Easier Dream Theater Solos?

General Music Discussion
#1

My 2026 resolution is to learn an entire Dream Theater song including solos. I’ve got my hands decently synced across strings with either USX or DSX. I have been working on using both motions on scalar chunk and Gilbert 6s. Now, it’s time for something musical to keep my motor learning going.

So it seems oxymoronic, but are there any easier solos I should look at first? Or should I just take @tommo ‘s approach with 3rd solo from Erotomania (What was Troy's practicing routine? - #5 by tommo) and just learn the song I want like Under a Glass Moon?

Any direction would be much appreciated

#2

A lot of the solos on Falling Into Infinity are pretty easy. Peruvian Skies and Lines in the Sand come to mind. Also, Trial of Tears is mostly legato based. The solo in the “Another World” section of A Change of Seasons is also pretty easy.

#3

The outro (4:16 to the end) of Innocence Faded gets my vote. Not too bad, as far as JP goes, but there’s a lot to work on there, and it sounds cool.

#4

@BlackInMind Thanks. I have Peruvian Skies on my list now

1 Like
#5

@Riffdiculous Wow, definitely lots in the last minute

#6

Isn’t that one of the hardest ever from the DT catalogue?

From memory I think solo #2 from Erotomania (the major-sounding one) should be one of the most approachable. IIRC it has one small scalar run that is easily DSX-able and a pentatonic 6s thingy at the end which should be mostly doable with single escape (USX or DSX dependiong on which pickstroke you start with).

1 Like
#7

@tommo thanks. I’m guessing those that shared UAGM as “easy,” were trolling. I’ll get my bbq grill and start on second solo from Erotomania :wink:

1 Like