Solo Tone

Something Like Olivia

John Mayer

Guitarblues2010s+

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely American or Mexican Standard, possibly Custom Shop, as per Mayer's 2012-2013 era usage)

AmpFender Blues Junior 15W 1x12 Tube Combo Amp

PickupsFender single-coil Stratocaster pickups (exact model not specified, likely stock or Big Dipper single-coils as per era)

Amp Settings

gain4

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb5

presence5

Effects & Signal Chain

compressionKeeley Keeley Compressor (or similar high-quality compressor)

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS808 Tube Screamer

overdriveKlon Klon Centaur

chorusBoss Boss CE-5 Chorus Ensemble

delayWalrus Audio Walrus Audio ARP-87 Delay

Notes

Studio recording, 2012 (Born and Raised album). Gear confirmed for this era includes Fender Stratocaster and Blues Junior amp. Pedalboard for this song's solo likely included Tube Screamer (TS808 or TS10), Klon Centaur, compression, delay, and chorus. Settings estimated based on genre, era, and typical Mayer rig for this song. No evidence of Two-Rock or Dumble for this specific track.

Tone Character(10)

warm and smoothslightly compressedsinging sustaintouch-sensitiveedge-of-breakup crunchclear note articulationsubtle chorus shimmerambient delay repeatslush spring reverbdynamic and expressive

Difficulty

The solo requires intermediate-level phrasing, expressive bends, and dynamic control to achieve Mayer's touch-sensitive tone. The use of effects and subtle timing nuances add to the challenge.

Sources

SOMETHING LIKE OLIVIA TAB by John Mayer @ Ultimate-Guitar.Com Something Like Olivia Lead Tone Live on Letterman 2013 John Mayer's Guitars, Gear & Pedalboard

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