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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 preparation and creativity, and why being yourself musically matters more than ever.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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 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 inspiration—from vintage Plexis to modern rigs. Plus, Jared shares a signature lick you can start using today, exclusive from the NCC App.

👉 Join the NCC community + enter the giveaway

New episodes every Monday. New backing tracks every Friday.

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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.

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 into blues, rock, metal, or experimental tones, this is your new jam hub.

Go directly to the tracks for free.Check out Neural DSP plugins for a discount using *nocovercharge*

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 into blues, rock, metal, or experimental tones, this is your new jam hub.Go directly to the tracks for free at: https://www.nocovercharge.com/tracksCheck out Neural DSP plugins for a discount using *nocovercharge*Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.

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 Stills, and why emotion will always beat technique in guitar playing.If you love classic rock, guitar tone, songwriting, and behind-the-scenes stories from one of the greatest to ever do it — this episode is for you.

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.

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!

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.

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 is packed with insights, stories, and serious guitar inspiration.

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.

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 criticism and imposter syndrome, this episode is packed with real talk for guitar players and music fans alike.

🎸 If you're a fan of Shinedown or care about songwriting, tone, and what actually makes a great guitarist—this one’s for you.

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.

By popular demand, the Weird Gear episode is back! In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols explore bizarre, experimental, and downright confusing guitar gear—from MIDI guitars and synth pedals to phone-based effects and mutant fretboards.

Expect unexpected tones, hilarious trial-and-error moments, and a reminder that weird gear is where creativity lives. Some of this stuff might be unusable… but some of it might just change how you think about guitar forever.

Whether you're into guitar tone, pedals, or just love seeing musicians experiment, this episode is packed with inspiration, chaos, and pure gear nerd fun.

Use Code nocovercharge for 30% off any Neural DSP plugin.

Thanks to Neural DSP for sponsoring this episode.

Thank you to @NeuralDSP for sponsoring this episode! Use code *nocovercharge* for 30% off select plugins: https://bit.ly/NEURALnocovercharge

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠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.