Guitar legend Dweezil Zappa ( @thedweezilzappa ) joins Tyler Larson ( @MusicisWin ) and Jared James Nichols ( @JJNicholsMusic ) on The No Cover Charge Podcast for an epic deep dive into guitar tone, technique, creativity, and life lessons from growing up Zappa. Dweezil shares rare insights on his dad Frank Zappa’s genius, the art of improvisation, tone chasing, recording tricks, and why the “mad scientist” mindset is the key to musical freedom. Expect jaw-dropping guitar demonstrations, stories from the road, and thought-provoking conversations every guitarist will love.For all things Dweezil, go to https://www.dweezilzappa.comDweezil's fan engagement platform builder: https://www.rewardmusic.comCheck out Jared on tour: https://www.jaredjamesnichols.comSubscribe on Apple Podcasts

The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify

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FacebookTIMESTAMPS

0:00 - Hey Dweezil!

1:00 - Building a house, studio, and a new chapter

3:30 - Dweezil’s YouTube channel and creative freedom

5:00 - The science behind amp tone experiments

7:00 - The Sundragon amp test gone wild

8:50 - How volume changes your playing

9:50 - Taking breaks and musical resets

10:50 - Rediscovering inspiration after time off

11:40 - Dweezil’s guitar fundamentals and interval tips

13:00 - How to navigate the fretboard with confidence

15:00 - Turning wrong notes into right ones

17:00 - Improvisation and the art of risk-taking

18:00 - “Play your phone number” guitar technique explained

22:00 - How to create melodies from numbers

26:00 - Building a personal improvisation system

30:00 - Expanding your playing with permutations

33:00 - Using melodic minor and outside sounds

36:00 - Finding flow and emotional connection on stage

38:30 - Listening vs. overplaying

40:00 - What Dweezil learned from his dad Frank Zappa

42:00 - The story behind “The Black Page”

44:00 - Jared’s questions from tour

45:00 - Desert island gear picks

46:50 - The amp that melts faces

47:40 - The one pedal Dweezil can’t live without

49:00 - Favorite recorded guitar tone ever

50:00 - Inside jokes behind Frank Zappa’s song titles

53:00 - Tube tone myths and recording reality

54:30 - Jamming with Steve Vai and Chick Corea

58:00 - The legacy of Randy Rhoads

1:02:00 - How Zappa and Rhoads shaped modern guitar

1:05:00 - RewardMusic.com and empowering independent

artists

1:08:00 - Closing thoughts and guitar wisdomThe 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.

Joel Hoekstra has played with everyone from Whitesnake and Night Ranger to Cher and Trans-Siberian Orchestra—and he’s here to tell the stories behind it all. In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast with Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols, Joel breaks down his incredible career path, from Broadway pits in New York to arena stages across the globe. Joel also shares his secrets for longevity, versatility, and surviving the hustle of a professional guitar life. Expect inspiring lessons, guitar nerdery, and some unforgettable stories from one of rock’s most versatile players.

Pre-save Joel's new single, "The Fall"

His new album, 'Into the Fade' drops February 2026.

TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – Why Joel is the ultimate guitar chameleon

1:17 – Playing with Whitesnake, TSO, and Night Ranger

2:56 – Early guitar influences and discovering Angus Young

4:18 – Learning guitar in a pre-tab world

6:03 – Growing up blue-collar and developing work ethic

8:09 – Building a career as a sideman

10:02 – Breaking into the New York scene

11:18 – How Joel joined Night Ranger

13:05 – Broadway gigs and Rock of Ages

15:44 – Joining Trans-Siberian Orchestra

17:10 – The genius of Paul O’Neill

19:05 – Balancing gigs and finding your lane

20:00 – Inspiring kids through live performance

21:01 – Fear, stress, and motivation

22:03 – Playing with Cher & embracing new styles

24:16 – Lessons from playing with Foreigner

27:10 – The Night Ranger guitar team

29:57 – From Broadway to arenas

33:00 – Landing the Whitesnake gig

36:00 – Finding purpose and artistic balance

37:01 – Advice for young players

38:05 – Full-circle moments and staying open-minded

40:24 – Handling pressure and last-minute gigs

45:04 – Managing anxiety and performance stress

47:08 – Collaborating with legends like Satriani and Schenker

49:19 – Thoughts on online trolls and staying positive

51:01 – Joel’s tapping and legato fundamentals

57:24 – The art of phrasing and “money notes”

1:01:34 – Joel’s new album From the Fade

1:03:06 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-cover-charge-podcast/id1837018751

The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1etwgleKExKzncMWSeSqe6?si=a22394d8374542a1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nocoverchargepodcast/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nocoverchargepodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61579811813164

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.

One of the guitar world's kings of tone, Joe Bonamassa joins Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols for an unforgettable episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast! In this in-depth and hilarious chat, Joe opens up about his gear philosophy, vintage Les Pauls, touring stories, and the realities of being a modern guitar hero (though he won't call himself that).

Expect deep insight into tone chasing, amps and guitars, modelers vs. tube amps, lessons from Danny Gatton, and Joe’s honest take on the music industry, trolls, and staying inspired.Whether you’re a guitarist, gearhead, or Bonamassa fan, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and killer guitar talk — no cover charge required.

Check out all things Joe Bonamassa here

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TIMESTAMPS

0:00 – We have a very special guitar rig for Joe

1:08 – Opening jam

2:01 – Joe's $450K Gibson Les Paul named "PJ"

3:36 - Comparing a 1958 Les Paul to a 2021 Les Paul

7:00 – The craftsmanship and electronics of vintage guitars

8:00 – Joe’s philosophy on touring with expensive gear

10:15 – Airline horror stories: traveling with guitars

13:30 – The rise of amp modelers and practicality on tour

15:00 – Why Joe avoids digital rigs and modeling amps

17:00 – When tech fails mid-gig is Joe’s nightmare

19:00 – Redundancy in rigs and surviving on stage

21:00 – Thoughts on gear demos and real-world tone

23:00 – Volume, speakers, and why wattage matters

25:00 – Inside Joe’s 7-amp live rig setup

27:30 – How Joe dials in his stage tone

30:00 – Adjusting tone on unfamiliar gear

33:00 – Joe's "time compression philosophy on stage

36:00 – Mastering dynamics and audience engagement

40:00 – How Danny Gatton shaped Joe’s playing

43:00 – Joe’s viral “Guitar Controls Lesson” explained

47:00 – Joe’s thoughts on online guitar culture & trolls

52:00 – Why music should stay fun and positive

55:00 – EPIC JAM WITH JOE

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.