Riff Tone

Heartbreak Warfare

John Mayer

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely 2004 John Mayer Signature Stratocaster, as used on Battle Studies sessions)

AmpTwo Rock Custom Reverb Signature (studio recording amp for Battle Studies era, often paired with Fender Vibroverb or Dumble Steel String Singer)

PickupsFender Big Dipper single-coil pickups

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

delayUnknown A3 Digital Delay (Preset 82, as referenced by Mayer and forums)

chorusUnknown Chorus pedal (model unknown)

Notes

Studio recording, 2009 (Battle Studies). Gear based on Mayer's known studio setup for this album. No evidence of live rig or alternate guitars for this section.

Tone Character(10)

ambient and spaciousglassy Stratocaster cleanslightly modulatedclear and articulatetouch-sensitivewarm with subtle top-end shimmersoft attacklush delay repeatsnot heavily compressedslightly filtered highs

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, subtle whammy bar use, and the need for clean, controlled playing with ambient effects.

Sources

Heartbreak warfare tone : r/JohnMayer - Reddit Heartbreak Warfare Demo : r/JohnMayer - Reddit Journey to achieve the sound of "Heartbreak Warfare" : r/JohnMayer

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