Join Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) and Jared James Nichols ( @JJNicholsMusic ) as they dig deep into the strangest, wildest, most unexplainable guitar gear they've collected over the years. From synth pedals that instantly break your brain to haunted stompboxes, octave chaos machines, forgotten vintage oddities, and micro-guitars that refuse to stay in tune, this episode is pure gear-nerd comedy gold.If you love guitar tone experiments, unpredictable sounds, and two friends losing it on camera over bonkers gear… this is the episode for you.Expect laughs, real tone talk, surprising discoveries, and some truly cursed noises. And if you wanna buy any of the gear in this episode, you can actually find some of it below...Wanna buy one of these pedals?Source Audio C4 SynthKorg MIKU: good luck finding oneBoss Enhancer: good luck finding oneMXR La Machine (is unavailable now but...)Boss Metal Zone, babyCopper Sound Pedals Triplegraph: good luck finding oneFender mini StratocasterTIMESTAMPS0:00 – The funniest episode yet begins1:45 – Introducing the Weird Gear Episode 2:28 – The mysterious Dark Planet guitar appears 3:06 – Jared admits he’s scared of synth pedals 4:30 – The FUNNIEST moment in the history of the show5:59 – Discovering legitimately cool tones by accident 7:13 – Linking all pedals below (and why you’ll want the C4) 7:30 – The infamous MIKU pedal makes its entrance 8:52 – “We’re getting censored for sure” – the pedal screams at us 9:16 – The Enhancer pedal: what exactly is it?11:10 – Seriously… is this thing doing anything? 11:34 – The sea-monster pedal emerges12:43 – Pure chaos tones: “This pedal might be broken… nope.” 14:09 – The Metal Zone test, 2025 edition 15:44 – Isolated metal tones: so bad it’s good? 17:47 – Why weird tones actually inspire better riffs 19:00 – Jared tries to channel James Hetfield with no pick 20:57 – The Triplegraph, tap-dancing into madness 23:02 – The German chaos delay pedal takes over the room 26:25 – The tiny guitar that refuses to stay in tune 30:51 – Wrapping up + should we do Weird Gear Part 2?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 phenom Angel Vivaldi ( @AngelVivaldi ) joins Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) for Episode 13 of The No Cover Charge Podcast — and this one is packed with tone talk, tour stories, creative philosophy, and plenty of laughs. From joining the Steve Morse Band, to never having used a pedalboard (wtf?!), to carving out space as a genre-bending artist, Angel opens up about growth, humility, tone chasing, and what truly matters in a musician’s life. Expect deep insights, inspiring stories, killer playing, and a whole lot of guitar geekery.If you love guitar tone, creative evolution, progressive metal, Steve Morse, or Angel Vivaldi’s incredible artistry, this episode is for you.For all things Angel VivaldiAngel's artistic management service, Xenith CounselCheck out Jared on tour!TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Where’s Jared? (UK tour update)0:24 – Why Steve Morse wanted Angel in his band0:54 – Angel plugs into a pedalboard for the first time1:48 – The Frusciante tuning method4:05 – Angel joins the Steve Morse Band5:49 – Tone, frequency targeting, and crafting patches on tour8:05 – Angel’s Latin, jazz, funk, and acoustic background9:00 – Growing up with salsa, dancing, and church music10:46 – Why many metal musicians don’t listen to metal12:48 – Conversation on grind culture and creative hiatus14:53 – How gear, fashion, and symmetry communicate identity16:01 – Why Angel moved from Ibanez to Charvel19:57 – Perspective: what if you couldn’t play anymore?25:03 – Angel & Tyler SHRED BATTLE26:03 – How guitar scenes have merged into one digital world27:13 – What Angel learned from Steve Morse about adapting28:55 – Angel’s upcoming tours, records, Charvel 7-string, and Xenith CounselSubscribe 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 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.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.TIMESTAMPS0:00 - Welcome to the first NIGHT pod!1:29 - The jam warm-up4:50 - Tyler predicts the World Series5:27 - Who is the Shohei Ohtani of guitar?7:30 - Electronic drums, The Who, and live performance quirks9:05 - MIDI guitars and gear rabbit holes10:30 - Improvisation vs. noodling12:14 - Playing in time: the secret almost everyone learns late13:26 - Following intuition and musical breadcrumbs15:02 - What makes great solos connect16:01 - Three-way rhythmic improvisation experiment17:27 - Josh’s year producing the BB King 100th album18:34 - Tracking 33 songs and wrangling 40 guest artists20:56 - Paul Rodgers tracks Night Life on the BB King sessions23:28 - Josh Smith uses 13 GAUGE STRINGS24:40 - Trying Josh’s guitar out… ouch27:36 - Roy Lanham and forgotten guitar influences32:14 - Josh demonstrates how his style evolved35:36 - Becoming yourself instead of copying your heroes38:43 - Why the Telecaster unlocks Josh’s true voice40:14 - The Telecaster is the ultimate apocalypse-proof guitar41:44 - Tone is personal—and your gear should inspire you44:45 - Amp vs. guitar: the eternal debate47:29 - Josh’s new signature Ibanez Flat V256:12 - 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. 🎸Subscribe on Apple PodcastsThe No Cover Charge Podcast on SpotifyInstagramTikTokFacebookTIMESTAMPS0:00 - The Legendary Klon Centaur Episode Begins... Again1:06 - Jared’s Life-Changing Phone Call: Becoming a Dad Mid-Podcast3:12 - “Dad Tone” and the Power of Rock3:25 - Why Guitarists Obsess Over the Klon Centaur4:05 - Jared’s First Encounter with the Klon Back at Berklee5:59 – Discovering the Magic of the Original Klon Tone6:13 – Tyler’s Pandemic-Era Obsession with Finding a Klon7:28 – Why the Klon Is the “Charizard” of Guitar Pedals8:02 – Joe Bonamassa’s Gift: The Story Behind Jared’s Klon10:26 – The Klon as a Gift and a Legacy11:18 – Breaking Down Klon Versions: Silver, Gold, Long Tail, Short Tail12:18 – Time to Hear the Real Klon in Action13:19 – Clean Tone Test: Fender Princeton vs. Klon Magic16:40 – The Sweet Spot: Finding the Perfect Klon Gain Setting19:16 – The First Boutique Pedal: Why the Klon Made History20:25 – Klon Clone Shootout Setup: OG vs. Modern Imitations25:14 – Comparing the Klon to Its Clones (JHS, Acorn, Wampler & More)30:08 – High-Gain Madness: Maxing Out the Klon and Clones37:12 – How Jared Dials In His Klon for Real-World Playing40:13 – 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.comSubscribe on Apple PodcastsThe No Cover Charge Podcast on SpotifyInstagramTikTokFacebookTIMESTAMPS0:00 - Hey Dweezil!1:00 - Building a house, studio, and a new chapter3:30 - Dweezil’s YouTube channel and creative freedom5:00 - The science behind amp tone experiments7:00 - The Sundragon amp test gone wild8:50 - How volume changes your playing9:50 - Taking breaks and musical resets10:50 - Rediscovering inspiration after time off11:40 - Dweezil’s guitar fundamentals and interval tips13:00 - How to navigate the fretboard with confidence15:00 - Turning wrong notes into right ones17:00 - Improvisation and the art of risk-taking18:00 - “Play your phone number” guitar technique explained22:00 - How to create melodies from numbers26:00 - Building a personal improvisation system30:00 - Expanding your playing with permutations33:00 - Using melodic minor and outside sounds36:00 - Finding flow and emotional connection on stage38:30 - Listening vs. overplaying40:00 - What Dweezil learned from his dad Frank Zappa42:00 - The story behind “The Black Page”44:00 - Jared’s questions from tour45:00 - Desert island gear picks46:50 - The amp that melts faces47:40 - The one pedal Dweezil can’t live without49:00 - Favorite recorded guitar tone ever50:00 - Inside jokes behind Frank Zappa’s song titles53:00 - Tube tone myths and recording reality54:30 - Jamming with Steve Vai and Chick Corea58:00 - The legacy of Randy Rhoads1:02:00 - How Zappa and Rhoads shaped modern guitar1:05:00 - RewardMusic.com and empowering independent artists1:08:00 - Closing thoughts and guitar wisdomThe 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.TIMESTAMPS0:00 – Why Joel is the ultimate guitar chameleon1:17 – Playing with Whitesnake, TSO, and Night Ranger2:56 – Early guitar influences and discovering Angus Young4:18 – Learning guitar in a pre-tab world6:03 – Growing up blue-collar and developing work ethic8:09 – Building a career as a sideman10:02 – Breaking into the New York scene11:18 – How Joel joined Night Ranger13:05 – Broadway gigs and Rock of Ages15:44 – Joining Trans-Siberian Orchestra17:10 – The genius of Paul O’Neill19:05 – Balancing gigs and finding your lane20:00 – Inspiring kids through live performance21:01 – Fear, stress, and motivation22:03 – Playing with Cher & embracing new styles24:16 – Lessons from playing with Foreigner27:10 – The Night Ranger guitar team29:57 – From Broadway to arenas33:00 – Landing the Whitesnake gig36:00 – Finding purpose and artistic balance37:01 – Advice for young players38:05 – Full-circle moments and staying open-minded40:24 – Handling pressure and last-minute gigs45:04 – Managing anxiety and performance stress47:08 – Collaborating with legends like Satriani and Schenker49:19 – Thoughts on online trolls and staying positive51:01 – Joel’s tapping and legato fundamentals57:24 – The art of phrasing and “money notes”1:01:34 – Joel’s new album From the Fade1:03:06 – Closing thoughts & gratitudeSubscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-cover-charge-podcast/id1837018751The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1etwgleKExKzncMWSeSqe6?si=a22394d8374542a1Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocoverchargepodcast/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nocoverchargepodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579811813164The 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 hereSubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokFollow on FacebookTIMESTAMPS0:00 – We have a very special guitar rig for Joe1:08 – Opening jam2:01 – Joe's $450K Gibson Les Paul named "PJ"3:36 - Comparing a 1958 Les Paul to a 2021 Les Paul7:00 – The craftsmanship and electronics of vintage guitars8:00 – Joe’s philosophy on touring with expensive gear10:15 – Airline horror stories: traveling with guitars13:30 – The rise of amp modelers and practicality on tour15:00 – Why Joe avoids digital rigs and modeling amps17:00 – When tech fails mid-gig is Joe’s nightmare19:00 – Redundancy in rigs and surviving on stage21:00 – Thoughts on gear demos and real-world tone23:00 – Volume, speakers, and why wattage matters25:00 – Inside Joe’s 7-amp live rig setup27:30 – How Joe dials in his stage tone30:00 – Adjusting tone on unfamiliar gear33:00 – Joe's "time compression philosophy on stage36:00 – Mastering dynamics and audience engagement40:00 – How Danny Gatton shaped Joe’s playing43:00 – Joe’s viral “Guitar Controls Lesson” explained47:00 – Joe’s thoughts on online guitar culture & trolls52:00 – Why music should stay fun and positive55:00 – EPIC JAM WITH JOEThe 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 MorseSubscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokFollow on FacebookThe 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!Subscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokFollow on FacebookThe 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.Subscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokFollow on FacebookThe 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 Show0:32 - Kicking Off with 1950s Guitar Trends1:00 - Dressing Sharp: Suits and Jazz Roots2:10 - Jazz Cats Gatekeeping Guitar Tone3:00 - Les Paul’s Quest for the Cleanest Sound3:42 - The Birth of Amp Overdrive5:31 - Polite 1950s Guitar vs. Hendrix Chaos6:00 - The 1960s: British Invasion & High Straps7:54 - Guitar Destruction Becomes a Trend10:00 - Clapton, the “Blues Lawyer” Catalyst12:41 - The 1970s: Enter the Guitar Gods17:21 - 1980s Explosion of Shred23:00 - The 1990s Pivot to Grunge26:20 - The 2000s: Forums, Modeling Amps, and Emo32:49 - 2010s: Social Media & Bedroom Guitarists43:02 - 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.Subscribe on YouTubeSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe on Apple PodcastsFollow on InstagramFollow on TikTokFollow on FacebookThe 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 Priest1:02 - Jamming with The Falcon2:36 - Richie changed his strings once in 9 years3:14 - Testing an electric guitar unplugged reveals its secrets5:14 - Richie’s touring guitars with Judas Priest6:47 - EMGs are always the answer9:41 - Why a guitar player’s ear is their most important asset15:46 - The “clone” comparison of yourself to other guitarists18:08 - Richie’s sausage selling days23:53 - The “Breaking the Law” riff26:54 - The “Breaking the Law” solo29:57 - Nightmare stage moments35:04 - Richie’s incredible feature on his first Judas Priest run38:45 - Richie’s advice to guitar players everywhereEmail the show at nocoverchargepodcast@gmail.comThe No Cover Charge Podcast YouTube ChannelThe No Cover Charge Instagram PageThe No Cover Charge Podcast Facebook PageThe No Cover Charge TikTok
🎸 In Episode 2 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols sit down with guitar virtuoso Andy Wood. Known for his jaw-dropping technique, blend of bluegrass, country, and rock, and his fearless approach to tone and songwriting, Andy takes us deep into his musical journey.Expect stories from the road, inspiring insights on finding your voice as a guitarist, gear talk, and live playing that will leave you speechless. If you’re into shred, chicken pickin’, tone chasing, or just love hearing from one of today’s most versatile guitarists, this episode is for you.Subscribe for more unfiltered conversations with the world’s best players – all with no cover charge.The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larso & 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.Check out Andy's websiteSubscribe to Andy on YouTubeThe Woodshed Guitar ExperienceSupport Andy on PatreonSupport the showEmail the show at nocoverchargepodcast@gmail.com The No Cover Charge Podcast YouTube Channel The No Cover Charge Instagram Page The No Cover Charge Podcast Facebook Page The No Cover Charge TikTok
Welcome to the very first episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols! Our inaugural guest is none other than guitar legend Greg Koch – a player known for his explosive tone, humor, and masterful storytelling.In this episode, Greg shares his guitar journey, signature techniques, stories from the road, and the wisdom behind his one-of-a-kind style. Expect gear talk, wild riffs, and plenty of laughs as we dive deep into the mind of one of the most entertaining guitarists alive.If you love guitar, blues, rock, tone, and raw creativity, this podcast is for you. Subscribe for weekly episodes featuring candid conversations with the world’s best players – all with no cover charge.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. New episodes weekly!Plug in and hang out.Learn guitar from Greg on PatreonCheck out Greg Koch's official websiteThe JAMPedals Kochness MonsterSupport the showEmail the show at nocoverchargepodcast@gmail.com The No Cover Charge Podcast YouTube Channel The No Cover Charge Instagram Page The No Cover Charge Podcast Facebook Page The No Cover Charge TikTok