Riff Tone

Something's Missing

John Mayer

Guitarblues2000s

Original Gear

GuitarFender Stratocaster (likely early 2000s American Standard or Custom Shop, as used on 'Heavier Things')

AmpTwo-Rock Custom Reverb Signature (studio recording amp for 'Heavier Things' era, highly probable for this track)

PickupsFender single-coil pickups (stock or Custom Shop, exact model not specified)

Amp Settings

gain3.5

bass6.5

mid6.5

treble6.5

reverb3.5

presence5.5

Effects & Signal Chain

overdriveKlon Klon Centaur

overdriveIbanez Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer (possible, stacked for extra drive)

delayUnknown Delay pedal (model unknown, likely analog or tape-style)

Notes

Studio recording, 2003, 'Heavier Things' album. Guitar is a Stratocaster with single-coil pickups. Amp is a Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature, as confirmed for this era. No evidence of alternate guitars or amps for the riff section in the studio. Live, Mayer has used PRS Silver Sky and Fender amps, but these are not confirmed for the original studio recording.

Tone Character(10)

warm and glassytouch-sensitivedynamic and percussiveslightly compressedclear note separationedge-of-breakupsmooth sustainrounded highsarticulatenot overly saturated

Difficulty

The riff requires intermediate-level technique due to syncopated rhythm, dynamic control for Mayer's touch-sensitive tone, and clean articulation with subtle muting and ghost notes.

Sources

John Mayer's Guitars, Gear & Pedalboard | Equipboard Your guide to John Mayer's guitars and gear, era by era | Guitar World Neural DSP Archetype: John Mayer X plugin revealed | Guitar World

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