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
Watch Joe Satriani’s Mesmerizing "Sahara" Music Video
Video New album ‘The Elephants of Mars’ available to pre-order now.
Watch This Rare Clip of Jazz Guitar Genius Joe Pass Playing a Fender Jaguar
Video Before owning his iconic Gibson ES-175D the jazz great used this unlikely solidbody.
Watch a 21-Year-Old George Benson Ripping Up a Gibson Les Paul Standard in 1964
Video Here’s why the ‘Burst is far more than just a blues-rock machine.
Watch Jimi Hendrix’s Masterful 12-String Acoustic Rendition of “Hear My Train A Comin’”
Video This impromptu post-interview acoustic blues performance is now the stuff of legend.
Watch Joy Division’s Historical Television Debut
Video This 1978 performance of “Shadowplay” captures the band on their way to becoming post-punk legends.
Watch the Cinematic David Lynch-Directed Music Video for Chris Isaak’s “Wicked Game”
Video Remembering the ‘King of Slow’ James Calvin Wilsey on the anniversary of his passing.
Watch Chuck Berry's Heart-Warming “Run Rudolph Run” Animated Video
Video The father of rock ‘n’ roll wishes you a merry Christmas.
Watch Son House’s Unmissable “Death Letter Blues” TV Performance
Video The Delta blues legend was a true master of slide guitar.
“The Equipment Helps a Little Bit But More Often Than Not It’s In Your Own Personality”: Mick Ronson Talks Trademark Tone
Video As ‘Hunky Dory’ turns 50 today we take a look back at the gifted guitarist who helped pave David Bowie’s path to success.
Watch the Brand-New Star-Studded Music Video for George Harrison’s “My Sweet Lord”
Video This cinematic spiritual sci-fi short features a stellar cast of talent including Ringo Starr, Joe Walsh and Mark Hamill.
Watch Chris Cornell’s Heart-Wrenching Solo Acoustic Performance of “Black Hole Sun”
Video This stripped-back rendition of Soundgarden’s greatest hit is testament to great songwriting.
Watch J Mascis Redefine the Solo Acoustic Show
Video The Dinosaur Jr. frontman finds a new approach to playing golden era Gibson flat-tops.
Watch Johnny Winter’s Jaw-Dropping Final Performance
Video The Firebird V-toting blues rock hero bows out for the last time with this historical live rendition of Robert Johnson's “Dust My Broom.”
Watch Eric Clapton Playing a ’Burst in Some of Cream’s Earliest Footage from 1966
Video Before moving to an SG Standard this Holy Grail Gibson was the guitar prodigy’s main squeeze.
Watch Frank Zappa Play One of His Greatest Solos On His Final Tour
Video Dweezil Zappa deemed this brilliant and emotive solo to be his father’s finest.
Watch The Who’s Earliest Known “My Generation” Performance Film
Video This 1965 clip shows the fledgling rock stars causing a big s-s-sensation.
