Riff Tone

Perfectly Lonely

John Mayer

Guitarrock2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Custom Shop La Cabronita Especial (Blonde, TV Jones Filter'Tron pickups)

AmpFender tube amp (exact model not confirmed; likely Deluxe Reverb or similar, used in studio)

PickupsTV Jones Filter'Tron humbuckers

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass6

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez Tube Screamer (model unknown, likely TS808 or TS9)

overdriveKlon (or Electro-Harmonix) Klon Centaur (or clone, e.g., EHX Soul Food)

delayEventide Eventide TimeFactor Delay

reverbStrymon Strymon Flint Tremolo & Reverb

Notes

Studio recording, 2009 (Battle Studies album). Guitar confirmed by multiple sources as the La Cabronita Especial with TV Jones Filter'Tron pickups. Amp is a Fender tube amp, but model not explicitly stated for the studio recording; Mayer is known for using Deluxe Reverb, Two-Rock, and similar Fender-style amps in this era. No evidence of PRS J-MOD or PRS Silver Sky for this song's studio riff section.

Tone Character(10)

bright and articulatetight and percussiveslightly gritty edge-of-breakupwarm midrangedynamic and touch-sensitiveopen, airy highssnappy attackclear note separationsubtle compressionclean with a hint of drive

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate skill due to its syncopated rhythm, dynamic picking, and need for clean articulation with subtle muting. While not technically advanced, it demands control and groove.

Sources

John Mayer Guitars & Gear | In-Depth List of Guitars, Amps & Effects | Ground Guitar Why does john never uses a telecaster? : r/JohnMayer - Reddit John Mayer's Guitar Rig: Tone, Gear & Effects Guide

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