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John Mayer - Waiting On The World To Change - Verse & Chorus - Guitar Lesson

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John Mayer - Waiting On The World To Change - Verse & Chorus - Guitar Lesson

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John Mayer - Waiting On The World To Change - Verse & Chorus guitar lesson video
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Classic Rock

Gain6
Bass6
Mid7
Treble6
Presence5
Master7
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John Mayer Pop Rock D major
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Waiting On The World To Change - Verse & Chorus

"Waiting On The World To Change" is a song by John Mayer, built around a laid-back, soulful groove that reflects a generation's sense of political frustration and patience. Its clean, melodic guitar work and simple chord progressions make it an accessible and rewarding piece for electric guitar players at an intermediate level. Learning the verse and chorus sections gives players a solid foundation in Mayer's signature blend of pop and blues-influenced rhythm guitar.

  • The song features a relaxed rhythm guitar style that blends pop sensibility with subtle blues influences, ideal for building clean tone technique.
  • Focusing on the verse and chorus sections is a practical approach for guitarists learning song structure and transitioning smoothly between parts.
  • John Mayer is known for his precise right-hand dynamics; this song is a good exercise in controlling pick attack and sustain.
Fender Stratocaster
Guitar

Fender Stratocaster

Mayer's foundation guitar before the PRS Silver Sky, his sunburst '64 Strat and Black1 Custom Shop model defined his early tone with their responsive single-coils that let his picking dynamics shine. The Strat's vintage tremolo and feel remain deeply embedded in his playing style and note articulation.

Fender Twin Reverb
Amp

Fender Twin Reverb

Mayer uses the '65 Twin Reverb for his cleanest tones, letting him achieve glassy, touch-sensitive breakup at moderate volumes without relying on gain. Its natural reverb and headroom complement his approach of using amp dynamics rather than heavy distortion.

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9
Pedal

Ibanez Tube Screamer TS9

The TS10 pushes Mayer's amp into bluesy overdrive with midrange presence, essential for his soulful lead work on tracks like 'Gravity' and blues jams. This pedal adds grit without obscuring the pick dynamics and string clarity central to his tone.

Boss CE-2 Chorus
Pedal

Boss CE-2 Chorus

Mayer prominently featured this vintage chorus on 'Last Train Home' and throughout Sob Rock, using it to add shimmer and movement to his rhythm tones. The CE-2's lush, organic modulation fits his aesthetic of tasteful effects that enhance rather than dominate.

MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay
Pedal

MXR Carbon Copy Analog Delay

The MXR analog delay provides Mayer with warm, repeating textures for slapback and ambient effects without digital artifacts. It sits perfectly in his pedalboard philosophy of color-adding tools that maintain the clarity and touch-sensitivity of his core amp tone.

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