Petrucci Switch Location Terrible? The Full Breakdown of the JP Guitar Switch Controversy

Petrucci Switch Location Terrible? Among progressive metal fans, the John Petrucci signature Music Man guitars are known for their unmatched build quality and advanced ergonomics. However, one recurring debate across forums, reviews, and guitar communities is the complaint that the Petrucci switch location is terrible. Many players say the pickup selector is placed too close to the picking hand, causing accidental switching during aggressive riffs or fast alternate picking. Others argue that the placement is intentional for quick tone changes during complex solos.

So why is the Petrucci switch location so divisive? Let’s break it down in a clear, complete, and guitar-player–friendly way.

What Is the Petrucci Switch Location?

The Petrucci switch refers to the 3-way or 5-way pickup selector on the Music Man JP and Majesty models. On most guitars, the switch is placed either:

• above the strings (like a Les Paul), or

• far down the body (like a Strat)

But on Petrucci models, the switch is positioned very close to the bridge and picking area, almost directly under the player’s palm.

This unconventional placement is designed for:

• instant pickup changes during solos

• fast access with minimal hand movement

• enhanced playability for progressive rock/metal techniques

However, for many players, this design leads to unwanted interruptions and discomfort.

Why Some Guitarists Say the Switch Location Is “Terrible”

Across online discussions, several common complaints appear about the Petrucci switch location:

1. Accidental Switching During Heavy Picking

Players who use downstroke-heavy styles, palm muting, or aggressive rhythm playing often find their hand bumping the switch unintentionally.

2. Too Close to the Picking Zone

Fast alternate picking or tremolo picking causes the wrist to brush the switch repeatedly.

3. Uncomfortable for Players With Larger Hands

Bigger hands mean less clearance between the picking motion and the switch.

4. Difficult for Non-Petrucci Playing Styles

Players who don’t switch pickups mid-solo rarely benefit from the placement.

5. Learning Curve Frustration

Many first-time JP owners say the placement feels awkward compared to Strats, Les Pauls, or Ibanez models.

For these reasons, the phrase “Petrucci switch location terrible” commonly appears on Reddit, TheGearPage, Sevenstring.org, and guitar forums.

Why Music Man Designed the Switch This Way

Despite the complaints, the switch placement is not a design flaw—it’s intentionally crafted to match John Petrucci’s playing technique.

The design is optimized for:

• fast pickup switching mid-phrase

• progressive shredding that requires timbre changes

• minimal hand movement for ergonomic efficiency

• performance under stage pressure

Petrucci himself often changes pickups multiple times within a single solo, especially between the:

• bridge pickup (for bite)

• neck pickup (for liquid lead tones)

The placement allows him to switch pickups without pausing or shifting hand position.
For Petrucci-style players, the switch location is perfect — but for everyone else, it can feel inconvenient.

How to Adapt or Modify the Switch Placement

If you love JP guitars but dislike the switch placement, several solutions exist:

1. Replace the Switch with a Lower-Profile Toggle

A smaller or shorter toggle makes accidental bumps less likely.

2. Add a Switch Guard or Spacer

Compact 3D-printed guards can prevent accidental switching.

3. Change Picking Technique Slightly

Adjusting wrist angle or palm placement often solves the issue after a few days.

4. Disable Middle Positions (on 5-way switches)

Some wiring modifications reduce unwanted mode switching.

5. Move the Switch (for advanced modders only)

Professionals can relocate the switch further down the body—though this requires woodworking.

These solutions help players enjoy the legendary JP tone and feel without the frustration.

Is the Petrucci Switch Location Really Terrible? Final Verdict

The answer depends entirely on your playing style.

It is terrible for:

• aggressive rhythm players

• metal down-pickers

• beginners

• players used to traditional switch locations

It’s not terrible for:

• advanced lead players

• Petrucci-inspired shredders

• progressive metal musicians

• anyone who frequently switches pickups mid-solo

In reality, the switch placement is highly specialized — perfect for some, frustrating for others. Understanding its design intention helps players decide whether a John Petrucci signature guitar is right for their needs.