About this episode
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 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. 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