John Mayer reveals his top overdrive pedal secret, a trick that magic-ally enhances any drive pedal he uses.
John Mayer, a renowned guitarist on the music circuit, recently shared a trick for punctuating lead playing in the right places. The demonstration of this trick was done using an Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer overdrive pedal, a classic piece of equipment in many guitarists' arsenals.
In the interview with Sweetwater, Mayer unveiled a clever technique that involves switching the distortion pedal on and off to switch between lead and rhythm playing. The pedal was subtly dialed in, providing a boost for lead lines without significantly altering the tone. This allows for a more dynamic and expressive performance, adding grit and extra emphasis to lead lines without affecting the tone during rhythm playing.
Mayer performed this trick on his PRS Silver Sky signature guitar, showing off his seemingly agile footwork, considering the reported temperamental nature of TS10 footswitches. The trick, however, can be replicated with any overdrive pedal of choice, making it accessible to a wide range of musicians.
Interestingly, some commenters on the post speculate that the video will drive up the prices of vintage TS10 pedals on the used market. This remains to be seen, but for now, the demonstration serves as a valuable lesson for guitarists looking to add a new dimension to their lead playing.
It's worth noting that John Mayer is currently serving as JHS Pedals' new de facto pedal demonstrator, filling in for Josh Scott who is injured after a biking incident. Mayer has been an official demonstrator for the pedal manufacturer Two Notes in the past.
Despite having enough material ready for a new album, Mayer insists he won't rush its release. This gives fans something to look forward to, as they eagerly await the news of new music from this talented guitarist.
In conclusion, John Mayer's lead playing trick using an Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer pedal is a valuable addition to any guitarist's toolkit. The trick, while not providing any new information about the tonal impact during rhythm playing, offers a unique way to punctuate lead lines and add extra emphasis without significantly altering the overall tone.
