Jared James Nichols explains decision to use fingerstyle instead of pick
Jared James Nichols, hailing from rural Wisconsin, embarked on a musical journey that led him to international stages while staying true to his unconventional fingerstyle playing. A pivotal moment in his early guitar journey was when he was advised to switch to right-handed playing due to the limited availability of quality left-handed guitars. Nichols recollects, “If you want to be a real guitar player and play really good guitars, you got to play righty. They don’t really make great left-handed guitars.”
At the age of 15, Nichols heeded this advice and embraced playing right-handed. However, he found that using a pick felt unnatural and obstructive to his musical expression. Determined to feel the strings under his fingers, Nichols transitioned to playing fingerstyle, much to the skepticism of onlookers who doubted his ability to excel without a pick. Embracing this criticism, Nichols embarked on a journey to forge his path in the guitar world.
Inspired by esteemed musicians like Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler, and Derek Trucks, Nichols found solace in their unorthodox playing styles. Witnessing these legends paved the way for Nichols to solidify his unique fingerstyle technique. Rejecting societal norms and conventional wisdom, Nichols began to carve out his distinct sound and approach to guitar playing. Reflecting on his journey, Nichols remarks, “I started to develop my own sound and technique with it, and I’m so happy now that I did.”
Recounting his experiences in a recent Gibson documentary, “The Long Road: A Jared James Nichols Documentary,” Nichols shares intimate details of his musical evolution. His dedication to fingerstyle playing has garnered attention and accolades, culminating in a Marshall endorsement. As he forges ahead with his music career, Nichols remains rooted in his original passion for the guitar, driving his creative spirit and innovative approach to playing.
Nichols’ journey serves as a testament to the importance of staying true to oneself and embracing individuality in a world saturated with conformity. By defying expectations and blazing his own trail, Nichols has emerged as a formidable force in the guitar world, captivating audiences with his electrifying performances and unapologetic style. His resilience in the face of naysayers and his commitment to authenticity have solidified his status as a true maverick in the realm of guitar playing.
As Nichols continues to push boundaries and challenge norms, he serves as an inspiration to aspiring musicians and artists, encouraging them to embrace their uniqueness and pursue their creative visions with unwavering determination. Through his music, Nichols exemplifies the power of self-expression and the transformative nature of following one’s passion. In a world where conformity reigns, Nichols stands as a beacon of authenticity and originality, reminding us of the profound impact that individuality can have in shaping our artistic journeys.