Song Rig
Belief
John Mayer · Continuum · 2006
Tone Overview
What Makes This Sound Unique
Maximum Two-Rock saturation plus a heavier fuzz-style overdrive for the main riff — this is Mayer's most aggressive Continuum-era tone, closer to SRV than the cleaner ballad tracks.
Signal Chain
- 1Fender Stratocaster (bridge pickup for riff)
- 2Fuzz pedal (Fulltone 69)
- 3Two-Rock Custom Reverb Signature
Amp Settings
Gain / Volume6
Bass7
Mid5
Treble6
Presence5
More amp gain for this track — the Two-Rock pushed into overdrive territory, with the fuzz adding top-end harmonic content. Bridge pickup gives the main riff its attack.
Technique
How to Play It
The intro riff uses tight rhythmic muting between notes — less legato than Mayer's ballad playing, more SRV-influenced percussive attack.
Budget Alternative
Achievable With
Fulltone 69 or Dallas Rangemaster clone into a Fender-voiced amp. Bridge pickup, heavier pick attack.
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