Episodes

  • Bonus Episode - George Thorogood
    Feb 24 2026

    Please enjoy this bonus mini episode featuring one of the godfathers of rock 'n roll, George Thorogood. Lonesome

    George has cultivated a 50+ year career through talent, hard work, and an incredible energy that you can't help but be magnetized to, and even though this short interview is only 15 minutes, you can rewind it back again to pick up new pieces of gold that may have gotten overshadowed by George's awesome presence.


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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.


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    15 mins
  • Episode 26 - NAMM Was Nuts
    Feb 23 2026

    In Episode 26 of the No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols recap their wild trip to the NAMM Show: 6 a.m. flights, surprise jam sessions, insane vintage guitars, creator run-ins, booth takeovers, and some of the most unhinged (and hilarious) moments we’ve had yet.


    We jammed our way through California, from LA to Anaheim, and ended up running into YouTube heavyweights, testing bizarre gear, and filming a mini acoustic episode in the creator lounge with @ChrisBuckGuitar and @ArielPosen — this episode captures the beautiful, disjointed madness that is NAMM week.


    Thank you to NeuralDSP for sponsoring this episode!

    Use code *nocovercharge* for 30% off select plugins.


    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


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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.






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    32 mins
  • Episode 25 - Dweezil Zappa's WEIRD Guitars
    Feb 16 2026

    What happens when Dweezil Zappa opens the vault? 🤯 In Episode 25 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols step inside Dweezil’s studio to explore his wildest, weirdest, one-of-one guitars — including a half-fretless SG experiment, microtonal monsters, the heavily-modded "Shut Up and Play Yer Guitar" Les Paul from Frank Zappa, and the Kramer gifted to him by Eddie Van Halen himself.


    From microtonal fretboards and built-in sustain systems to a bizarre Peavey amp designed like an Aston Martin dashboard, this episode is a deep dive into experimental guitar design, tone shaping, feedback control, and the creative mind of a true innovator.


    If you love rare guitars, boutique gear, Zappa history, and next-level tone experiments — this one’s for you.


    For all things Dweezil, check out

    https://www.dweezilzappa.com


    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠


    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.


    Show More Show Less
    1 hr
  • Episode 24 - Tim Pierce
    Feb 9 2026

    Legendary Los Angeles session guitarist Tim Pierce joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for a deep, honest conversation about feel, pocket, creativity, and surviving a lifetime in music. Tim has spent decades recording for some of the most iconic artists and albums of all time, including Michael Jackson, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Bon Jovi, Elton John, and countless others. From playing with the biggest musicians in the world to navigating social media pressure, perfectionism, and the real grind behind great guitar parts, Tim breaks down what truly matters — groove, service to the song, and staying human.


    Expect stories from decades of studio work, insights on rhythm vs. virtuosity, why imperfection is powerful, and practical wisdom for guitarists trying to build something real in today’s music world.


    If you care about feel over flash, this episode is required listening. We got a little flashy, too, though ;)


    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠


    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.



    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
  • Episode 23 - Joe Bonamassa Returns – With Gary Moore's Amp!
    Feb 2 2026

    Joe Bonamassa returns to The No Cover Charge Podcast for a jaw-dropping episode featuring one of the most legendary guitar amps of all time: Gary Moore’s original 1989 Soldano SLO-100. Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols head to Nerdville in sunny Los Angeles to hear this historic amp cranked, discuss its provenance, tone, and wild journey from the UK to the U.S., and geek out over Gary Moore, Warren Haynes, Eric Clapton, and the birth of modern high-gain amps.


    Expect deep gear talk, behind-the-scenes stories, iconic tones, and real-world insight into why this amp helped shape blues-rock history. This is a must-watch episode for guitar players, tone chasers, and serious amp nerds.


    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠


    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.

    Show More Show Less
    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 22 - John Bohlinger
    Jan 26 2026

    John Bohlinger joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for a wide-ranging, guitar-centric conversation on Episode 22 of The No Cover Charge Podcast. From legendary Premier Guitar Rig Rundowns and life as a Nashville session player to AI in music, B Benders, pedal steel, tone philosophy, and why authenticity still matters, this episode is packed with insight, humor, and real-world wisdom.John shares stories from decades in Nashville, working with top artists, hosting iconic rig rundowns, directing major TV productions, and why great players take risks, embrace mistakes, and always chase feel over gear. Plus—plenty of guitar playing, tone talk, and spontaneous jams along the way, as the NCC boys do.If you love guitars, tone, Nashville stories, and honest conversations about music in the modern era, this one’s for you.


    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠



    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.



    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
  • Episode 21 - The John Mayer Plug-in
    Jan 19 2026

    Join Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols in Episode 21 of The No Cover Charge Podcast as they geek out over the Neural DSP Archetype: John Mayer X plugin. This is not sponsored! The boys just love tone! Expect epic jams, preset breakdowns, real amp comparisons, and surprises like... Jared playing a Silver Sky? Gasp! From buttery cleans to roaring drives, discover why this plugin captures John Mayer's iconic tones and what its potential may be.


    Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠


    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 - John Mayer's Neural DSP plugin


    1:19 - How good is this plugin actually?


    2:08 - A Surprise For Jared


    4:02 - The sound of three amps in the room


    4:56 - Lead 2 Live Room preset


    7:22 - Eflat Voodoo preset


    10:13 - Golden Gate preset


    10:45 - Just Plain Dumb preset


    16:43 - Gravity Clean preset


    18:09 - Gravity Lead preset


    18:55 - ODX preset


    19:42 - Hot Bridge preset


    20:53 - Stately Blues preset


    26:22 - Party Time preset


    26:32 - Play Nice Voicings preset


    28:30 - Funk Start Me Up preset


    30:42 - John Will Be Loved preset


    32:20 - Johnzilla 5 preset


    32:32 - Johnzilla 1 preset


    34:27 - Gnarly Slide preset


    36:30 - Express Yourself preset


    37:46 - Clean Your Room preset


    39:15 - SRV 54 preset


    39:49 - Green Zone Rhythm preset


    43:11 - I Don't Trust Myself vibes


    43:18 - Reflective Funk preset


    44:00 - Tasty Trem preset


    45:55 - This video wasn't sponsored, but we love this plugin


    47:30 - Have you ever heard Wild Blue?


    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
  • Episode 20 - 26 Guitar Practice Tips for 2026 (That Actually Work)
    Jan 12 2026

    Looking to level up your guitar playing in 2026? 🎸In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols share 26 real-world guitar practice tips that go beyond boring routines and actually make you a better musician.From honing rhythm, melody, and tone, to mindset shifts, recording yourself, silent practice, and learning from non-guitar instruments, this episode is packed with practical advice for beginner, intermediate, and advanced guitar players alike.Whether you’ve got 15 minutes a day or you’re chasing your next breakthrough, these tips will help you practice smarter, stay inspired, and make real progress in the new year.


    ⁠⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠


    ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠



    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.

    Show More Show Less
    56 mins