Riff Tone

Something Like Olivia

John Mayer

Guitarrock2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely MIM or Custom Shop, single coil pickups)

AmpTwo-Rock Custom Reverb Signature (studio), possible Fender Hot Rod Deluxe or 15W Celestion Tube Amp (live)

PickupsFender single coil (stock or custom, era-appropriate for 2012)

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb4

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer

overdriveKlon Klon Centaur

chorusBoss Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble

delayWalrus Audio Walrus Audio Animal Delay

Notes

Studio recording for 'Born and Raised' (2012). Live performances sometimes use Hot Rod Deluxe or boutique amps, but Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature is most likely for the album. Riff section uses Stratocaster with single coils and overdrive pedals for edge-of-breakup to crunchy tone.

Tone Character(10)

edge-of-breakup crunchtouch-sensitive and dynamicslightly compressed attackclear note separationarticulate single coil claritymildly saturated midspunchy and percussive rhythmsubtle chorus shimmertight, focused low endwarm but present top end

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level control of dynamics and muting, with syncopated rhythm and precise picking to achieve Mayer's signature touch-sensitive crunch.

Sources

Something Like Olivia Lead Tone Live on Letterman 2013 How can I get this John Mayer tone? : r/guitarpedals John Mayer's Effects Pedals | Equipboard John Mayer – Paradise Valley - Gear & Equipment Used on the Album

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