Podcast · Music

No Cover Charge Podcast

by Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols · English · Music

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 l

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 41 minNew

Episode 59 - It Got LOUD at the Marshall Museum

Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. We visited the historic Marshall Museum in England for an unforgettable experience pulling personal amps off the proverbial wall and turning them up to stadium volumes as they were intended. From Zakk Wylde's personal Black Label Society creation to Yngwie Malmsteen's monstrous Plexi, choice flavors of Marshall models over the years, and even the FIRST Marshall amp ever made, this is an episode for any guitarist to enjoy–we sure did. Oh, and our ears are still ringing from that…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

S1 · E58 · 5 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 58 - Trevor Boone
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. Trevor Boone of Emerald City Guitars joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for a deep dive into the wild world of vintage guitars. From hunting rare instruments across the country on Guitar V to owning, playing, buying and selling some truly incredible pieces of guitar history, Trevor shares what he’s learned from a lifetime surrounded by legendary gear. The guys talk vintage Fender and Gibson guitars, what makes an old guitar truly special, Trevor’s personal ’57 Strat,…
S1 · E57 · 28 Sep 2026 · 55 min
Episode 57 - Sonny Landreth
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. Slide guitar legend Sonny Landreth joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for a deep dive into his one-of-a-kind approach to the guitar. Sonny breaks down his signature behind-the-slide technique, open tunings, phrasing, tone, guitars and pedalboard—and shares stories from a lifetime of blues, roots music and playing alongside legends like Eric Clapton. Plus, plenty of live guitar playing and jams as Sonny demonstrates the techniques, sounds and ideas that made him one of…
S1 · 24 Sep 2026 · 57 min
Bonus Episode - Matteo Mancuso
Join the greatest guitar app ever! Here's a bonus episode for you! Tyler sits down with guitar virtuoso Matteo Mancuso for a deep dive into his one-of-a-kind approach to the instrument, his technique, influences, and the ideas behind his unmistakable playing style. Matteo also breaks down his brand-new Yamaha signature guitar and what went into creating an instrument built around the way he plays. From next-level guitar technique to tone, gear, and musical philosophy, this episode offers a rare look inside the mind—and hands—of one of the most exciting guitarists of his generation. Subscribe…
S1 · E56 · 21 Sep 2026 · 43 min
Episode 56 - We Played Some of the Rarest Guitars... Ever
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 get their hands on an unbelievable collection of historic vintage guitars at Heritage Auctions — and yes, they actually get to PLAY them.From a stunning 1959 Gibson Les Paul “Burst” and Lonnie Mack’s legendary Flying V to a 1952 Fender Telecaster, 1957 Stratocaster, vintage Les Paul Junior, Tom Fogerty’s Les Paul and a Gibson ES-5 Switchmaster, this might be the most insane collection we’ve ever had in one room. Vintage guitar history,…
S1 · E55 · 14 Sep 2026 · 41 min
Episode 55 - The Best Bluegrass Guitarist Goes METAL
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. Bluegrass guitar virtuoso Trey Hensley returns to No Cover Charge—but this time, we’re plugging him in and turning up the gain. Trey breaks down the country and bluegrass techniques behind his incredible playing before we hand him a Telecaster, vintage Strat, Les Paul, and finally a 1984 B.C. Rich Warlock with a death metal pedal. What happens when one of the best acoustic flatpickers on the planet goes full METAL? Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge…
S1 · E54 · 7 Sep 2026 · 36 min
Episode 54 - This Texas Guitar Store Is INSANE
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. We flew to Dallas to visit Dave’s Killer Vintage — and this place is absolute guitar heaven. Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols get a guided tour from Dave Hinson, checking out and playing an unbelievable collection of vintage guitars, amps and music history. From guitars connected to Tommy Bolin, Keith Richards and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers to a killer 1959 Gibson ES-335, rare Les Pauls and some seriously wild gear, nearly everything in this shop has a story. Come hang,…
S1 · E53 · 31 Aug 2026 · 56 min
Episode 53 - Our Hottest Guitar Takes
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…
S1 · E52 · 24 Aug 2026 · 53 min
Episode 52 - JJN's Guitar Fun House
Join the NCC App for free: https://nocovercharge.com Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. Welcome to JJN’s Guitar Fun House. In Episode 52, we get a full tour of Jared’s new guitar room—a tone sanctuary packed with rare Gibson guitars, vintage amps, rock & roll history, and plenty of stories. We dig into Jared’s Futuras, Flying Vs, vintage Les Pauls, an Eric Clapton Firebird, a real ’59 Burst, and more before heading into the garage to crank the Marshalls and put some serious volume behind these guitars.Check out @NeuralDSP plugins for a…
S1 · E51 · 17 Aug 2026 · 50 min
Episode 51 - We Got the DUMBLE Tone
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.…
S1 · E50 · 10 Aug 2026 · 43 min
Episode 50 - The "Birth Year" Guitar
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. What happens when a quick trip to Guitar Center turns into finding the ultimate birth year guitar? In Episode 50 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols head to Guitar Center to check out a rare 1989 Gibson Flying V V90—Jared's birth year guitar. They break down what makes this forgotten Gibson so unique, compare it to Tyler's 1989 Strat, dive into '80s guitar design, and jam on two incredible birth year instruments. If you love Gibson guitars,…
S1 · E49 · 3 Aug 2026 · 52 min
Episode 49 - Joe Bonamassa, Dumbles to DIGITAL
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…
S1 · E48 · 27 Jul 2026 · 1 hr
Episode 48 - Boscoe France
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more.Kentucky slide legend Boscoe France joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for an unforgettable conversation about guitar, slide playing, blues, Southern rock, and the experiences that shaped his unique style. From learning by ear and playing bars at 13 to sharing stories about B.B. King, Sunny Landreth, PRS guitars, and life as a working musician, Boscoe delivers an inspiring, hilarious, and deeply authentic look at what it means to dedicate your life to music. If you love…
S1 · E47 · 20 Jul 2026 · 36 min
Episode 47 - We Wrote a FUNK Song in 1 Hour
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…
S1 · E46 · 13 Jul 2026 · 47 min
Episode 46 - Mike Seal
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. Mike Seal joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for one of the most musical episodes of The No Cover Charge Podcast yet. From jaw-dropping fingerstyle technique and modern guitar phrasing to Telecasters, Whammy pedal tricks, session work, touring with Jerry Douglas, and the making of his new instrumental album Danger Ranger , this episode is packed with live jams, guitar nerd deep dives, and inspiring stories. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge…
S1 · E45 · 6 Jul 2026 · 25 min
Episode 45 - A Little Guitar Gift for Jared
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…
S1 · E44 · 29 Jun 2026 · 33 min
Episode 44 - Guitar Lessons From Our Guests
🎸 Learn more, get early podcast access, free backing tracks, giveaways, and exclusive lessons at ⁠nocovercharge.com⁠ What happens when you sit down and actually learn from some of the greatest guitar players on the planet? In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols revisit unforgettable lessons and licks from guests like Greg Koch, Paul Gilbert, Mary Spender, Tommy Emmanuel, and Trey Hensley. From blues bends and fingerstyle grooves to creative phrasing concepts, these are the guitar lessons none of us can stop thinking about. Plus, let's celebrate a…
S1 · E43 · 22 Jun 2026 · 43 min
Episode 43 - Inside Tyler Bryant's DREAM Studio
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…
S1 · E42 · 15 Jun 2026 · 35 min
Episode 42 - Rock is NOT Dead... Here's PROOF
Join the NCC App for free! Sign up free for early access to podcasts, giveaways, backing tracks, lessons, and more. In Episode 42 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols talk life on the road, the reality of being a modern touring musician, writing riffs that actually work on stage, and why live rock music is still thriving in 2026. Jared breaks down riffs from his new album Louder Than Fate, shares songwriting insights, and the guys jam through ideas before they bring them to the stage at the Basement East in Nashville, TN. Plus: tour stories, Hendrix-inspired…
S1 · E41 · 8 Jun 2026 · 26 min
Episode 41 - A Nashville Guitar Store Tour
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…
S1 · E40 · 1 Jun 2026 · 40 min
Episode 40 - Showing Each Other Our Licks
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 trade their favorite guitar licks, riffs, bends, tapping ideas, and “how did you DO that?” moments in one of the most fun episodes of the No Cover Charge Podcast yet. From Metallica and Zeppelin to Jerry Donahue, Satriani, blues phrasing, harmonic minor madness, and guitar nerd rabbit holes, this episode is packed with techniques you’ll want to steal immediately. Plus: a Danelectro guitar giveaway winner is revealed, behind-the-scenes…
S1 · E39 · 25 May 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
Episode 39 - Paul Gilbert
Join us in the NCC App for free Sign 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…
S1 · E38 · 18 May 2026 · 34 min
Episode 38 - Mary Spender
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Mary Spender joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for a deep dive into songwriting, touring, performance anxiety, fingerstyle guitar, and the realities of building a music career online. Mary performs a brand-new unreleased song from her upcoming album, shares wild open mic stories from New York City, talks about finding her authentic voice as an artist, and swaps legendary John Mayer-inspired guitar stories with the guys. This episode is packed with live jams, guitar nerd discussions, honest conversations about creativity, and plenty of laughs from…
S1 · E37 · 11 May 2026 · 44 min
Episode 37 - Pete Thorn
Want early access to episodes, free backing tracks, community forum, giveaways, lessons, and more? ⁠Join us in the NCC App for free at nocovercharge.com On 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…
S1 · E36 · 4 May 2026 · 26 min
Episode 36 - We Can't Believe This is Happening!
Join the brand new NCC App for free! Visit the Backstage community forum in the NCC App to enter to win cool stuff every month, starting with this sweet new Danelectro guitar! Big things are happening! In this episode: we launch the new No Cover Charge App, paired with a glorious guitar giveaway, announce Jared's new partnership, and a huge career milestone: landing on the cover of one of the icons of our industry. We break down everything inside the new NCC App (community, backing tracks, lessons, giveaways), jam some killer lipstick pickup infused licks, and talk tone, gear, and…
S1 · E35 · 27 Apr 2026 · 32 min
Episode 35 - The Backing Track Episode
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…
S1 · E34 · 20 Apr 2026 · 40 min
Episode 34 - Don Felder
Don Felder, legendary guitarist formerly of the Eagles, joins us at the Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum in Nashville for an unforgettable episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast. 🎸 In Episode 34, Don shares the inside story of writing Hotel California, from its original key to the iconic dual guitar "deedily's" with Joe Walsh. We dive into his songwriting process, vintage gear, and the wild journey from Gainesville to the Eagles, all while PLAYING his famous EDS-1275 double neck guitar. Don also opens up about inspiration from legends like B.B. King, growing up alongside Tom Petty and Stephen…
17 Apr 2026 · 9 min
Bonus Episode - B Bender Guitar Tips with Trey Hensley
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 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…
S1 · E33 · 13 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
Episode 33 - Trey Hensley
In Episode 33 of The No Cover Charge Podcast , Trey Hensley joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for an in-depth conversation on acoustic guitar mastery, bluegrass roots, and life as a modern guitar virtuoso. Trey shares incredible stories—from playing the Ryman Auditorium at age 11 with Earl Scruggs to winning a Grammy alongside Taj Mahal—while breaking down his right-hand technique, flatpicking approach, and transition between acoustic and electric guitar. If you're into acoustic guitar, bluegrass, flatpicking, or learning how elite players think, practice, and perform, this episode…
S1 · E32 · 6 Apr 2026 · 50 min
Episode 32 - Zach Myers
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…

About No Cover Charge Podcast

No Cover Charge Podcast is a English music podcast from Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols
Language: English
Category: Music
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 43 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1837018751
Rights: Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols

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