No Cover Charge Podcast

Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols
  • 5.0 (52)
  • MUSIC INTERVIEWS

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, 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.

  1. Episode 24 - Tim Pierce

    2D AGO

    Episode 24 - Tim Pierce

    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.

    46 min
  2. Episode 23 - Joe Bonamassa Returns – With Gary Moore's Amp!

    FEB 2

    Episode 23 - Joe Bonamassa Returns – With Gary Moore's Amp!

    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.

    1h 4m
  3. Episode 22 - John Bohlinger

    JAN 26

    Episode 22 - John Bohlinger

    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.

    43 min
  4. Episode 21 - The John Mayer Plug-in

    JAN 19

    Episode 21 - The John Mayer Plug-in

    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?

    49 min
  5. Episode 20 - 26 Guitar Practice Tips for 2026 (That Actually Work)

    JAN 12

    Episode 20 - 26 Guitar Practice Tips for 2026 (That Actually Work)

    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.

    56 min
  6. Episode 19 - Ben Travers

    JAN 5

    Episode 19 - Ben Travers

    In Episode 19 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols sit down with Ben Travers, a monster guitarist, thoughtful musician, and Grammy-nominated songwriter — for a deep, honest conversation about guitar, creativity, technique, and the mental side of being a musician. This episode goes far beyond chops. Ben opens up about insecurity, social anxiety, discipline, effective practice, alternate picking, theory vs feel, songwriting, touring realities, and what it really takes to keep growing as a guitarist in today’s world. Expect jaw-dropping playing, real talk, and practical insights you can apply to your own guitar journey. Whether you’re into shredding, blues, songwriting, or just love thoughtful guitar conversations, this episode delivers. Check out all things Ben Travers ⁠⁠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.

    1h 1m
  7. Episode 18 - The Future of This Podcast

    12/29/2025

    Episode 18 - The Future of This Podcast

    What an incredible year it's been! Although we only launched this show a few months ago, it feels like something we'll be doing for a long time, thanks to you, our guests, and the power of ROCK. We are humbled and grateful for all of your support, and we'll see you in 2026! Happy New Year!Love,Tyler & Jared ⁠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.

    56 min
  8. Episode 17 - The "Write a Song in An Hour" Challenge

    12/22/2025

    Episode 17 - The "Write a Song in An Hour" Challenge

    In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols take on the timeless creative challenge: writing a song in an hour. With no plan, no pressure, and a room full of guitars, amps, and pedals, they build a rock song from scratch in real time. Watch as riffs turn into verses, choruses emerge organically, and a full song takes shape through tone chasing, odd time signatures, gear experiments, and pure musical instinct. This episode pulls back the curtain on the songwriting process, showing how musicians collaborate, problem-solve, keep it real, and follow inspiration wherever it leads. If you love guitar tone, songwriting, creative process, or watching music get made from nothing — this one’s for you. The song isn't half bad either ;) ⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠ ⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠ ⁠TikTok⁠ ⁠Facebook⁠ 0:00 - Writing a Song in One Hour 0:31 - Rules of the Songwriting Challenge 0:48 - Guitar Pedals and Gear Overview 1:38 - Choosing Guitars and Amps for Songwriting 1:58 - How Guitar Tone Sparks Song Ideas 2:29 - Cranking a Marshall for Riff Writing 3:03 - Finding the Groove and Tempo 3:54 - Building the Main Guitar Riff 4:23 - Turning a Riff into a Song Structure 5:04 - Songwriting Advice: Don’t Overthink It 6:06 - Using Fuzz and Texture for Inspiration 7:52 - Creating Verses and Choruses 9:04 - Switching Guitar Amps for New Sounds 10:34 - Using Alternate Tuning for Songwriting 11:46 - Writing a Chorus That Hits Hard 13:01 - Adding Harmony and Movement 15:49 - Avoiding Blues Clichés in Rock Songs 17:16 - Choosing the Right Drum Groove 18:40 - Writing a Bridge That Creates Contrast 22:28 - Experimenting with Odd Time Signatures 24:57 - Locking in the Bridge Section 25:38 - Preparing for Guitar Solos 30:29 - Adding Ambient Guitar Layers 38:09 - Final Song Structure Comes Together 40:48 - Recording Guitar Solos 47:05 - The Creative Process Explained 51:40 - Final Song Reveal: Dr. Death 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. Thank you to the sponsor of our show, ⁠Roswell Pro Audio!

    55 min
See All (24)

5
out of 5
52 Ratings

About

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, 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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols
  • Show Website
    No Cover Charge Podcast

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