After playing drums for six years, Rick changed direction, learning how to play guitar and keyboards. During Rick's teens, the family owned a music store in Rockford, Illinois, and he learned to play a number of instruments. His father, Ralph Nielsen, also directed symphonies, choirs and recorded over forty solo albums. Nielsen was born into a musical family, with both parents being opera singers. He is well-known for his numerous custom-made guitars from Hamer Guitars, including his famous five-neck guitar.

Richard Alan Nielsen (born December 22, 1948) is an American musician best known as the lead guitarist, primary songwriter, and leader of the rock band Cheap Trick.