Garrett Jones: Bridging Genres in the K-Pop Scene

Garrett Jones, a 32-year-old guitarist, has carved a niche for himself in the K-pop industry, particularly with the group Stray Kids. Originally from metro Detroit, Jones attributes his musical foundation to the city's rich cultural backdrop, despite its suburban limitations. He began his musical journey at age 11 with a classical nylon guitar, which later transformed into a passion for various genres, including R&B, alt-rock, and jazz fusion. His breakthrough came when he moved to Los Angeles, where he collaborated with notable artists such as Ms. Lauryn Hill, Giveon, and Ravyn Lenae.

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

Jones's entry into K-pop was marked by his work on the album "Sticker" by NCT 127, where he recorded guitar parts. This experience highlighted the genre's versatility, aligning well with his diverse musical background. His subsequent collaboration with Stray Kids has been significant, as the group emerged as one of the top-selling artists globally in 2023, trailing only Taylor Swift and Seventeen. Stray Kids has amassed over 10 billion views on YouTube, showcasing their immense popularity.

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

Jones's integration into Stray Kids was facilitated by a talent manager who recommended him without his prior knowledge. He recalls the swift nature of the opportunity, expressing gratitude for trusting his instincts. The fanbase, known as STAY, has welcomed him warmly, providing a supportive environment that inspires him to encourage others to learn instruments. He reflects on the thrill of performing in front of large audiences, fulfilling a dream he had long envisioned.

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

Despite K-pop's reputation for minimal guitar presence, Jones believes there is room for guitar-centric contributions. He emphasizes the importance of understanding chord progressions and inversions in the music, which he finds intriguing. His equipment includes a Gibson Les Paul Standard, a Fender American Professional II, and a Gibson J-45, allowing him to achieve a range of tones suitable for different songs. He employs a hybrid approach to his rig, combining analog and digital elements to maintain authenticity while pushing sonic boundaries.

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

After an extensive touring period, Jones is eager to refocus on personal creativity. He has expressed a desire to write, produce, and explore other musical avenues, indicating a shift from his previous rock-fusion instrumentalist phase, which he felt did not resonate with his true self. Jones is optimistic about the future, stating he has more options than he knows what to do with, viewing this abundance as reassuring rather than overwhelming.

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

• “I wanted to create my own story,” — Garrett Jones

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

• “Their fanbase, called STAY, really shows support and appreciation,” — Garrett Jones

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

• “But I think it can be,” — Garrett Jones

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

• “I have much more to offer, and I think I have a new take on the rules about to break.” — Garrett Jones

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ

Garrett Jones's journey illustrates the intersection of diverse musical influences and the evolving landscape of K-pop, showcasing how artists can thrive in unexpected genres while remaining true to their roots.

“It sat in my closet until Guitar Hero III came out. I slapped the stickers for the controller onto the fretboard, and everything connected from there”: Stray Kids guitarist Garrett Jones on his journ