Riff Tone
Neon (Live at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA - December 2007)
John Mayer
Guitarblues2000s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Custom Shop Jimi Hendrix Monterey Pop Stratocaster (Brazilian rosewood fretboard, sanded neck, as seen in 'Where the Light Is' Live at Nokia Theatre 2007)
AmpFender Blues Junior (Lacquered Tweed, 15W 1x12 Tube Combo)
PickupsFender Custom Shop single-coil Stratocaster pickups
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb3.5
presence4.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Notes
Live performance, December 2007, 'Where the Light Is' concert at Nokia Theatre. Guitar and amp confirmed by video/photo evidence and Equipboard. Settings and pedals inferred from live rig and genre; focus is on the riff section with Mayer's signature percussive, driven tone.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivedynamic and responsivebright and articulatemidrange-focused clarityslight breakup/edge-of-breakupwarm and woodypunchy attacktouch-sensitivefunky, rhythmic groovesubtle grit
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced thumb slapping, intricate fingerstyle syncopation, and precise dynamic control to maintain the percussive, driven groove at tempo. This is a signature Mayer technique and is considered expert level.
Sources
Tone Settings for Neon by John Mayer (guitar and amp) - Guitar ChalkJohn Mayer's Guitars, Gear & Pedalboard | EquipboardJohn Mayer – Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live In Los Angeles - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | EquipboardHow to sound like John Mayer in Neon in 2 Minutes - Guitar World Australia
Create an account to adapt this tone to your gear
Create Free AccountGuitarblues2000s
Original Gear
GuitarFender Custom Shop Jimi Hendrix Monterey Pop Stratocaster (Brazilian rosewood fretboard, sanded neck, as seen in 'Where the Light Is' Live at Nokia Theatre 2007)
AmpFender Blues Junior (Lacquered Tweed, 15W 1x12 Tube Combo)
PickupsFender Custom Shop single-coil Stratocaster pickups
Amp Settings
gain3.5
bass6.5
mid6.5
treble6.5
reverb3.5
presence4.5
Effects & Signal Chain
overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer
Sources
Tone Settings for Neon by John Mayer (guitar and amp) - Guitar ChalkJohn Mayer's Guitars, Gear & Pedalboard | EquipboardJohn Mayer – Where the Light Is: John Mayer Live In Los Angeles - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album | EquipboardHow to sound like John Mayer in Neon in 2 Minutes - Guitar World Australia
Notes
Live performance, December 2007, 'Where the Light Is' concert at Nokia Theatre. Guitar and amp confirmed by video/photo evidence and Equipboard. Settings and pedals inferred from live rig and genre; focus is on the riff section with Mayer's signature percussive, driven tone.
Tone Character(10)
tight and percussivedynamic and responsivebright and articulatemidrange-focused clarityslight breakup/edge-of-breakupwarm and woodypunchy attacktouch-sensitivefunky, rhythmic groovesubtle grit
Difficulty
The riff requires advanced thumb slapping, intricate fingerstyle syncopation, and precise dynamic control to maintain the percussive, driven groove at tempo. This is a signature Mayer technique and is considered expert level.
More John Mayer tones
- Slow Dancing in a Burning Room · riff
- Gravity · solo
- Gravity · riff
- Belief (Live at the Nokia Theatre, Los Angeles, CA - December 2007) · solo
- I Don't Trust Myself (With Loving You) · riff
- Gravity · riff
- Slow Dancing in a Burning Room · solo
- Belief · solo
- Last Train Home · solo
- Slow Dancing in a Burning Room · solo