How to Dial In "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" by John Mayer - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Dreaming with a Broken Heart"
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 Continuum (2006). A smooth, bluesy song carried by Mayer's clean, vocal-like Strat lines. His long-time guitar is the Fender signature Stratocaster, and he is known for Dumble amps, though no source documents the rig for this song. A signature Strat into a Two-Rock Akoya, a boutique amp in the same clean, glassy family, stands in. Keep the amp clean to just breaking up and use the neck and middle pickups. Tuning is standard.
Common Questions About the "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" Tone
What guitar did John Mayer use on "Dreaming with a Broken Heart"?
The guitar on "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" (released 2006) 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 "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 3, Bass 5, Mid 5.5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 6. 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 "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" 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 "Dreaming with a Broken Heart" by John Mayer are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.