How to Dial In "Daughters" by John Mayer - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Daughters"
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 Heavier Things (2003). Heavier Things is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter John Mayer, released on September 9, 2003, by Aware and Columbia Records. No source we found ties a guitar or amp to this recording, so a Fender John Mayer Stratocaster through a Fender '65 Deluxe Reverb Reissue, the rig we use for John Mayer's other songs from Heavier Things, stands in. Set the amp to a light crunch and use the neck and middle pickups together. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Daughters" Tone
What guitar did John Mayer use on "Daughters"?
The guitar on "Daughters" (released 2003) isn't documented; the Fender John Mayer Stratocaster (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: neck + middle (position 2) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Daughters" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3.5, Bass 5, Mid 6, Treble 6.5, Presence 6, 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 "Daughters" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Daughters" 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 "Daughters" by John Mayer are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.