Riff Tone

Gravity

John Mayer

Guitarblues2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 1964 or Custom Shop, as used on 'Continuum')

AmpTwo-Rock Custom Reverb Signature (primary studio amp for 'Continuum' era, often blended with Fender amps)

PickupsSingle-coil (likely Big Dipper pickups, custom-wound for Mayer's Strats at the time)

Amp Settings

gain4

bass5.5

mid6

treble5.5

reverb3.5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveKlon Klon Centaur

reverbStrymon Strymon Flint Tremolo & Reverb

Notes

Studio recording, 2005-2006. Gear based on 'Continuum' album sessions and Mayer's own statements. Focus is on the riff/chorus section with more drive/distortion, not the clean intro/verse.

Tone Character(10)

touch-sensitive edge-of-breakupwarm and roundslightly compressedsinging sustainclear note separationsmooth, glassy highsfat midrangedynamic response to pickingmild breakuparticulate chord voicings

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its dynamic sensitivity, need for clean articulation at the edge of breakup, and subtle groove/timing control. It's not technically fast but demands touch and control.

Sources

Your guide to John Mayer's guitars and gear, era by era - Guitar World John Mayer's Guitars, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard amp settings : r/JohnMayer - Reddit

This tone has been researched 9 times by the community

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