How to Play Guitar Like Nick Jonas

Nick Jonas might not be the first name that pops into your head when you think about guitar legends, but his playing has a unique charm. From his work with the Jonas Brothers to his solo projects, Nick’s guitar style is accessible yet distinctive, making it a great study for anyone looking to blend pop sensibilities with solid guitar skills. Let’s break down what makes his guitar playing tick and how you can incorporate some of his techniques into your own playing.

Finding Your Groove with Chord Progressions

One of the first things you’ll notice about Nick Jonas’s guitar playing is his knack for catchy chord progressions. Whether he’s strumming away on a pop anthem or accompanying a heartfelt ballad, the chords he chooses are both simple and effective. So, how can you get that same vibe?

• Keep it Simple: Stick to basic chords like G, C, D, and E minor. These are the building blocks of many Jonas Brothers hits.
• Experiment with Inversions: Try playing the same chord in different positions on the neck to add variety without changing the fundamental harmony.
• Use Open Strings: Let those open strings ring out whenever possible. This adds a fuller sound to your playing, something Nick often does to great effect.

Interestingly enough, Nick often blends these simple chords with rhythmic strumming patterns that give his songs energy and motion. It’s a great reminder that sometimes less is more, and a few well-placed chords can carry a song a long way.

Strumming Patterns That Sing

Nick has a way of making his guitar strumming feel like an extension of the song’s melody. His strumming isn’t just background noise; it actively contributes to the overall sound. How can you make your strumming patterns more like his?

• Listen to the Drums: Match your strumming pattern to the beat of the song. This doesn’t mean strumming every beat, but finding the rhythm that complements the drums.
• Accent the Offbeat: Adding emphasis on the offbeat can create a more dynamic feel. Think of it as adding a little pep to your strumming.
• Vary Your Dynamics: Mix up your strumming intensity. Play softly in the verse and let it rip in the chorus to highlight those parts of the song.

By paying attention to the rhythm section and how it interacts with your guitar, you can create strumming patterns that are both engaging and supportive of the song’s structure. So, next time you’re jamming, think about how your strumming could sing along with the rest of the band.

Adding Flavor with Fingerpicking

Fingerpicking can add a whole new dimension to your playing, and Nick Jonas uses it to great effect in some of his slower tunes. It allows for a more intimate sound and can make a simple chord progression feel rich and complex.

• Start with the Basics: Practice simple fingerpicking patterns like the classic PIMA (thumb, index, middle, ring) technique. This is a great foundation for more complex patterns.
• Alternate Your Bass Notes: Moving the bass note between different strings can give your fingerpicking patterns more movement and interest.
• Mix It Up: Combine fingerpicking with strumming in the same song. This can create dynamic shifts that make the music more engaging.

Fingerpicking is a fantastic way to add emotional depth to your playing. With a little practice, you can use this technique to bring out the subtleties in your music, much like Nick does in his more reflective tracks.

Crafting Melodies with Lead Lines

While Nick Jonas might be better known for his rhythm playing, he occasionally steps into the spotlight with tasteful lead lines. His approach to lead guitar is all about serving the song, not showing off. Here’s how you can craft similar melodies:

• Focus on Melody: Instead of shredding through scales, think about how your lead line can complement the vocal melody.
• Use Repetition: Repeating certain phrases can make your solos more memorable, much like a catchy chorus.
• Embrace Simplicity: Sometimes a single note, well-placed, can say more than a flurry of fast runs.

Nick’s guitar solos often feel like they’re having a conversation with the rest of the band. By focusing on melody and repetition, you can create lead lines that enhance the song rather than overpower it.

Understanding Song Structure

Nick Jonas has a strong sense of song structure, knowing exactly when to build tension and when to release it. While this might seem more like a songwriting skill, it’s crucial for guitarists to understand how their parts fit into the bigger picture.

• Verse and Chorus Dynamics: Make sure your guitar parts reflect the dynamics of the song. Verses might be more subdued, while choruses can be more energetic.
• Bridge the Gap: The bridge is often where songs take a new direction. Consider changing your guitar tone or style here to highlight this shift.
• Know When to Hold Back: Sometimes, the most powerful thing you can do is play less. Knowing when to hold back is a skill in itself.

Understanding song structure allows you to contribute more effectively to a track. Whether you’re writing your own music or covering someone else’s, knowing how to fit your parts into the larger framework is a key skill.

The Importance of Tone

One of the subtle aspects of Nick Jonas’s playing that often goes unnoticed is his attention to tone. Whether he’s playing an acoustic ballad or a pop-rock anthem, his guitar always sounds just right for the context.

• Choose the Right Guitar: Different guitars have different tonal qualities. An acoustic might be perfect for a ballad, while an electric with a bit of crunch could suit a rock tune.
• Mind Your Effects: Use effects sparingly. A touch of reverb can add depth, but too much can muddy your sound.
• Experiment with Pickup Settings: Switching between pickups can drastically change your tone. Don’t be afraid to experiment until you find the sound that fits the song.

Tone is a personal thing, but taking a cue from Nick Jonas, it’s worth investing time in finding the right sound for each piece you play. After all, the right tone can elevate your playing to new heights.

Playing with Emotion

At the heart of Nick Jonas’s guitar playing is a genuine sense of emotion. Whether he’s playing a high-energy pop song or a soulful ballad, you can feel the emotion in every note.

• Connect with the Lyrics: Understanding the message of the song can help you play more expressively.
• Use Dynamics: Varying your volume and intensity can convey emotion, making your playing feel more alive.
• Play with Feel: Sometimes it’s not about hitting the right notes, but how you hit them. Focus on the feel of your playing to convey emotion.

Playing with emotion is what makes music resonate with listeners. By connecting with the song and focusing on feel, you can bring a new level of expressiveness to your guitar playing.

Jamming with Others

Nick Jonas often collaborates with other musicians, and jamming with others can be a great way to improve your own playing. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Listen Actively: Pay attention to what others are playing and find ways to complement their parts.
• Be Open to Ideas: Collaboration is about give and take. Be open to trying new ideas and adapting your playing.
• Have Fun: The most important thing about jamming is to enjoy the process. Don’t worry about mistakes—focus on the music.

Jamming with others can push you out of your comfort zone and lead to new musical discoveries. So, grab your guitar and start collaborating!

Final Thoughts

Learning to play like Nick Jonas is about more than just copying his licks—it’s about embracing his approach to music. From catchy chord progressions to emotional playing, there’s a lot to learn. If you’re looking to level up your guitar skills, we at Riffhard offer lessons from some of the world’s best metal guitarists. It’s a great way to broaden your horizons and take your playing to new heights.