Riff Tone

Friends, Lovers or Nothing

John Mayer

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarGibson '61 SG Standard

AmpDumble Steel String Singer

PickupsGibson PAF-style humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveKlon (or J. Rockett) Klon Centaur (or K-style overdrive, e.g., J. Rockett Archer Ikon)

Notes

Studio recording, Battle Studies album (2009). For the riff section, Mayer used the Gibson SG (not his usual Strat), plugged into a Dumble SSS. This is confirmed for the studio version, not live. No evidence of additional amps for the riff section.

Tone Character(10)

warm and glassyslightly compressedtouch-sensitivefull-bodied low endarticulate and expressiveedge-of-breakup claritydynamic response to pickingnot overly brightrounded highssubtle reverb ambience

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level technique due to Mayer's signature chord voicings, dynamic picking, and the need for clean articulation with subtle muting. The tone is sensitive to playing dynamics, demanding control and finesse.

Sources

Your guide to John Mayer's guitar gear, era by era Your guide to John Mayer's guitars and gear, era by era The Beginners Guide to John Mayer's Tone & How To Get ...

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