Garrett Jones: The Guitar Virtuoso Redefining K-Pop
garrett Jones has carved out a meaningful niche in the K-pop industry, but his musical journey began in an unexpected place. “I was raised in the suburbs of Detroit,where the music scene was sparse,but the city itself shaped my musical identity,” reflects the 32-year-old guitarist.
From Humble beginnings to Global Stages
His unique blend of soulful riffs infused with classic R&B influences has made him a perfect fit for the dynamic sound of Stray Kids. “I aimed to forge my own narrative,” Jones explains. “The idea of traveling the globe as a guitarist was exhilarating.”
However, the road to success was not without its challenges.”In the beginning, I often felt like my skills lagged behind those of my peers. It wasn’t until my early twenties that I connected with musicians who truly helped me evolve. They taught me how to interpret the guitarist’s role adn what was expected of me,” he shares.
The Evolution of Craft in a digital Age
Jones emphasizes the importance of patience in the pursuit of artistic growth. “In today’s world, anyone can showcase their work online, leading to a flood of hastily produced content,” he notes. “We live in a time where the craft often appears unrefined before it’s shared. While it’s easier to gain visibility, what’s presented online doesn’t always reflect reality.”
His musical journey began at age 11 when his parents gifted him a classical nylon guitar. “It remained untouched in my closet until the release of Guitar Hero III on PS2. that’s when everything clicked for me,” he recalls.
After exploring various genres from alt-rock to gospel in Detroit, jones moved to Los angeles, where his career took off. “I’ve collaborated with R&B legends like Ms. Lauryn Hill, Giveon, and Victoria Monét, as well as artists across pop and rock, including Ravyn Lenae and Grandson,” he reveals.
Breaking Into the K-Pop Scene
His diverse musical background led him to the K-pop genre, wich is often not associated with guitar-centric sounds. “My first experience was recording guitar for Focus by NCT 127 on their Sticker album,” Jones explains. “K-pop is incredibly versatile, and I believe my style aligns well with the genre’s flexibility, especially in Stray Kids’ music.”
For those unfamiliar, Stray Kids has achieved remarkable success, ranking as the third highest-selling artist globally in 2023, trailing only Taylor Swift and fellow K-pop group Seventeen. With over 10 billion views on YouTube, their impact is undeniable.
“I got a call from a talent manager who recommended me without my prior knowledge,” he recalls about joining Stray Kids. “Everything happened so quickly, as it often does in this industry. I trusted my instincts, and I’m grateful I did.”
Embracing the STAY Community
Jones has been warmly welcomed by Stray Kids’ fanbase, known as STAY. “Their support is remarkable and gives me hope that in this social media era, people are still inspired to pick up an instrument,” he says.
“Every night, we perform in front of massive crowds, fulfilling dreams I once read about in Guitar World,” he adds.
Innovative Guitar techniques in K-Pop
While K-pop may not be synonymous with guitar solos, Jones believes it has the potential to embrace them. “I focus on understanding the chord progressions and inversions in the tracks.There are many intriguing progressions in this music,” he argues.
His gear setup allows for extensive tonal versatility. “I use a Gibson Les Paul Standard, a Fender American Professional II, and a Gibson J-45. The Les Paul delivers thick, heavy tones, while the Strat is perfect for cleaner, sharper sounds,” he explains.
“I experimented with the rock-fusion instrumentalist style, but it didn’t resonate with me; it felt like I was trying to be someone else.”
“I require a variety of tones for different songs. Sometimes, I incorporate my T-Bone Telecaster from LSL, which holds sentimental value and offers a broad sonic range,” he adds.
Jones maintains a flexible approach to amplifiers as well. “I’ve never fully transitioned from analog to digital; I prefer a hybrid setup. Currently,I’m using a Helix Floor integrated with my Mesa Boogie Dual Rectifier heads.The digital aspect doesn’t compromise authenticity; it’s all about how you utilize it,” he states.
Looking Ahead: A New Creative Chapter
After an extensive touring schedule, Jones is eager to focus on personal projects. “I’m excited to create for myself again. I write, produce, and play various instruments. I even dabbled in djing for a while. The rock-fusion path didn’t feel authentic to me,” he admits.
“I had an album available on digital platforms, but I removed it because it didn’t reflect my true self. I have so much more to offer, and I believe I’m on the verge of breaking new ground. the possibilities are more reassuring than overwhelming,” he concludes.
- stray Kids’ latest album Karma is now available for purchase.
