Each month in 2021, we will be featuring a member of the worldwide Gretsch community as our spotlight “featured player” of the month!

The featured guitarist for May is .  .  . Jared Petteys!

Jared Petteys is a self-taught guitarist and vocalist who picked up guitar by ear at age 8 and submerged himself in vintage American music after spending much of his childhood going to car shows with his father. He began his music career while serving in the Army as a Cavalry Scout in Savannah, GA and Iraq.

He graduated from Dark Horse Institute in Franklin, TN after studying audio engineering and music business to help propel his self-managed career. He co-wrote and composed his first original song “When She Walked Away” with Nashville songwriter Daniel Johnson. His debut single took elements of the blues and surf style and meshed them with his lifetime love of rockabilly.

Jared moved to Charleston, SC upon seeing a wide open opportunity to spread his original music and open his business, Retro-Sonic Records & Productions, to support his band and dream. With his high energy, raw vocals, and jumpin’ rhythm section, he quickly got the attention of the city and Rockabillaque producer Simon Canton. Since then he has played with acts such as Lee Rocker, Reverend Horton Heat, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Wayne “The Train” Hancock, and Third Man Records artist Olivia Jean.

Jared released their debut album I Ain’t Waiting on September 4, 2020, and is currently touring the Southeast U.S.

We asked Jared . . .

How old were you when you knew you were interested in becoming a musician?
When I received my first guitar at 8 years old. I picked it up once and have never put it down since.

Why did you choose Gretsch?
Because Brian Setzer plays Gretsch guitars and any guitar that could produce that incredible sound is the guitar for me.

What Gretsch gear do you currently use?
G6128T VS ’53 Duo Jet, G6118 Double Anniversary Jaguar Tan, G5422, G5013CE Rancher Jr, and a G9201 Honeydipper.

Which musicians were the biggest influence on you and why?
Stevie Ray Vaughan is the reason I picked up a guitar, the hair on the back of my neck would stand up when I heard him play. Brian Setzer is the reason I play rockabilly. His playing is just jaw dropping. From there I dug into their influences and discovered the roots of all this great music.

How did you adjust and stay musical during the COVID-19 pandemic?
We recorded and released our debut album, I Ain’t Waiting, and played live stream shows for our fans.

You could be featured in 2021 just like Jared.  Click to find out how!