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Dream Theater - The Best of Times - Guitar Lesson

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Key D major
Dream Theater - The Best of Times guitar lesson video
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Classic Rock

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Dream Theater Progressive Rock D major
Capo Advisor 0 D major · Original key

About The Best of Times

"The Best of Times" is a progressive metal track by Dream Theater, a band formed in 1985 in Boston, Massachusetts. Known for their technical complexity, Dream Theater features guitarist John Petrucci, whose intricate solos and riff-writing make their material a serious challenge and reward for electric guitarists. The solo sections in particular showcase advanced techniques including legato runs, alternate picking, and expressive bends worth studying closely.

  • John Petrucci's solo work in Dream Theater songs is widely studied for advanced alternate picking and legato technique.
  • Dream Theater blends progressive rock and heavy metal, requiring guitarists to master frequent time signature and tempo changes.
  • The band formed in Boston in 1985, developing a technically demanding style that remains a benchmark in progressive metal guitar playing.

How to Play The Best of Times

Tuning: E Standard · Key: D major · Tempo: 120 BPM

Use the section loop to isolate a passage, drop the speed below 100%, and set the metronome to 120 BPM to build it up to tempo.

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Ibanez JEM

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