No Cover Charge Podcast

Join the NCC App for free!Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols answer questions straight from the guitar community—and things get opinionated fast. From sketchy Facebook Marketplace deals and expensive vintage guitars to overrated gear, guitar technique, tone chasing, pedals, and the guitars we just don’t understand, nothing is off limits. Plus, plenty of vintage gear, questionable financial decisions, and glorious guitar playing along the way.Check out Neural DSP plugins for a discount using *nocovercharge*Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Join the NCC App for free!Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.What does the legendary Dumble sound actually feel like to play? Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols plug into two Dumble-inspired amps from Amplified Nation —the Phoenix Fury and Ampliphonix & Gain—and immediately go down the tone rabbit hole. Learn more at the Amplified Nation website.We explore everything from pristine cleans and touch-sensitive breakup to massive overdrive, harmonics, and fuzz-like saturation, swapping guitars, pickups, pedals, and settings along the way. If you're into Dumble amps, boutique guitar amps, killer guitar tone, or just watching two guitar nerds chase "the sound," this one's for you.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Join the NCC App for free!Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.Joe Bonamassa returns to the No Cover Charge Podcast for another deep dive into guitars, amps, tone, and life on the road. In Episode 49, Joe shares why he's now using digital Fender Tone Master amps alongside his legendary Dumbles, reveals the truth about modern modeling technology, and explains what finally changed his mind.Along the way, Joe and Tyler Larson with Jared James Nichols explore rare vintage Gretsch and Guild guitars, legendary blues tones, Dumble amps, touring realities, viral fame vs. ticket sales, and the mindset it takes to build a lasting music career.Whether you're a guitarist, gear nerd, collector, or Joe Bonamassa fan, this episode is packed with stories, hard-earned wisdom, and incredible guitar tones you won't want to miss.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Join the NCC App for free!Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.Write a FUNK song in one hour?! Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols are back with another songwriting challenge—this time diving headfirst into the world of funk guitar.Watch as they build a saucy track from scratch using baritone guitar, choice Neural DSP tones, layered guitar parts, and plenty of questionable musical decisions along the way. You'll get an inside look at how two guitar nerds approach groove, tone, arrangement, and improvisation under a time limit.Plus, stick around for the final track that you can jam along with yourself!New backing tracks are available FREE at https://nocovercharge.com/tracks.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Join the NCC App for free!Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.What do you get a guitarist who already has everything? Tyler sets out on a mission to find the perfect housewarming gift for Jared James Nichols, leading to the discovery of one of the wildest vintage guitar pedals ever made—the legendary Roland AP-7 Jet Phaser.After putting the pedal through its paces in the studio, Tyler surprises Jared with the gift, and the two plug it in to hear why this bizarre '70s effect has become such a cult classic. Along the way, expect vintage guitar nerdiness, inspiring tones, guitar jams, and the kind of friendship only gear addicts understand.If you love vintage guitar pedals, guitar tone, classic rock gear, fuzz, phasers, and behind-the-scenes guitar content, this episode is for you.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Join the NCC App for free!Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.Tyler Bryant joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for one of the most unique No Cover Charge episodes yet. Instead of a traditional interview, the guys head to Tyler Bryant's incredible Crosstie Studio in Nashville and build a brand-new song from scratch.Watch the songwriting process unfold in real time as riffs turn into arrangements, solos get traded, tones are dialed in, and three friends chase inspiration together. Along the way, Tyler gives a tour of his Grammy-winning studio, shares production insights, and shows how great records come together.If you're into guitar, songwriting, recording, music production, Nashville musicians, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, or just watching great players create music together, this episode is for you.Download and jam over the song we made in this episode in the No Cover Charge app!Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Join the NCC App for free!Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols hit the road for a full-on Nashville guitar safari, exploring some of the coolest guitar shops in Music City in search of weird vintage guitars, hidden gems, legendary amps, and dangerously tempting gear. From rare Flying Vs and double-necks to Hello Kitty guitars, vintage Juniors, Jaguars, and bizarre custom builds, this episode is packed with guitar nerd heaven, hilarious moments, and nonstop jams.Featuring stops at iconic Nashville guitar shops, unexpected finds, gear talk, vintage tones, and plenty of chaos along the way.Check out the mics used in this episodeThank you to Roswell Pro Audio for sponsoring this episode.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Join us in the NCC App for freeSign up free for early access to podcasts, lessons, backing tracks, and more.In episode 39 of the No Cover Charge Podcast, Paul Gilbert stops by, straight off the tour bus... and gives us everything.Guitar legend Paul Gilbert sits down with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for an unfiltered hour of guitar wisdom, tone talk, and live playing. Paul breaks down his evolving approach to melody vs. shred, life-changing moments on stage with Mr. Big and Racer X, plus the one technique he says most players are completely missing, and so much more. This episode is required viewing for any guitar player.Expect deep dives into Paul's entire pedal board (including that legendary vintage flanger), stories from the Racer X days, joining Mr. Big and learning to shut up for a year, how emotion and anger show up in your playing, and why BB King was telling the truth every time he picked up a guitar. Plus — live playing, lick breakdowns, and a crash course in why melody and shred don't have to fight each other.If you love guitar, this one's essential viewing.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Want early access to episodes, free backing tracks, community forum, giveaways, lessons, and more?⁠Join us in the NCC App for free at nocovercharge.comOn this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols sit down with legendary guitarist and tone guru Pete Thorn to talk touring with Joe Satriani and Steve Vai, the art of guitar tone, auditioning for icons like Don Henley and Chris Cornell, signature guitars, fuzz pedals, and what it really takes to become a world-class working guitarist. Pete shares incredible stories from the road, his philosophy on preparation and creativity, and why being yourself musically matters more than ever.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Guitarists need backing tracks. Get yours for free in the No Cover Charge app! In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols dive deep into the art of creating inspiring backing tracks—from groove, feel, and timing to chord movement and tone. You’ll watch them build tracks in real time, jam over them, and break down what makes certain tracks push your playing to the next level.This episode also introduces the No Cover Charge app, where you can access free backing tracks, share your playing, and connect with a growing guitar community. Whether you're into blues, rock, metal, or experimental tones, this is your new jam hub.Go directly to the tracks for free.Check out Neural DSP plugins for a discount using *nocovercharge*This episode also introduces the No Cover Charge app, where you can access free backing tracks, share your playing, and connect with a growing guitar community. Whether you're into blues, rock, metal, or experimental tones, this is your new jam hub.Go directly to the tracks for free at: https://www.nocovercharge.com/tracksCheck out Neural DSP plugins for a discount using *nocovercharge*Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

This spontaneous hang yielded some short clips that broke the guitar internet recently, like this one. While this is a mini episode, it's too good not to share this extra footage of an impromptu B Bender jam with Episode 33's guest, Trey Hensley. Make sure to check out that episode if you missed it, and thanks for supporting The No Cover Charge Podcast!Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols on The No Cover Charge Podcast for an honest, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about guitar, songwriting, and life on the road.Zach shares stories from touring with Shinedown, working alongside Brent Smith, and learning firsthand from legends like B.B. King. They dive into tone vs. feel, why “less is more” still wins, the pressure of writing hit songs, and how great players like John Mayer balance technique with melody.From gear talk (PRS, whammy pedals, and signature tones) to the reality of internet criticism and imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with real talk for guitar players and music fans alike.🎸 If you're a fan of Shinedown or care about songwriting, tone, and what actually makes a great guitarist—this one’s for you.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.

Step inside Nerdville East with Joe Bonamassa for one of the most in-depth guitar conversations with the guitar legend yet. In Episode 30 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols talk vintage tone, legendary Les Pauls, rare Fender finds, and the real truth behind guitar collecting.From pristine 1959 bursts to historic road-worn Strats, Joe breaks down what actually matters in great guitars, how gear myths get started, and why “hearing with your eyes” might be more real than you think. Plus—cigars, stories from the road, and behind-the-scenes access to one of the most insane guitar collections on the planet.If you love guitar tone, vintage gear, blues rock, or just great musician hangouts, this episode is a must.Thank you to the sponsor of our show, Roswell Pro AudioCheck out their microphones: https://bit.ly/RoswellProAudioSubscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson & Jared James Nichols is your all-access backstage pass to the world of guitar—and there's never a cover at the proverbial door. Hosted by two of the most passionate guitarists you'll find, Tyler and Jared deliver a mix of electrifying interviews with legendary guitarists, laugh-out-loud tales from the road, deep dives into guitar culture, and no-holds-barred gear talk.Whether you're a lifelong shredder or just love music, you'll find something unexpected in every episode—a hidden gem, a new perspective, an epic jam, or a story that'll stick with you. It’s always a good time, and best of all? No cover charge.Plug in and hang out.