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.
The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify
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 - Welcome to the first NIGHT pod!
1:29 - The jam warm-up
4:50 - Tyler predicts the World Series
5:27 - Who is the Shohei Ohtani of guitar?
7:30 - Electronic drums, The Who, and live performance quirks
9:05 - MIDI guitars and gear rabbit holes
10:30 - Improvisation vs. noodling
12:14 - Playing in time: the secret almost everyone learns late
13:26 - Following intuition and musical breadcrumbs
15:02 - What makes great solos connect
16:01 - Three-way rhythmic improvisation experiment
17:27 - Josh’s year producing the BB King 100th album
18:34 - Tracking 33 songs and wrangling 40 guest artists
20:56 - Paul Rodgers tracks Night Life on the BB King sessions
23:28 - Josh Smith uses 13 GAUGE STRINGS
24:40 - Trying Josh’s guitar out… ouch
27:36 - Roy Lanham and forgotten guitar influences
32:14 - Josh demonstrates how his style evolved
35:36 - Becoming yourself instead of copying your heroes
38:43 - Why the Telecaster unlocks Josh’s true voice
40:14 - The Telecaster is the ultimate apocalypse-proof guitar
41:44 - Tone is personal—and your gear should inspire you
44:45 - Amp vs. guitar: the eternal debate
47:29 - Josh’s new signature Ibanez Flat V2
56:12 - Life updates and reevaluating the dream
