About this episode
In Episode 15 of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols break down every phase of a guitarist’s life — from the first moment music grabs you to the highs, lows, gear spirals, plateaus, breakthroughs, and the reality of becoming a career musician. Expect hilarious stories, inspiring advice, honest struggles, and spontaneous riffing as Tyler and Jared reveal the universal stages all guitar players experience. Whether you’re in the pre-guitar awakening phase, deep in the obsession phase, stuck in the plateau phase, overwhelmed by gear acquisition syndrome, or pushing through the practice and discipline phase, this episode will feel like therapy… with more overdrive. Sit back, plug in, and enjoy a guitarist’s journey we all share. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify Instagram TikTok Facebook TIMESTAMPS 0:12 – Opening Jam in D, the People's Key 1:37 – Introducing today’s topic: the phases of a guitarist’s life 3:13 – PRE-GUITAR AWAKENING PHASE 4:06 – Wanting to be a drummer first 5:23 – Getting talked into guitar instead 6:07 – Early sounds that “unlocked” the instrument 7:28 – Discovering open-string magic 9:03 – The Incubus/Mike Einziger influence 10:03 – OBSESSION PHASE begins 12:17 – Learning why players sound different 13:35 – Unlocking nuance and tone 16:20 – PLATEAU PHASE — when everything feels wrong 21:15 – Rut-busting tricks and new tunings 24:24 – Entering the GAS PHASE 26:50 – First pieces of gear that changed everything 29:20 – Gear expectations vs. reality 31:13 – PRACTICE & DISCIPLINE PHASE 33:55 – Berklee stories & formative experiences 37:01 – Leaving the comfort zone 39:01 – Jared’s Guitar Center “Horror Story” 43:37 – The phase of becoming a CAREER MUSICIAN 46:16 – Why we keep playing: the same feeling from day one 47:53 – Walrus Audio Melee joystick pedal demo 49:18 – Final jam & wrap-up Buy a Walrus Audio Melee 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.