Get this tone on your rig
Tuned to the exact gear you own
The recording
On "Belief" Mayer recorded the solo with his 2004 Fender Custom Shop Black One Stratocaster, using the neck pickup. The guitar fed into a Klon Centaur overdrive, then an Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer, before reaching his Two‑Rock Custom Reverb Signature amp, whose spring reverb was left open to add depth. This chain, documented during the Continuum sessions (2005‑2006), produced the smooth, singing sustain and subtle compression that define the track.
Tuning E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E)
Signal chain
Reported gear
2004 Fender Custom Shop Black One Stratocaster
Guitar
Mayer used his 2004 Fender Custom Shop Black One Stratocaster, selecting the neck pickup for the warm, singing sustain heard in the "Belief" solo.
Klon Centaur
Overdrive
The Klon Centaur sits first in the chain, providing a transparent boost that preserves the Strat’s dynamics before the Tube Screamer adds character.
Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer
Overdrive
An Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer follows the Klon, adding the classic mid‑boost that helps the solo cut through the mix.
Two‑Rock Custom Reverb Signature
Amp
The signal is fed into a Two‑Rock Custom Reverb Signature amp, whose spring reverb adds warm ambience behind the lead tone.
Alternatives
Fender Player Stratocaster
Budget alternative · for the 2004 Fender Custom Shop Black One Stratocaster
Ibanez TS9 Tube Screamer
Budget alternative · for the Ibanez TS10 Tube Screamer
Klon KTR (Klon Centaur Clone)
Budget alternative · for the Klon Centaur
Fender Blues Junior
Budget alternative · for the Two‑Rock Custom Reverb Signature
Practical playing approach
Recreation guidance, not a claim about undocumented studio control positions.
- 1.Select the neck pickup on the Stratocaster for a warm, rounded tone.
- 2.Roll off the guitar’s volume knob to clean up the overdrive during quieter passages.
- 3.Use light bends and controlled vibrato to accentuate the vocal‑like phrasing.
- 4.Blend the Klon’s transparency with the Tube Screamer’s mid‑boost to keep the solo articulate.
- 5.Let the amp’s spring reverb linger to add depth without muddying the attack.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
What gear was used for the Belief guitar tone?
The available research points to 2004 Fender Custom Shop Black One Stratocaster into Two‑Rock Custom Reverb Signature. The full reported signal chain and evidence links are listed on this page.
Are the original Belief amp settings documented?
Exact historical knob positions are not reliably documented for most recordings. ToneTwin does not publish generated values as studio fact; it creates playable settings only for the amp and pedals a player selects.
What tuning is Belief in?
The current research record lists E Standard (E-A-D-G-B-E). ToneTwin keeps corrections open when reliable accounts disagree.
How do I recreate the Belief tone on my own gear?
Use the reported pickup, gain character, effects and signal-chain order as the target, then translate that target to your equipment. The matcher models controls for your selected rig rather than copying undocumented studio numbers.
Researched and reviewed by the ToneTwin Research Team.
