Episode 17 - The "Write a Song in An Hour" Challenge
Episode 17 - The "Write a Song in An Hour" Challenge  
Podcast: No Cover Charge Podcast
Published On: Mon Dec 22 2025
Description: In this episode of The No Cover Charge Podcast, Tyler Larson and Jared James Nichols take on the timeless creative challenge: writing a song in an hour. With no plan, no pressure, and a room full of guitars, amps, and pedals, they build a rock song from scratch in real time.Watch as riffs turn into verses, choruses emerge organically, and a full song takes shape through tone chasing, odd time signatures, gear experiments, and pure musical instinct. This episode pulls back the curtain on the songwriting process, showing how musicians collaborate, problem-solve, keep it real, and follow inspiration wherever it leads.If you love guitar tone, songwriting, creative process, or watching music get made from nothing — this one’s for you. The song isn't half bad either ;)⁠Subscribe on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠The No Cover Charge Podcast on Spotify⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠Facebook⁠0:00 - Writing a Song in One Hour0:31 - Rules of the Songwriting Challenge0:48 - Guitar Pedals and Gear Overview1:38 - Choosing Guitars and Amps for Songwriting1:58 - How Guitar Tone Sparks Song Ideas2:29 - Cranking a Marshall for Riff Writing3:03 - Finding the Groove and Tempo3:54 - Building the Main Guitar Riff4:23 - Turning a Riff into a Song Structure5:04 - Songwriting Advice: Don’t Overthink It6:06 - Using Fuzz and Texture for Inspiration7:52 - Creating Verses and Choruses9:04 - Switching Guitar Amps for New Sounds10:34 - Using Alternate Tuning for Songwriting11:46 - Writing a Chorus That Hits Hard13:01 - Adding Harmony and Movement15:49 - Avoiding Blues Clichés in Rock Songs17:16 - Choosing the Right Drum Groove18:40 - Writing a Bridge That Creates Contrast22:28 - Experimenting with Odd Time Signatures24:57 - Locking in the Bridge Section25:38 - Preparing for Guitar Solos30:29 - Adding Ambient Guitar Layers38:09 - Final Song Structure Comes Together40:48 - Recording Guitar Solos47:05 - The Creative Process Explained51:40 - Final Song Reveal: Dr. DeathThe 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.Thank you to the sponsor of our show, ⁠Roswell Pro Audio!