Who Is John Petrucci?

When you think of guitar greats, you may conjure up the name of John Petrucci. Not only is he a legend, he taught students that would grow up to be amazing guitarists themselves. Petrucci is an amazing asset to the guitar culture and still today is striving to improve the music world and the world of guitar.

John Petrucci grew up in Long Island. He went to school with John Myung (Bassist for Dream Theater) & Kevin Moore. He started playing guitar at the age of 12. Some of his influences included Yngwie Malmsteen, Randy Rhoads, Iron Maiden, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Yes, Rush and more.

As the rise of thrash and metal music expanded, his influences stretched to bands like Metallica and Queensryche. He then advanced to music such as that of Steve Morse and Steve Vai, Allan Holdsworth, Al DiMeola, Mike Stern, Joe Satriani, Neal Schon & Eddie Van Halen.

He took a music theory class in high school and Berklee College of Music in Boston but much of his learning was self taught. While at Berklee, he met Mike Portnoy and Petruccie, Portnoy and John Myung started the band Majesty that would later turn into Dream Theater.

John is married and he and his wife, Rena have thee children, SamiJo, Reny and Kiara. He enjoys spending time with his family inline skating and also biking, watching movies and working out. He still travels and teaches music classes. His classes, workshops, tours and his music continue to be an asset to the guitar community.