Join Tyler Larson ( ⁨@MusicisWin⁩ ) and Jared James Nichols ( ⁨@JJNicholsMusic⁩ ) as they sit down with blues titan Josh Smith ( ⁨@JoshSmithGuitar⁩ ) for one of the most inspiring guitarist deep-dives we’ve ever filmed, for real! In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Josh opens up about tone chasing, creativity, gear myths, BB King’s 100th birthday album, insane string gauges (yes… 13s in standard tuning), improvisation, career evolution, and the mindset required to survive as a lifelong musician. Expect jaw-dropping playing, hilarious moments, killer stories from the road and studio, and some of the most honest guitar philosophy you’ll hear anywhere. If you love guitar, blues, tone, Telecasters, or just watching masters talk shop—this episode is for you.

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The 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.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Welcome to the first NIGHT pod!

1:29 - The jam warm-up

4:50 - Tyler predicts the World Series

5:27 - Who is the Shohei Ohtani of guitar?

7:30 - Electronic drums, The Who, and live performance quirks

9:05 - MIDI guitars and gear rabbit holes

10:30 - Improvisation vs. noodling

12:14 - Playing in time: the secret almost everyone learns late

13:26 - Following intuition and musical breadcrumbs

15:02 - What makes great solos connect

16:01 - Three-way rhythmic improvisation experiment

17:27 - Josh’s year producing the BB King 100th album

18:34 - Tracking 33 songs and wrangling 40 guest artists

20:56 - Paul Rodgers tracks Night Life on the BB King sessions

23:28 - Josh Smith uses 13 GAUGE STRINGS

24:40 - Trying Josh’s guitar out… ouch

27:36 - Roy Lanham and forgotten guitar influences

32:14 - Josh demonstrates how his style evolved

35:36 - Becoming yourself instead of copying your heroes

38:43 - Why the Telecaster unlocks Josh’s true voice

40:14 - The Telecaster is the ultimate apocalypse-proof guitar

41:44 - Tone is personal—and your gear should inspire you

44:45 - Amp vs. guitar: the eternal debate

47:29 - Josh’s new signature Ibanez Flat V2

56:12 - Life updates and reevaluating the dream

The holy grail of overdrives takes center stage in this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast! Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) and Jared James Nichols ( @JJNicholsMusic ) put an original Klon Centaur head-to-head with some of the most popular Klon clones on the market—from boutique builds to budget pedals—to find out if anything can match the legendary tone. Expect deep tone talk, epic shootouts, and plenty of guitar geekery (plus the story of how Jared became a dad mid-podcast).If you’ve ever wondered why the Klon is the most hyped overdrive pedal in history—or if the clones can truly hang—this is the shootout you’ve been waiting for. 🎸⁠

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - The Legendary Klon Centaur Episode Begins... Again

1:06 - Jared’s Life-Changing Phone Call: Becoming a Dad Mid-Podcast

3:12 - “Dad Tone” and the Power of Rock

3:25 - Why Guitarists Obsess Over the Klon Centaur

4:05 - Jared’s First Encounter with the Klon Back at Berklee

5:59 – Discovering the Magic of the Original Klon Tone

6:13 – Tyler’s Pandemic-Era Obsession with Finding a Klon

7:28 – Why the Klon Is the “Charizard” of Guitar Pedals

8:02 – Joe Bonamassa’s Gift: The Story Behind Jared’s Klon

10:26 – The Klon as a Gift and a Legacy

11:18 – Breaking Down Klon Versions: Silver, Gold, Long Tail, Short Tail

12:18 – Time to Hear the Real Klon in Action

13:19 – Clean Tone Test: Fender Princeton vs. Klon Magic

16:40 – The Sweet Spot: Finding the Perfect Klon Gain Setting

19:16 – The First Boutique Pedal: Why the Klon Made History

20:25 – Klon Clone Shootout Setup: OG vs. Modern Imitations

25:14 – Comparing the Klon to Its Clones (JHS, Acorn, Wampler & More)

30:08 – High-Gain Madness: Maxing Out the Klon and Clones

37:12 – How Jared Dials In His Klon for Real-World Playing

40:13 – Final Thoughts: Do You Really Need a $5,000 Klon?The 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.

Guitar legend Dweezil Zappa ( @thedweezilzappa ) joins Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) and Jared James Nichols ( @JJNicholsMusic ) on The No Cover Charge Podcast for an epic deep dive into guitar tone, technique, creativity, and life lessons from growing up Zappa. Dweezil shares rare insights on his dad Frank Zappa’s genius, the art of improvisation, tone chasing, recording tricks, and why the “mad scientist” mindset is the key to musical freedom. Expect jaw-dropping guitar demonstrations, stories from the road, and thought-provoking conversations every guitarist will love.For all things Dweezil, go to https://www.dweezilzappa.comDweezil's fan engagement platform builder: https://www.rewardmusic.comCheck out Jared on tour: https://www.jaredjamesnichols.com

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Hey Dweezil!

1:00 - Building a house, studio, and a new chapter

3:30 - Dweezil’s YouTube channel and creative freedom

5:00 - The science behind amp tone experiments

7:00 - The Sundragon amp test gone wild

8:50 - How volume changes your playing

9:50 - Taking breaks and musical resets

10:50 - Rediscovering inspiration after time off

11:40 - Dweezil’s guitar fundamentals and interval tips

13:00 - How to navigate the fretboard with confidence

15:00 - Turning wrong notes into right ones

17:00 - Improvisation and the art of risk-taking

18:00 - “Play your phone number” guitar technique explained

22:00 - How to create melodies from numbers

26:00 - Building a personal improvisation system

30:00 - Expanding your playing with permutations

33:00 - Using melodic minor and outside sounds

36:00 - Finding flow and emotional connection on stage

38:30 - Listening vs. overplaying

40:00 - What Dweezil learned from his dad Frank Zappa

42:00 - The story behind “The Black Page”

44:00 - Jared’s questions from tour

45:00 - Desert island gear picks

46:50 - The amp that melts faces

47:40 - The one pedal Dweezil can’t live without

49:00 - Favorite recorded guitar tone ever

50:00 - Inside jokes behind Frank Zappa’s song titles

53:00 - Tube tone myths and recording reality

54:30 - Jamming with Steve Vai and Chick Corea

58:00 - The legacy of Randy Rhoads

1:02:00 - How Zappa and Rhoads shaped modern guitar

1:05:00 - RewardMusic.com and empowering independent

artists

1:08:00 - Closing thoughts and guitar wisdom

The 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.

Joel Hoekstra has played with everyone from Whitesnake and Night Ranger to Cher and Trans-Siberian Orchestra—and he’s here to tell the stories behind it all. In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols, Joel breaks down his incredible career path, from Broadway pits in New York to arena stages across the globe. Joel also shares his secrets for longevity, versatility, and surviving the hustle of a professional guitar life. Expect inspiring lessons, guitar nerdery, and some unforgettable stories from one of rock’s most versatile players.

Pre-save Joel's new single, "The Fall"

His new album, 'Into the Fade' drops February 2026.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Why Joel is the ultimate guitar chameleon

1:17 – Playing with Whitesnake, TSO, and Night Ranger

2:56 – Early guitar influences and discovering Angus Young

4:18 – Learning guitar in a pre-tab world

6:03 – Growing up blue-collar and developing work ethic

8:09 – Building a career as a sideman

10:02 – Breaking into the New York scene

11:18 – How Joel joined Night Ranger

13:05 – Broadway gigs and Rock of Ages

15:44 – Joining Trans-Siberian Orchestra

17:10 – The genius of Paul O’Neill

19:05 – Balancing gigs and finding your lane

20:00 – Inspiring kids through live performance

21:01 – Fear, stress, and motivation

22:03 – Playing with Cher & embracing new styles

24:16 – Lessons from playing with Foreigner

27:10 – The Night Ranger guitar team

29:57 – From Broadway to arenas

33:00 – Landing the Whitesnake gig

36:00 – Finding purpose and artistic balance

37:01 – Advice for young players

38:05 – Full-circle moments and staying open-minded

40:24 – Handling pressure and last-minute gigs

45:04 – Managing anxiety and performance stress

47:08 – Collaborating with legends like Satriani and Schenker

49:19 – Thoughts on online trolls and staying positive

51:01 – Joel’s tapping and legato fundamentals

57:24 – The art of phrasing and “money notes”

1:01:34 – Joel’s new album From the Fade

1:03:06 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-cover-charge-podcast/id1837018751

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The 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.

One of the guitar world's kings of tone, Joe Bonamassa joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for an unforgettable episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast! In this in-depth and hilarious chat, Joe opens up about his gear philosophy, vintage Les Pauls, touring stories, and the realities of being a modern guitar hero (though he won't call himself that).

Expect deep insight into tone chasing, amps and guitars, modelers vs. tube amps, lessons from Danny Gatton, and Joe’s honest take on the music industry, trolls, and staying inspired.Whether you’re a guitarist, gearhead, or Bonamassa fan, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and killer guitar talk — no cover charge required.

Check out all things Joe Bonamassa here

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – We have a very special guitar rig for Joe

1:08 – Opening jam

2:01 – Joe's $450K Gibson Les Paul named "PJ"

3:36 - Comparing a 1958 Les Paul to a 2021 Les Paul

7:00 – The craftsmanship and electronics of vintage guitars

8:00 – Joe’s philosophy on touring with expensive gear

10:15 – Airline horror stories: traveling with guitars

13:30 – The rise of amp modelers and practicality on tour

15:00 – Why Joe avoids digital rigs and modeling amps

17:00 – When tech fails mid-gig is Joe’s nightmare

19:00 – Redundancy in rigs and surviving on stage

21:00 – Thoughts on gear demos and real-world tone

23:00 – Volume, speakers, and why wattage matters

25:00 – Inside Joe’s 7-amp live rig setup

27:30 – How Joe dials in his stage tone

30:00 – Adjusting tone on unfamiliar gear

33:00 – Joe's "time compression philosophy on stage

36:00 – Mastering dynamics and audience engagement

40:00 – How Danny Gatton shaped Joe’s playing

43:00 – Joe’s viral “Guitar Controls Lesson” explained

47:00 – Joe’s thoughts on online guitar culture & trolls

52:00 – Why music should stay fun and positive

55:00 – EPIC JAM WITH JOE

The 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.

Legendary guitarist Steve Morse (Deep Purple, Kansas, Dixie Dregs, Flying Colors) joins Tyler Larson for an in-depth conversation about his incredible career, songwriting approach, and unique guitar philosophy. Steve breaks down tone secrets, composition techniques, and stories from life on the road with some of rock’s greatest bands. From his early influences to collaborating with John Petrucci and Eric Johnson on his new album Triangulation, this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast is a masterclass in musicianship and creativity.

Check out all things Steve Morse

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The 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 Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols on The No Cover Charge Podcast as they sit down with the legendary Tommy Emmanuel — one of the greatest acoustic guitar players of all time. Tommy opens up about his musical philosophy, the art of performance, his relationship with Chet Atkins, and how he built a lifelong career brick by brick. Expect stories, wisdom, humor, and jaw-dropping playing from one of the most inspiring musicians on the planet.

Check out Tommy Emmanuel on tour!

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The 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 Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for Episode 5 of The No Cover Charge Podcast as they break down the biggest guitar trends from the 1950s to today—and even predict where the guitar world is headed next. From the sharp suits of early jazz cats, to Clapton’s “woman tone,” to the rise of shred, grunge, boutique gear, and social media guitar culture, this episode is a fast-moving journey through the history of the instrument we love. Expect stories, laughs, and deep insights into how guitar trends shaped music history.

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⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠

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The 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.

0:00 - Breaking a String to Start the Show
0:32 - Kicking Off with 1950s Guitar Trends
1:00 - Dressing Sharp: Suits and Jazz Roots
2:10 - Jazz Cats Gatekeeping Guitar Tone
3:00 - Les Paul’s Quest for the Cleanest Sound
3:42 - The Birth of Amp Overdrive
5:31 - Polite 1950s Guitar vs. Hendrix Chaos
6:00 - The 1960s: British Invasion & High Straps
7:54 - Guitar Destruction Becomes a Trend
10:00 - Clapton, the “Blues Lawyer” Catalyst
12:41 - The 1970s: Enter the Guitar Gods
17:21 - 1980s Explosion of Shred
23:00 - The 1990s Pivot to Grunge
26:20 - The 2000s: Forums, Modeling Amps, and Emo
32:49 - 2010s: Social Media & Bedroom Guitarists
43:02 - The 2030s: AI Bands and the Future of Guitar

Step into guitar history with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols as they unveil the resurrected Gibson Futura—a rare prototype that paved the way for the Explorer. In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, they dive into the story behind Gibson’s bold late-’50s designs, demo the one-of-a-kind Korina-built Custom Shop Futura, and explore the legacy of vintage guitars, including Jared’s legendary “Dorothy” Les Paul rescued from a tornado. Expect laughs, deep gear talk, and tones you won’t hear anywhere else.🎸 Watch now if you love Gibson guitars, rare prototypes, or vintage gear stories that changed rock forever.

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The 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.

In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson ( ⁨@MusicisWin⁩ ) and Jared James Nichols ( ⁨@JJNicholsMusic⁩ ) sit down with Richie “The Falcon” Faulkner of Judas Priest ⁨@judaspriest⁩ . Richie opens up about his journey in one of the greatest heavy metal bands of all time, his approach to guitar playing, tone, gear, and what it means to carry the torch of legendary riffs.
Expect stories from the road, deep guitar talk, and insight into what makes Richie one of the most exciting guitarists in modern metal. Fun fact–Richie has only changed his guitar strings once in nine years. Lol.
🎸 If you love Judas Priest, heavy metal, guitar gear, and shred, this episode is for you!

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 - Richie Faulkner, the firepower of Judas Priest

1:02 - Jamming with The Falcon

2:36 - Richie changed his strings once in 9 years

3:14 - Testing an electric guitar unplugged reveals its secrets

5:14 - Richie’s touring guitars with Judas Priest

6:47 - EMGs are always the answer

9:41 - Why a guitar player’s ear is their most important asset

15:46 - The “clone” comparison of yourself to other guitarists

18:08 - Richie’s sausage selling days

23:53 - The “Breaking the Law” riff

26:54 - The “Breaking the Law” solo

29:57 - Nightmare stage moments

35:04 - Richie’s incredible feature on his first Judas Priest run

38:45 - Richie’s advice to guitar players everywhere

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