Solo Tone

Edge of Desire

John Mayer

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely John Mayer Signature or 1964/1965 vintage Stratocaster, as used on 'Battle Studies' era studio recordings)

AmpTwo-Rock Custom Reverb Signature (also possible blend with Dumble Steel String Singer and Fender Vibroverb, but Two-Rock is primary for driven solo tones on 'Battle Studies')

PickupsFender Custom Shop 'Big Dipper' single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain5

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveKlon Klon Centaur

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer

delayPete Cornish Pete Cornish TES Tape Echo Simulator

reverbStrymon Strymon Flint Tremolo & Reverb

Notes

Studio recording, 2009 ('Battle Studies' album). Gear is based on Mayer's known studio rig for this era, with Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature as primary amp for lead tones. Pickup selection and pedal use inferred from era-correct pedalboard and solo tone analysis.

Tone Character(10)

singing sustainsmooth, vocal-like lead tonetouch-sensitive breakupslightly compressedclear note separationdynamic response to pickingmild overdrive, not saturatedwarm, rounded highspresent midrangeambient delay and reverb

Difficulty

The solo requires advanced phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control to achieve Mayer's vocal-like sustain and articulation, as well as precise timing to interact musically with the ambient delay.

Sources

John Mayer's Guitars, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Neural DSP Archetype: John Mayer X plugin revealed | Guitar World Your guide to John Mayer's guitars and gear, era by era | Guitar World

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