About this episode
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 YouTube Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe on Apple Podcasts Follow on Instagram Follow on TikTok Follow on 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. 0:00 - Breaking a String to Start the Show 0:32 - Kicking Off with 1950s Guitar Trends 1:00 - Dressing Sharp: Suits and Jazz Roots 2:10 - Jazz Cats Gatekeeping Guitar Tone 3:00 - Les Paul’s Quest for the Cleanest Sound 3:42 - The Birth of Amp Overdrive 5:31 - Polite 1950s Guitar vs. Hendrix Chaos 6:00 - The 1960s: British Invasion & High Straps 7:54 - Guitar Destruction Becomes a Trend 10:00 - Clapton, the “Blues Lawyer” Catalyst 12:41 - The 1970s: Enter the Guitar Gods 17:21 - 1980s Explosion of Shred 23:00 - The 1990s Pivot to Grunge 26:20 - The 2000s: Forums, Modeling Amps, and Emo 32:49 - 2010s: Social Media & Bedroom Guitarists 43:02 - The 2030s: AI Bands and the Future of Guitar