Advertisement
Photo credit: Jeff Graham
__________________________________________________________________________________
Modern guitar heroes are redefining the role of the guitarist in today’s music industry by blending technical mastery with bold individuality and genre-blurring creativity. Artists like Jared James Nichols, Mateus Asato, Nita Strauss, and Tim Henson have pushed boundaries with their unique tones, unorthodox techniques, and viral performances, proving that guitar-driven music is far from fading. These players aren't just shredding solos—they're shaping the sound of modern rock, metal, pop, and even hip-hop. With millions of followers on social platforms and endorsements from top gear brands, today’s guitar heroes have become influencers, educators, and innovators, reigniting interest in the instrument and inspiring a new generation to pick up the guitar.
Nicknamed the “modern guitar hero,” Jared blends vintage blues grit with arena-level rock energy. His unapologetically raw tone, signature guitars and amps, plus his drop-in-a-second documentary fame, make him a standout musician and innovator in today’s blues-rock scene.
Jared James Nichols is a powerhouse blues-rock guitarist and singer whose pick-less playing style and raw, high-voltage tone have earned him a spot among modern guitar greats. Born in Waukesha, Wisconsin and raised in East Troy, Jared picked up the guitar at 15 and quickly made a name for himself through relentless gigging and an unmistakable sound inspired by legends like Albert King, Jeff Beck, and Jimi Hendrix.
By the age of 21, he had played over 500 shows, moved to Los Angeles, and was already turning heads with his Live at the Viper Room EP. Since then, Jared has released a string of acclaimed albums, including Old Glory & the Wild Revival, Black Magic, and his self-titled 2023 release. Known for his fiery stage presence and mastery of vintage gear, Jared’s go-to instrument is his signature Epiphone Les Paul “Old Glory,” often paired with a roaring Blackstar amp and a stripped-down setup that puts tone and technique front and center.
Now based in Nashville, he tours globally and has shared stages with icons like Zakk Wylde, Glenn Hughes, and Living Colour. As a Gibson brand ambassador and a viral star of Honda’s UNCHARTED documentary, Jared James Nichols represents the raw, unfiltered heart of modern rock guitar.
Our Opinion
“At Guitar Thrills Magazine, we see Jared James Nichols as the embodiment of what modern guitar heroes should be—fearless, authentic, and unrelenting. His pick-less attack isn’t a gimmick; it’s a declaration of raw intent, proof that tone lives in the hands, not the pedals. Jared channels the blues with volcanic energy, turning every performance into a statement of power and soul. He carries the torch of the greats, yet refuses to imitate—his sound is his own, and it hits like a freight train.”
INTERVIEW WITH JARED JAMES NICOLS AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: You’ve developed a signature style that stands out—what originally drew you to the guitar, and how did your technique evolve over time?
Jared: I originally wanted to be a drummer! I ended up getting into the Guitar after a recommendation from my father, saying it was a lot less of a hassle than drums, and a lot less loud! I was originally drawn to the sounds of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd. The riffs that propelled these songs really kicked off my love for the instrument. Then as I wanted to learn more about the songs I loved, my technique started to evolve as well. I was like a sponge!
Guitar Thrills: Your playing is known for its raw energy and emotion. Do you approach songwriting differently than other players might?
Jared: One of the big things I try to do when it comes to Music is not overthought. I have come to find that when I try to be too prepared, it’s not usually my best sound. I thrive off the raw, and unfiltered aspects of music. My songwriting approach goes that way too, I try to keep things not so serious and go with what feels best.
Guitar Thrills: Many fans are fascinated by your choice to play without a pick. What inspired that, and how does it affect your tone and phrasing?
Jared: It came to be because I am left-handed! It just felt good while I was playing a right-handed guitar. I love the feeling of nothing in between me & the strings of the guitar. It’s funny, I never meant for this to become a standout factor of my playing, but over the years it has defined my sound and my feel. I’m so happy I never caved in and went to using a pick full-time!
Guitar Thrills: Can you walk us through your current live rig? What are the essentials that never leave your pedalboard or amp setup?
Jared: I love gear! But over the years, my setup has gotten simpler. I only have a few key things that I use that I can’t live without in a live scenario. Of course, my Gibson & Epiphone Les Paul’s. Lately I have been leaning towards my Gibson Futura which is a prototype that never went into production. Seymour Duncan Pickups and I have used Blackstar amps for 13 years. I love them! I am currently running two of my signatures 50-watt amps in a stereo setting which sounds massive. As far as pedals, I keep that easy as well, I have an original KLON, Tube Screamer, and a Wah. I use Klotz cables from Germany as well. I feel like that gives me enough to play with while focusing on playing!
Guitar Thrills: You’ve worked with major guitar and gear brands—how do you choose the equipment that truly represents your sound?
Jared: That’s a simple one! All the gear I use, I had used before there was ever any talk of endorsements. I just use the gear that I love, I am lucky to have formed awesome relationships with all of these companies and been able to factor these brands into my own voice on the instrument
Guitar Thrills: Social media has become a huge platform for guitarists. How has it shaped your career or connection with fans?
Jared: Social media has been a game changer! I love it for the simple fact that I can post something, and it can be projected to the world instantly. It has helped me reach out with like-minded individuals, as well as fans of the music that I play. It’s incredible how vital of a tool it is! It also has helped me shape my career and hyper focus on the things that make me who I am. That way I have an easier time getting out what I want to say musically!
Guitar Thrills: Which guitar heroes—past or present—influence you’re playing, and what have you taken from their approach?
Jared: My biggest guitar heroes are Leslie West and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Those were the two that changed my guitar playing forever. I grew up listening to classic rock, then got heavy into the blues, but if I were to pick two, it would be them. Simply put, when I started to find my own sound and look for inspiration I thought of Leslie and Stevie. Leslie had one of the most incredible tones and vibrato’s I’ve ever heard, and Stevie Ray sounded like he was speaking through the guitar. I took their inspiration and used it to find my own voice.
Guitar Thrills: You’ve toured and shared stages with some legendary acts. Is there a moment or story from the road that stands out?
Jared: I have so many memories. I don’t even know where to begin. Playing in front of 18,000 people with Lynyrd Skynyrd was definitely a highlight. World tours w/ Zakk Wylde were a dream come true. Or jamming with my hero Leslie West is still on my MT. Rushmore of memories. Slash, Bonamassa, Frampton, Buddy Guy too. I’m so grateful for all these memories!!!
Guitar Thrills: What’s your creative process like in the studio? Do you prefer capturing raw takes or dialing things in meticulously?
Jared: I prefer raw takes for the honesty and excitement. That’s how I always used to do it. Although, I’ve come to love dialing in certain things meticulously it all depends on the situation. I think that both ways are essential.
Guitar Thrills: How do you view the current state of guitar in mainstream music? Is it making a comeback, or has it never really left?
Jared: For me, it is never left! There’s always been an incredible amount of the music that I love currently being created. I will say, the pendulum always swings with this kind of music. It does seem as if now, more than in the past years people are really starting again to love the honesty and energy of Guitar based music Rock music.
Guitar Thrills: What advice would you give young players trying to find their own voice on the instrument today?
Jared: Have FUN!!! Make sure to take your time and play what you love. Don’t get too consumed in social media and whatever everyone else is doing. Remember, music is one of the most personal things in the world, play by your own rules and love it! It’s not a competition.
Guitar Thrills: Looking ahead—what can fans expect from you next? Any upcoming projects, releases, or collaborations you’re excited about?
Jared: Absolutely! I just finished a brand-new record and I cannot wait for everyone to hear it, more details about that soon! For now, I am all about getting back out on the road and rocking. See you out in a town near you!
Conclusion:
Whether it’s breaking the mold with unorthodox technique, inspiring fans through raw performances, or pushing the limits of gear and genre, modern players like Jared James Nichols are keeping the guitar alive and electric in a constantly evolving industry. Stay tuned as we continue spotlighting the artists who are redefining what it means to be a guitarist in the 21st century.
