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
New Joanne Shaw Taylor Covers Album Features Rare Blues Classics
Video The British blues rocker pays homage to Albert King, Peter Green, and Aretha Franklin among others.
Watch Pink Floyd’s Syd Barrett and Roger Waters Take on Snobby TV Host
VIDEO Psychedelic rock clashes with the old guard in this awkward meeting of minds.
Watch Gary Moore ‘Burst onto the Scene with Peter Green’s ‘Greeny’ Gibson Les Paul Standard
VIDEO Hear the mythical ‘Burst in action in this knockout performance featuring a classic rock all-star line-up.
Watch Jeff Beck Smash His Guitar to Pieces in Mock Rage
VIDEO Jimmy Page looks on laughing as he completely obliterates the offending instrument.
Fender’s New Cory Wong Signature Guitar Is Not Your Average Stratocaster
VIDEO This slinky funk machine combines a host of unique features.
Watch Brian May’s Remastered “Too Much Love Will Kill You” Official Music Video
VIDEO “In a way, it’s the most important song I ever wrote,” says the Queen legend.
Gibson Releases ‘Holy Grail’ 1958 Flying V and Explorer Clones
VIDEO These exacting replicas from Murphy Lab are made with Korina and Brazilian rosewood.
Watch Tommy Emmanuel and Richard Smith Duet in New “Serenade to Summertime" Video
VIDEO The fingerstyle genii pay tribute to Chet Atkins and Jerry Reed with this collaborative instrumental acoustic number.
Watch Freddie King Set the Gold Standard in Gibson PAF Humbucker Tone
VIDEO The blues behemoth demonstrates his unbridled mastery of the Gibson ES-345.
Watch Joe Bonamassa’s New Cinematic “Notches” Music Video
Video The blues rock virtuoso launches reflective new single from forthcoming album.
Watch Brian Setzer’s New Revved Up Music Video “Smash Up On Highway One”
VIDEO The Gretsch guitar guru keeps rockabilly rolling forward with this Dick Dale-inspired banger.
Texas Blues Guitar Legend Jimmie Vaughan Releases Lifetime’s Worth of Rare Music
VIDEO 'The Jimmie Vaughan Story' 96-track 5-CD epic showcases newly discovered recordings and more.
Watch Amy Winehouse Blow Wembley Arena Away Using Just Her Voice and a Stratocaster
VIDEO The musical dynamo was far more than just a singer.
Watch Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Jaw-Dropping Live Performance of Jimi Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile (Slight Return)”
VIDEO The Strat-wielding Texas bluesman pays homage to his guitar hero in this epic eleven-minute jam.
New Squier Affinity Stratocasters, Teles And More Offer Classic Guitars at Effect Pedal Prices
VIDEO Fender’s new Squier Affinity guitars are enough to give any player a bad case of GAS (aka Gear Acquisition Syndrome).
Classic Tones: “Smoke On the Water” – Deep Purple
VIDEO A mystery for decades, here’s how Ritchie Blackmore nailed that benchmark hard rock Strat sound.
Now THIS is How to Play the Blues
VIDEO R.L. Burnside’s backyard performance proves tone really is all in the fingers.
Slash Signature Les Pauls and J-45s Join Epiphone’s Inspired by Gibson Collection
Video More iconic instruments from the Guns N’ Roses guitar hero.
