How to Dial In "Shadow Days" by John Mayer - Guitar Tone Settings
Gear for "Shadow Days"
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 Born and Raised (2012). Warm, mid-tempo guitar in clean-to-light-crunch tones. No source available here confirms the exact guitar and amp on this recording, so a Fender John Mayer Stratocaster (Signature) through a Two-Rock Akoya stands in. Use the middle and bridge pickups together and set the amp clean, with the treble up for definition. Standard tuning.
Common Questions About the "Shadow Days" Tone
What guitar did John Mayer use on "Shadow Days"?
The guitar on "Shadow Days" (released 2012) isn't documented; the Fender John Mayer Stratocaster (Signature) above gets the sound. Pickup selector: middle + bridge (position 4) on the guitar. Tuned to standard (E A D G B E).
What amp settings does "Shadow Days" need?
Settings for this sound: Gain 2, Bass 5, Mid 5, Treble 6, Presence 5, Volume 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 "Shadow Days" without the original gear?
Yes. ToneMirror takes the settings above and adapts it to your guitar, amp, and pedals - so you can chase the "Shadow Days" 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 "Shadow Days" by John Mayer are provided for educational use. ToneMirror is not affiliated with the artists or labels referenced.