Dream Theater – Under a Glass Moon Guitar Solo Lesson
Learn how to play and understand Dream Theater’s “Under a Glass Moon” guitar solo,
one of John Petrucci’s most iconic progressive metal guitar solos. In this detailed guitar lesson,
the solo is broken down section by section, with a focus on the techniques, harmonic structure,
picking patterns, and phrasing that make Petrucci’s playing so distinctive.
This Under a Glass Moon solo lesson also includes a corrected transcription of the solo.
Many guitar tabs available online contain mistakes, so this lesson focuses on the actual phrases,
positions, techniques, and details needed to learn the solo accurately.
What You’ll Learn in This Guitar Lesson
- The harmonic structure of the solo: F#m – C#m – B major
- The ii–vi–V tension and resolution behind the solo
- John Petrucci-style aggressive and controlled vibrato
- Artificial harmonics and pinch harmonic technique
- Pick angle and finger-touch technique for artificial harmonics
- Palm muting during fast guitar passages
- Tremolo bar dips, dives, and trills
- The hidden whole-step tremolo bar dips that are easy to miss
- Fast Mixolydian scale runs
- Real fretboard position shifts used throughout the solo
- Three-notes-per-string picking patterns
- Rock-style alternate picking discipline
- Neck-to-bridge pickup switching and tonal changes
- The chromatic scale run slowed down to 25% speed
- Legato-based fills near the climax of the solo
- A complete half-speed solo play-through
John Petrucci’s Under a Glass Moon Solo
The Under a Glass Moon solo is a great example of John Petrucci’s combination of speed,
precision, aggressive phrasing, and advanced guitar techniques. The solo uses much more than fast
notes: vibrato, artificial harmonics, tremolo bar control, picking patterns, legato, and carefully
chosen scale positions all contribute to its sound.
In this lesson, you’ll see exactly where the important position shifts occur and how the
Mixolydian scale is used within the solo. Fast passages are slowed down so you can
understand the picking patterns before gradually bringing them up to full speed.
Guitar Pro Tabs and Lesson Materials
Want the PDF and Guitar Pro tabs for this lesson? Join my Patreon community to get
the tab for this solo along with tabs and additional materials from my other guitar lessons.
These materials cover guitar practice routines, ear training, music theory, recording,
improvisation, composition, and more.
Online Guitar Lessons with Ozz
If you want to study advanced guitar techniques, improvisation, music theory, soloing,
and progressive metal guitar playing with Ozz, online Skype guitar lessons are also available.
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Online Skype Guitar Lessons with Ozz
Guitar Pro
Guitar Pro is the software used to create and work with the tabs for these lessons.
It is especially useful for slowing down difficult passages and practicing complex guitar solos
at your own speed.
Under a Glass Moon Guitar Lesson – Video Chapters
- 00:00 – Under a Glass Moon Solo Cover
- 00:57 – What We’re Covering & Why This Transcription Is Different
- 01:30 – Harmonic Analysis
- 02:22 – Opening Phrase & Wild Vibrato
- 02:52 – Artificial Harmonics Technique
- 03:42 – How to Use Patterns
- 04:12 – Mixolydian Pattern
- 04:34 – Harmonics
- 05:08 – Fast Mixolydian Run & Common Mistakes
- 09:24 – Tapping
- 09:53 – Sweep Picking
- 11:53 – Chromatic Run (25% Speed)
- 14:56 – Full Solo Play-Through (Half Speed)
- 16:47 – Outro
Dream Theater – Under a Glass Moon
Song: Dream Theater – Under a Glass Moon
Album: Images and Words (1992)
If you’re working on John Petrucci guitar solos, progressive metal guitar,
advanced picking techniques, or Dream Theater songs, this lesson provides a detailed approach
to one of Petrucci’s most recognizable performances.
For more guitar lessons, guitar solo transcriptions, Guitar Pro tabs, advanced guitar
techniques, and professional guitar gear tutorials, subscribe to the channel and
check out the other lessons.