Tone Settings for Neon by John Mayer (guitar and amp)

1. Volume

• Keep volume at about 70–80% of the maximum on the guitar to retain dynamic control.
• Use gentle picking dynamics to match the percussive fingerstyle nuances of “Neon”.
• Ensure your amp volume is balanced to provide clean headroom with some warmth.

2. Tone

• Roll back the tone knob slightly (around 70%) to reduce harsh high-end frequencies.
• Aim for a smooth, woody tone with an emphasis on midrange clarity.
• Minimize excessive brightness for a more natural, vocal-like presence.

3. Pickup Selector

• Use the neck pickup position for a warm, round, and articulate sound.
• A middle pickup (if available) can also provide a nice balance for fingerstyle clarity.
• Avoid bridge position—it is too bright and sharp for this style.

4. Humbucker or Single Coil Preferred?

• Single coil pickups are preferred for their cleaner, more articulate tone.
• They emphasize the percussive attack and clarity of Mayer’s fingerstyle grooves.
• If using a humbucker-equipped guitar, consider coil-splitting for a thinner tone closer to single coil response.

5. Ideal Guitar Type (Acoustic with Pickups)

• Use a high-quality acoustic with a clear-sounding pickup system (e.g., LR Baggs, Fishman).
• A well-set-up grand auditorium or OM body acoustic guitar for balance of bass and midresponse.
• Low action helps with Mayer’s complex chord shapes and fast fingerstyle playing.
• Consider adding a soundhole pickup that captures percussive elements effectively, such as a K&K Pure Mini or LR Baggs Anthem.

• Fender Stratocaster: Ideal for clean tones and dynamic picking sensitivity
• Dunlop Cry Baby Wah Pedal: Enhances percussive elements and adds vocal-like swells
• Tube Screamer (Ibanez TS808 or TS9): Provides subtle grit and mid-range boost
• Fender Hot Rod Deluxe Amp: Known for clean headroom and smooth breakup
• Xotic EP Booster: Adds clarity and volume without altering tone drastically
• Boss RC-1 Loop Station: Useful for practicing complex rhythm and lead interplay
• Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Strings (10–46): Balanced tension for expressive fingerstyle playing
• V-Picks or Dunlop Jazz III Picks: Provide precision and attack for intricate picking patterns

• Use light gauge strings for easier bending and melodic lines.
• Keep action relatively low to accommodate John Mayer-style fingerpicking.
• Use the bridge pickup or blend bridge and neck for a funkier tone.
• Set amp to a clean setting with mid-scooped EQ (reduce mids slightly).
• Add light compression to even out finger attack dynamics.
• Use a touch of reverb for depth without washing out articulation.
• Introduce subtle overdrive for grit on emphasized sections.
• Use a thumb-over-neck left-hand technique for efficient bass note control.
• Maintain percussive right-hand funk strumming with muting as needed.
• Play close to the bridge to enhance bite and articulation if needed.