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Rod Brakes
Rod Brakes

Rod Brakes is a music writer with an expertise in all things guitar-related. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a journalist covering artists, industry pros, and gear includes writing hundreds of articles and features for the likes of Guitarist magazine, MusicRadar, and Guitar World, as well as contributions for specialist books and blogs. He is also a lifelong musician.

Latest articles by Rod Brakes

SMKC (L-R): Brent Fitz (drums), Myles Kennedy (vocals), Slash (guitar), Todd Kerns (bass & vocals) and Frank Sidoris (guitar & vocals)

Watch the Brand-New Slash Video “The River Is Rising”

By Rod Brakes

Video Slash featuring Myles Kennedy & the Conspirators’ latest album ‘4’ will be the first LP released on the new Gibson Records label.

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Dan Reed Network

Watch Dan Reed Network’s Incendiary "Starlight" Video

By Rod Brakes

Video The funk soul rockers return with new album ‘Let’s Hear It for The King.’

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1954 Fender Stratocaster, serial 0194

Behold, Three of the Earliest Fender Stratocasters Known to Exist

By Rod Brakes

Vintage guitar expert David Davidson of Well Strung Guitars fills us in on the origin of the Strat species.

Steve Lukather, 2003

Watch Steve Lukather Shred The Beatles

By Rod Brakes

Video Luke lets rip on “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” with Toto.

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Robben Ford, 2015

“It Just Didn’t Sound Right No Matter What We Did”: Robben Ford on Abandoning His Treasured Dumble Overdrive Special

By Rod Brakes, Michael Ross

When a six-figure amp just doesn’t cut it.

Malcolm Young, 2008

Listen to Malcolm Young’s Definitive Rock ‘n’ Roll Guitar Tone

By Rod Brakes

Video “The man who made AC/DC” was a rhythm guitar dynamo.

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Brad Whitford, Tom Hamilton, Joey Kramer (drums), Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith perform on 'The Midnight Special" in 1974.

Watch Aerosmith Perform Their First Major Hit Live on TV in 1974

By Rod Brakes

Video The Bad Boys from Boston showcase their dark, dreamy classic rock anthem “Dream On.”

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Chuck Berry (1928-2017) performs on November 23, 1981, at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, Michigan.

Hail! Hail! Gibson Presents the Chuck Berry 1970s ES-355

By Rod Brakes

The father of rock ‘n’ roll is honored with another iconic signature model.

Joe Bonamassa

“Truth Is, I Hate the Way I Play Guitar”: Joe Bonamassa Speaks Candidly in Our Exclusive Interview

By Rod Brakes, Joe Bosso

Read these incredible snippets from our latest issue's eye-opening cover feature.

Boss RC-600 Loop Station

Boss Unveils Super-Powerful Guitar Player-Friendly Looper

By Rod Brakes

The flagship RC-600 Loop Station takes sound quality and performance to another level.

Mike Rutherford of Genesis performs on stage during 'The Last Domino?' tour at The SSE Hydro on October 07, 2021 in Glasgow, Scotland.

High-Flying Mike Rutherford Loves Rock-Bottom Squier Bullet Stratocasters

By Rod Brakes

Guitar Tech Steve Prior reveals why the Genesis and Mike and the Mechanics founder can’t get enough of Fender‘s entry-level Strat.

Paul Simon and Dick Cavett on 'The Dick Cavett Show' April 9, 1969.

Watch Paul Simon Demonstrate How to Write a Number One Hit Record

By Rod Brakes

Video The legendary singer-songwriter deconstructs “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

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Tommy Emmanuel

Tommy Emmanuel’s Top Three Tips for Recording Melodic Acoustic Instrumentals

By Rod Brakes, Jimmy Leslie

The Aussie guitar master shares his favorite studio tricks.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss

Listen to Robert Plant & Alison Krauss’ New Single “High and Lonesome”

By Rod Brakes

VIdeo The second track from the duo's long-awaited album ‘Raise the Roof.’

VIdeo
Guild A-20 Marley

Bob Marley’s Favorite Songwriting Guitar Gets Reworked by Guild

By Rod Brakes

The A-20 Marley is a modern recreation of the Jamaican legend’s inexpensive Madeira acoustic.

Richie Faulkner, 2019

“I’m Literally Made of Metal Now”: Richie Faulkner on Surviving Emergency Heart Operation

By Rod Brakes

The Judas Priest guitarist bounces back after suffering aortic dissection on stage.

Eddie Van Halen performing on the Van Halen '5150 Tour' in 1986.

Watch Eddie Van Halen’s Legacy-Forging Live Solo Performance

By Rod Brakes

Video Remembering the great man one year on from his passing.

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Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill, 2012

How to Write a Hard Rock Classic in Five Minutes: Billy Gibbons Tells the Incredible Story of ZZ Top’s “Tush”

By Rod Brakes, Richard Bienstock

This 12-bar blues banger was recorded using the Pearly Gates Les Paul and a Marshall Super Lead… But what’s a Cooper Time Cube?!

Jimi Hendrix, 1970

Watch this 1970 ABC Bulletin Delivering the Shocking News of Jimi Hendrix’s Death

By Rod Brakes

Video “An astonishing performer whose onstage gyrations could make Elvis Presley look like a PE teacher.”

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Sympathy for the Devil

Watch Keith Richards and Mick Jagger Writing “Sympathy for the Devil” Using Their Trusty Gibson Hummingbirds

By Rod Brakes

Video These classic ‘60s flat-tops remain one of the best songwriter’s guitars available.

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Joe Bonamassa

Watch Joe Bonamassa’s New “Time Clocks” Music Video

By Rod Brakes

Video Jo Bo releases title track from his forthcoming ‘Time Clocks’ album.

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Paul SIMON and George HARRISON; with Paul Simon, performing on Saturday Night Live in 1976

Is Paul Simon One of the Most Underrated Guitar Players Ever?

By Rod Brakes

Video Watch this live TV performance of Davey Graham’s “Anji” and decide for yourself.

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1941 Martin D-45

What’s the Most Collectible Acoustic Guitar? The Pre-War Martin D-45 Could Be It

By Rod Brakes

Vintage guitar veteran David Davidson of Well Strung Guitars shows us the “Holy Grail” of Flat-Tops.

Peter Gabriel with guitarist David Rhodes, 1993

Guitar Tech to the Stars Warns Guitarists of Pitfalls

By Rod Brakes

The interview every gigging guitar player needs to read.

PJ Harvey, 2003

Watch PJ Harvey Slay the Audience with a Gibson Firebird VII

By Rod Brakes

Video Drummer/co-producer Rob Ellis recalls the magic of this powerhouse three-piece.

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