Riff Tone

I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You)

John Mayer

Guitarblues2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (John Mayer Signature or 1964/1965 vintage, likely with Big Dipper pickups)

AmpTwo-Rock Custom Reverb Signature (studio recording, Continuum era)

PickupsFender Big Dipper single coils

Amp Settings

gain3

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

modulationElectro-Harmonix Electro-Harmonix Q-Tron Envelope Filter

boostKeeley Keeley Katana Clean Boost

Notes

Studio recording, 2006 (Continuum album). Guitar is most likely a John Mayer Signature Stratocaster with Big Dipper pickups, or a vintage mid-60s Strat. Amp is Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature, confirmed as Mayer's main studio amp for Continuum. Pickup selector likely in position 4 (neck + middle) for the riff. Effects chain includes envelope filter (auto-wah style) and possible clean boost. No evidence of Tube Screamer or Klon for this riff section.

Tone Character(10)

warm and glassytouch-sensitivepulsing envelope filter effectclean with subtle breakupdynamic and percussivesmooth Stratocaster highswell-balanced EQslightly compressed feel from filtersubtle studio reverbfunky, rhythmic articulation

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated funk rhythm, dynamic control for the envelope filter, and clean articulation. The challenge is in maintaining groove and touch sensitivity rather than speed or advanced solo techniques.