternity
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

One Last Time
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Spirit Carries On
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Finally Free
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic and Electric)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence
The Glass Prison
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Blind Faith
Guitar: A D G C E A (A Standard, Baritone) and E A D G B E (Regular 6 string during unison)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Misunderstood
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string) Played on a 6-string tuned D A D G B E live
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Great Debate
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Disappear
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Electric and Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Overture
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

About to Crash
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

War Inside My Head
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Test That Stumped Them All
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string) Played on a 6-string tuned E A D G B E live
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Goodnight Kiss
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Solitary Shell
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Electric and 12-string acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

About to Crash(Reprise)
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Losing Time/Grand Finale
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Train of Thought
As I Am
Guitar: C F Bb Eb G C (C Standard, 6-string)
Bass: C E A D G C (Standard w/ lowest string tuned up to C, 6-String)

This Dying Soul
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Endless Sacrifice
Guitar - D G C F A D (D Standard, 6-string)
Bass: D E A D G C (Standard w/ lowest string tuned up to D, 6-String)

Honor Thy Father
Guitar: C F Bb Eb G C (C Standard, 6-string)
Bass: C E A D G C (Standard w/ lowest string tuned up to C, 6-String)

Vacant
No Guitar
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-String Possibly Fretless?)

Stream of Consciousness
Guitar: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb (Eb Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

In The Name of God
Guitar: C F Bb Eb G C (C Standard, 6-string)
Bass: C E A D G C (Standard w/ lowest string tuned up to C, 6-String)


Octavarium
The Root of All Evil
Guitar: Eb Ab Db Gb Bb Eb (Eb Standard, 6-string)
Bass: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb B (Standard down 1/2 step, 6-string)

The Answer Lies Within
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic and Electric)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

These Walls
Guitar: A D G C E A (A Standard, Baritone)
Bass: A E A D G C (Drop A, 6-string)

I Walk Beside You
Guitar: D G C F A D (D Standard, 6-String)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Panic Attack
Guitar: Bb Eb Ab Db F Bb (Bb Standard, Baritone)
Bass: Bb E A C G C (Standard-ish tuning w/ lowest string tuned down to Bb and D string tuned down to C for the intro. 6-string)

Never Enough
Guitar - D G C F A D (D Standard, 6-string)
Bass: D E A D G C (Standard w/ lowest string tuned up to D, 6-String)

Sacrificed Sons
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Octavarium
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string 12-String and Electric)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Systematic Chaos
In the Presence of Enemies Pt.1
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Forsaken
Guitar: D G C F A D (D Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-String)

Constant Motion
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Dark Eternal Night
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Repentance
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string) and E A D G B E (Standard, 6- String Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Prophets of War
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Ministry of Lost Souls
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

In the Presence of Enemies Pt.2
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Black Clouds and Silver Linings
A Nightmare to Remember
Guitar: C F Bb Eb G C (C Standard, 6-string)
Bass: C E A D G C (Standard w/ lowest string tuned up to C, 6-String)

A Rite of Passage
Guitar - D G C F A D (D Standard, 6-string)
Bass: D E A D G C (Standard w/ lowest string tuned up to D, 6-String)

Wither
Guitar: Bb Eb Ab Db F Bb (Bb Standard, Baritone)
Bass: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb B (Standard down 1/2 step, 6-string)

The Shattered Fortress
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Best of Times
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic and Electric)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Count of Tuscany
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Electric and Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Raw Dog
NOTE: Raw Dog has never been played live, so these tunings are just a guess.
Guitar - A D G C F A D (Standard down 1 whole step, 7-string) or A E A D G B E (Drop A, 7-string)
Bass: A E A D G C (Drop A, 6-string)


A Dramatic Turn of Events
On the Backs of Angels
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Build Me Up, Break Me Down
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Lost Not Forgotten
Guitar - D G C F A D (D Standard, 6-string)
Bass: A D G C F Bb (Standard down 1 whole step, 6-String)

This Is the Life
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Bridges in the Sky
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Outcry
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Far From Heaven
No Guitar
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string Fretless)

Breaking All Illusions
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Beneath The Surface
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Dream Theater
False Awakening Suite
Guitar: A D G C F A D (7 String down a Whole step, Low A tunes down to a G at the end)
Bass: A D G C F Bb (Standard down 1 whole step, 6-String)

The Enemy Inside
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Looking Glass
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Enigma Machine
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Bigger Picture
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string) and E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Behind the Veil
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Surrender to Reason
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Electric and 12-string Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Along for the Ride
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Illumination Theory
Guitar - A D G C F A D (Standard down 1 whole step, 7-string)
Bass: A D G C F Bb (Standard down 1 whole step, 6-String)


The Astonishing
Descent of The NOMACs
No Guitar or Bass

Dystopian Overture
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Gift of Music
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Answer
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

A Better Life
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Lord Nafaryus
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

A Savior in The Square
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

When Your Time Has Come
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Act of Faythe
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Three Days
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Hovering Sojourn
No Guitar or Bass

Brother, Can You Hear Me?
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

A Life Left Behind
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic and Electric)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Ravenskill
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Chosen
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

A Tempting Offer
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Digital Discord
No Guitar or Bass

The X Aspect
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

A New Beginning
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Road To Revolution
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

2285 Entr'acte
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Moment of Betrayal
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Heaven's Cove
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Begin Again
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

The Path That Divides
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Machine Chatter
No Guitar or Bass

The Walking Shadow
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

My Last Farewell
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Losing Faythe
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Whispers on The Wind
No Guitar or Bass

Hymn of A Thousand Voices
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string Acoustic and Electric)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Our New World
Guitar: D A D G B E (Drop D, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Power Down
No Guitar or Bass

Astonishing
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)


Distance Over Time
Free Guitar Tab book from user DT89
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qf7cFLUQnTc

Untethered Angel
Guitar: C F Bb Eb G C (C Standard, 6-string)
Bass: C F Bb Eb Ab Db (Standard tuning up 1/2 step, 6-String)

Paralyzed
Guitar: Bb Eb Ab Db F Bb (Bb Standard, Baritone)
Bass: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb B (Standard down 1/2 step, 6-string)

Fall Into the Light
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Barstool Warrior
Guitar: E A D G B E (E Standard, 6-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Room 137
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

S2N
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

At Wit's End
Guitar - D G C F A D (D Standard, 6-string)
Bass: A D G C F Bb (Standard down 1 whole step, 6-String)

Out of Reach
Guitar: Bb Eb Ab Db F Bb (Bb Standard, Baritone)
Bass: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb B (Standard down 1/2 step, 6-string)

Pale Blue Dot
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

Viper King
Guitar: A E A D G B E (Drop A, 7-string)
Bass: A E A D G C (Drop A, 6-string)


The Holiday Spirit Carries On
Guitar: B E A D G B E (Standard, 7-string)
Bass: B E A D G C (Standard, 6-string)

List continues here: https://www.dreamtheaterforums.org/boards/index.php?topic=50659.msg2822778#msg2822778
« Last Edit: June 04, 2022, 10:41:49 PM by Metropolaris »

Offline sfam2112

  • "Oops!" Insurance Salesman
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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #1 on: August 08, 2017, 01:38:52 PM »
One thing I'm curious about is Misunderstood. There's footage of him in the studio recording it with a 7-string. The low notes in the riff in the solo section point to that, as well. Yet, live, he plays it in Drop D. It's interesting.

Also, The Great Debate is standard tuning. EADGBE :)

This is my take on The Astonishing, if it helps or if you care to review/correct:
Descent of The NOMACs - no guitar
Dystopian Overture - BEADGBE
The Gift of Music - BEADGBE
The Answer - EADGBE
A Better Life - EADGBE
Lord Nafaryus - EADGBE
A Savior in The Square - BEADGBE
When Your Time Has Come - BEADGBE
Act of Faythe - BEADGBE
Three Days - BEADGBE
The Hovering Sojourn - no guitar
Brother, Can You Hear Me? - BEADGBE
A Life Left Behind - EADGBE
Ravenskill - BEADGBE
Chosen - EADGBE
A Tempting Offer - BEADGBE
Digital Discord - No guitar
The X Aspect - EADGBE
A New Beginning - EADGBE
Road To Revolution - BEADGBE

2285 Entr'acte - BEADGBE
Moment of Betrayal - BEADGBE
Heaven's Cove - BEADGBE
Begin Again - EADGBE
The Path That Divides - BEADGBE
Machine Chatter - no guitar
The Walking Shadow - EADGBE
My Last Farewell - BEADGBE
Losing Faythe - EADGBE
Whispers on The Wind - no guitar
Hymn of A Thousand Voices - EADGBE
Our New World - DADGBE
Power Down - nada
Astonishing - BEADGBE
« Last Edit: August 08, 2017, 02:14:45 PM by sfam2112 »
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Offline RaiseTheKnife

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #2 on: August 08, 2017, 02:36:39 PM »
Very cool list.  I didn't know that War Inside My Head is in E flat, although the 6 Degrees tab book has it transcribed in standard tuning.

Also, Blind Faith uses both a silhouette bass and standard tuning.

Offline gzarruk

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #3 on: August 08, 2017, 05:55:42 PM »
This is amazing! :hefdaddy
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline Cable

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #4 on: August 08, 2017, 06:04:02 PM »
Well done all!



Raw Dog - ADGCEA or ADGCFAD (Not sure, I know it's a low A though)



I believe JP said he did it in drop A with a seven, and not A standard on a seven. Song won't every get talked about anymore, as it's the black sheep of their catalog.



One thing I'm curious about is Misunderstood. There's footage of him in the studio recording it with a 7-string. The low notes in the riff in the solo section point to that, as well. Yet, live, he plays it in Drop D. It's interesting.



That is correct, he recorded with a seven but uses drop D on a 6 if I recall correctly.



Also, Blind Faith uses both a silhouette bass and standard tuning.



Yup, he used the Silhouette as a baritone guitar, before he had one made. And the unison (just the unison!) was recorded on a standard tuned six. So live he has to play that insane line an octave lower, which makes it even harder!

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Offline RaiseTheKnife

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #5 on: August 08, 2017, 06:26:32 PM »

Also, Blind Faith uses both a silhouette bass and standard tuning.



Yup, he used the Silhouette as a baritone guitar, before he had one made. And the unison (just the unison!) was recorded on a standard tuned six. So live he has to play that insane line an octave lower, which makes it even harder!
[/quote]

I believe JP originally played it live in standard tuning with a double-neck guitar, but the double neck kept breaking so he ditched it.  I was lucky to catch a show with the double neck during this time.

Offline bosk1

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #6 on: August 08, 2017, 06:35:45 PM »
Wow, I saw the thread, but hadn't checked in on it until right now.  I had no idea that it was nearly complete.  Nice work! 

Metropolaris, if I could make one request, just to make it easier and faster a read, could you just make a few added annotations to indicate where tuning is standard by putting (standard) after it, and whether it is a  6 string, 7 string, or baritone?  I dunno, maybe guitarists wouldn't actually find it helpful, but I would think the quick reference would be helpful to some. 

So what I had in mind would look like this, for example:
-A Fortune in Lies - EADGBE (standard; 6 string)
...
-The Mirror - BEADGBE (standard; 7 string)
...
-Home - DADGBE (6 string)
...
-These Walls - ADGCEA (standard; baritone)

Is that doable, or too much hassle?  Either way, great work!  :clap:
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Offline gzarruk

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #7 on: August 08, 2017, 08:09:38 PM »
Also, as a bassist, I would really appreciate it if someone did this, but with JM's bass tunings, since he also uses different tunings on some songs  :laugh:
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline Metro

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #8 on: August 08, 2017, 08:14:33 PM »
Also, as a bassist, I would really appreciate it if someone did this, but with JM's bass tunings, since he also uses different tunings on some songs  :laugh:

If someone wants to go through make a list I'll definitely add that to the OP.

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #9 on: August 08, 2017, 08:14:41 PM »
Wow, I saw the thread, but hadn't checked in on it until right now.  I had no idea that it was nearly complete.  Nice work! 

Metropolaris, if I could make one request, just to make it easier and faster a read, could you just make a few added annotations to indicate where tuning is standard by putting (standard) after it, and whether it is a  6 string, 7 string, or baritone?  I dunno, maybe guitarists wouldn't actually find it helpful, but I would think the quick reference would be helpful to some. 

So what I had in mind would look like this, for example:
-A Fortune in Lies - EADGBE (standard; 6 string)
...
-The Mirror - BEADGBE (standard; 7 string)
...
-Home - DADGBE (6 string)
...
-These Walls - ADGCEA (standard; baritone)

Is that doable, or too much hassle?  Either way, great work!  :clap:

Or even something like (Drop D, 6 string) or (D standard, 6 string)
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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #10 on: August 08, 2017, 08:34:45 PM »
I never knew I needed this in my life till now.
I just don't understand what they were trying to achieve with any part of the song, either individually or as a whole. You know what? It's the Platypus of Dream Theater songs. That bill doesn't go with that tail, or that strange little furry body, or those webbed feet, and oh god why does it have venomous spurs!? And then you find out it lays eggs too. The difference is that the Platypus is somehow functional despite being a crazy mishmash or leftover animal pieces

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Offline Cable

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #11 on: August 08, 2017, 08:42:32 PM »

Also, Blind Faith uses both a silhouette bass and standard tuning.



Yup, he used the Silhouette as a baritone guitar, before he had one made. And the unison (just the unison!) was recorded on a standard tuned six. So live he has to play that insane line an octave lower, which makes it even harder!

I believe JP originally played it live in standard tuning with a double-neck guitar, but the double neck kept breaking so he ditched it.  I was lucky to catch a show with the double neck during this time.
[/quote]


I saw them play BF on the CiM in tour, and he had the baritone. I just thought he used to double neck for parts of 6Doit and 8V, as it's normally standard tuned 6 and a 12 string. That thing was cool to see no doubt!
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Offline Mosh

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #12 on: August 08, 2017, 09:17:31 PM »
Some quick points:

There is a 7 string guitar during the chorus of Misunderstood, but it's nothing you can't play on a six string in drop D. I suspect JP just preferred the sound of a fretted D power chord instead of an open one (a small but definite difference). Probably worth putting up there for reference.

Solitary Shell uses a 12 string guitar

Pretty sure Never Enough is in D standard, not Drop D. It's hard to tell for sure with some of the live videos but the Octavarium book has it in D standard and I'm pretty sure that is one of the books that JP signed off on.

Octavarium uses 12 string guitar in the first and last movements.

Repentance uses a 7 string electric and 6 string acoustic.

In addition to six string standard tuning, OTBOA and Beneath the Surface both have overdubbed acoustic guitars in "Nashville" tuning, this is when the four lowest strings are replaced with lighter gauges and tuned up an octave.

False Awakening Suite is a little complicated (obviously they weren't planning on playing it live so they could experiment a bit with the guitars). The bulk of the song is a 7 string dropped a whole step. At the very end of the song (2:28), the 7th string is tuned down from A to G. Probably an overdub using the same guitar, but the whole song isn't in that tuning.


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Offline gzarruk

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #13 on: August 08, 2017, 09:33:38 PM »
Also, the first verse of Surrender to Reason (the "In moments of pain..." section) and the intro to Heaven's Cove were played on a 12 string acoustic guitar.

Maybe that's one of the reasons why we haven't seen STR played live before, because either JP does what he did on the TA tour and uses an acoustic on a stand behind him, or has to bring his double neck guitar on tour just for one song on the set (unless they decide to include Solitary Shell and/or Octavarium on the same set... and that would be amazing).
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline Mosh

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #14 on: August 08, 2017, 09:40:01 PM »
I dunno, he could just play it on six string with an acoustic patch and it wouldn't really make that much of a difference. I think they just haven't gotten to it yet. They did a lot of DT12 on the tour while still making room for Awake and SFAM, they did a new song on the following tour, Astonishing tour was all Astonishing obviously, and this latest tour has yet another new DT12 song. I'm sure they'll get to Surrender To Reason on the next tour.
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Offline The Silent Cody

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #15 on: August 08, 2017, 10:36:50 PM »
Also, as a bassist, I would really appreciate it if someone did this, but with JM's bass tunings, since he also uses different tunings on some songs  :laugh:

If someone wants to go through make a list I'll definitely add that to the OP.
I'll try to prepare that as well if I only had some day off.

Offline Cable

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #16 on: August 09, 2017, 07:03:07 AM »
Also, as a bassist, I would really appreciate it if someone did this, but with JM's bass tunings, since he also uses different tunings on some songs  :laugh:

If someone wants to go through make a list I'll definitely add that to the OP.
I'll try to prepare that as well if I only had some day off.


Yeah, he puts the B up to C during AIA, HTF and ITNOG I believe.
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Offline sfam2112

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #17 on: August 09, 2017, 09:52:42 AM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.
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Offline gzarruk

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #18 on: August 09, 2017, 10:01:47 AM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.

Take the Time has a low C#, though.
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline BlobVanDam

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #19 on: August 09, 2017, 10:57:37 AM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.

Take the Time has a low C#, though.

The bass goes to the low C#, but I think on the guitar part it's only implied with the lower 4th, and not the lower octave.
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Offline sfam2112

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #20 on: August 09, 2017, 11:17:34 AM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.

Take the Time has a low C#, though.

That's the only thing that got me. The commentary on Live in Tokyo, while they're watching the footage of recording I&W, JM is playing a 4-string and MP (on the commentary) goes "You recorded the whole album on a 4-string, right?" "Yep"
Maybe he used a 5 or 6-string on TTT and didn't remember.
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Offline gzarruk

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #21 on: August 09, 2017, 11:22:27 AM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.

Take the Time has a low C#, though.

That's the only thing that got me. The commentary on Live in Tokyo, while they're watching the footage of recording I&W, JM is playing a 4-string and MP (on the commentary) goes "You recorded the whole album on a 4-string, right?" "Yep"
Maybe he used a 5 or 6-string on TTT and didn't remember.

And on the IAW tour he was already using a 6 string bass, so we really have no clue on that
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline Cable

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #22 on: August 09, 2017, 11:51:04 AM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.

Take the Time has a low C#, though.

That's the only thing that got me. The commentary on Live in Tokyo, while they're watching the footage of recording I&W, JM is playing a 4-string and MP (on the commentary) goes "You recorded the whole album on a 4-string, right?" "Yep"
Maybe he used a 5 or 6-string on TTT and didn't remember.

Detuning for some notes on a 4 string is not out of the realm of reason. I drop D my four string a fair amount with no issues, so one half-step lower note wouldn't be a big deal.
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Offline BlobVanDam

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #23 on: August 10, 2017, 01:40:02 AM »
I'm not sure if this was mentioned on the commentary, but couldn't he have gotten a set of strings for a 5-string, and just put the lowest 4 on his 4-string bass?
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Offline MirrorMask

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #24 on: August 10, 2017, 04:22:25 AM »
Forgive my musical ignorance, but I'm curious to know. What those letters mean? I have a veeeeeery basic knowledge of piano - I know which notes are which and I could play Beethoven's Hymn to Joy, and that's basically it - what those sequences "EADGBE" mean in terms of playing it on a guitar?
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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #25 on: August 10, 2017, 04:35:36 AM »
Forgive my musical ignorance, but I'm curious to know. What those letters mean? I have a veeeeeery basic knowledge of piano - I know which notes are which and I could play Beethoven's Hymn to Joy, and that's basically it - what those sequences "EADGBE" mean in terms of playing it on a guitar?

That's the open tuning of each string (ie. playing the string without pressing down any note) from low to high / top to bottom string.

Only King could mis-spell a LETTER.
Yep. I think the only party in the MP/DT situation that hasn't moved on is DTF.

Offline MirrorMask

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #26 on: August 10, 2017, 06:05:18 AM »
Ah ok, thanks!
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Offline Metro

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #27 on: August 10, 2017, 06:57:46 AM »
I'm not sure if this was mentioned on the commentary, but couldn't he have gotten a set of strings for a 5-string, and just put the lowest 4 on his 4-string bass?
Possibly. But I would think using such a heavy string gauge on a 4 string would screw up the neck. I think it's more likely he just tuned down or used a 5/6 string bass

Offline gzarruk

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #28 on: August 10, 2017, 11:00:20 AM »
I'm not sure if this was mentioned on the commentary, but couldn't he have gotten a set of strings for a 5-string, and just put the lowest 4 on his 4-string bass?
Possibly. But I would think using such a heavy string gauge on a 4 string would screw up the neck. I think it's more likely he just tuned down or used a 5/6 string bass

Indeed.
It sounds like, "ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk, ruk." Instead of the more pleasing kick drum sound of, "gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk, gzarruk."

Offline TheCountOfNYC

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #29 on: August 10, 2017, 11:19:53 AM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.

Take the Time has a low C#, though.

That's the only thing that got me. The commentary on Live in Tokyo, while they're watching the footage of recording I&W, JM is playing a 4-string and MP (on the commentary) goes "You recorded the whole album on a 4-string, right?" "Yep"
Maybe he used a 5 or 6-string on TTT and didn't remember.

Detuning for some notes on a 4 string is not out of the realm of reason. I drop D my four string a fair amount with no issues, so one half-step lower note wouldn't be a big deal.

He also drops the E down to D for one note in Learning to Live.
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Offline The Silent Cody

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #30 on: August 10, 2017, 11:21:19 PM »
WD&DU and I&W are both on a standard tuned 4-string, I believe.

Take the Time has a low C#, though.
I believe that Another Day also has a low C#, it would be IMO 4th bass note counting from the start where the bass comes in ;) and of course it's coming back in the same theme during the song ;) I'm not sure about it but I definitly do not hear high C# from JM there. Anyway I used to play that song for years now and with usage of the B low string in 6 string bass, it gives some very deep feel to it.

Offline DanielBiaxident

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #31 on: August 14, 2017, 01:54:39 PM »
I'm pretty sure I Walk Beside You was in Standart D, and War Inside My Head in Standart E.

Myung's tunings are as follows:

- Standart 6 strings bass tuning in B : B E A D G C (practically for the entire DT catalog, except the noted bellow)
- Standart 6 strings bass tuning in Bb: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb(or B) (for The Root of All Evil)
- Standart 6 strings bass tuning in A: A D G C F D (for Panick Attack, These Walls, Raw Dog, FAS and Illumination Theory)
- D E A D G C (for Endless Sacrifice and A Rite of Passage)
- C E A D G C (for As I Am, Honor Thy Father and In The Name of God)

Offline TheCountOfNYC

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #32 on: August 14, 2017, 03:45:10 PM »
I'm pretty sure I Walk Beside You was in Standart D, and War Inside My Head in Standart E.

Myung's tunings are as follows:

- Standart 6 strings bass tuning in B : B E A D G C (practically for the entire DT catalog, except the noted bellow)
- Standart 6 strings bass tuning in Bb: Bb Eb Ab Db Gb Cb(or B) (for The Root of All Evil)
- Standart 6 strings bass tuning in A: A D G C F D (for Panick Attack, These Walls, Raw Dog, FAS and Illumination Theory)
- D E A D G C (for Endless Sacrifice and A Rite of Passage)
- C E A D G C (for As I Am, Honor Thy Father and In The Name of God)

Actually, the tuning for Panic Attack is Bb E A D G C with the D string tuned down to C for the bass intro. Also, for These Walls and Raw Dog, only the B string is lowered to A. The rest of the bass is in E standard.
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Offline Mosh

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #33 on: August 14, 2017, 04:48:34 PM »
I Walk Beside You is in standard D.
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Offline Robo4900

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Re: List of Dream Theater Songs and Their Tunings
« Reply #34 on: August 17, 2017, 09:33:00 AM »
I Walk Beside You is in standard D.

I was sure it was E standard. You sure it's not drop-D or just one of the backing guitars or something?
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