How to Dial In "Badge and Gun" by John Mayer - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Badge and Gun"
Suggested rig · the original isn't documented.
Knob Positions, Pickup, and Tuning
Where to set the knobs for this tone. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale.
On your amp, these numbers won't sound the same.
Get the settings for my ampHow the artist had their guitar configured for this take.
From Paradise Valley (2013). Paradise Valley is the sixth studio album by American singer-songwriter John Mayer, released on August 20, 2013, by Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender John Mayer Stratocaster through a Two-Rock Akoya, the rig we use for John Mayer's other songs from Paradise Valley, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck and middle pickups together.
Common Questions About the "Badge and Gun" Tone
What guitar did John Mayer use on "Badge and Gun"?
The guitar on "Badge and Gun" (released 2013) isn't documented; the Fender John Mayer Stratocaster (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar.
What amp settings does "Badge and Gun" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5.5, Mid 6, Treble 6, Presence 5.5, Volume 6.5. Each value is on the standard 0–10 amp scale; match them on your amp first, then nudge to taste. ToneMirror can translate these positions for whatever amp you actually own.
Can I play "Badge and Gun" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Badge and Gun" tone on a Katana, a Helix, a tube combo, or anything else. The translation accounts for EQ curve, gain structure, and pickup type so the result actually sounds like the record, not just the same knob numbers on different gear.
More Tones You Can Dial In
Tone references for "Badge and Gun" by John Mayer are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.