Rod Brakes
Rod Brakes is a music journalist with an expertise in guitars. Having spent many years at the coalface as a guitar dealer and tech, Rod's more recent work as a writer covering artists, industry pros and gear includes contributions for leading publications and websites such as Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World, Guitar Player and MusicRadar in addition to specialist music books, blogs and social media. He is also a lifelong musician.
Latest articles by Rod Brakes

By Rod Brakes Published
Video This jaw-dropping studio rendition showcases the superlative talent of two of the world’s greatest acoustic pickers

By Rod Brakes Published
This compact, lightweight unit features premium Boss amps and effects derived from the flagship GT-1000 Guitar Effects Processor

By Rod Brakes Published
Self-confessed “guitar nerd” Cesar Gueikian says he is “honored and humbled to take on the permanent CEO role”

By Rod Brakes Published
A highly talented player in his own right, Wayne Henderson reveals how he learned his world-class guitar building craft

By Rod Brakes Published
Dating to 1966, this sparkle-finish rarity could be the only instrument of its kind in the world

By Guitar Player Staff Published
“I chose the guitars in a heartbeat,” said the blues rock titan

By Rod Brakes Published
"I’d love to see a new river of women playing differently and not trying to imitate male bands," says the folk legend

By Rod Brakes Published
Video A must-see for any fan, the film features new interviews with Syd Barrett’s family, friends and lovers, plus Pink Floyd bandmates Roger Waters, David Gilmour, and Nick Mason

By Rod Brakes Published
Video The audience is left stunned while the presenter is rendered speechless by this awesome display of guitar-playing talent

By Rod Brakes Published
Pre-war Martins are among the most collectible flat-tops in the world – and this stunning example is one of the cleanest we’ve seen

By Guitar Player Staff Published
From the Grestch Duo Jet used in the Beatles’ earliest recordings to the late '60s prototype Fender Rosewood Telecaster, here are five of George Harrison's most celebrated guitars

By Christopher Scapelliti Published
Hosted by Flea, this fascinating podcast episode reveals how John Frusciante “really found his voice as a musician”

By Rod Brakes Published
Talented British luthier Neil Ivison gives ‘Guitar Player’ the inside scoop on his now world-famous Dakota electric guitar played by Guns N’ Roses’ longest-serving guitarist

By Christopher Scapelliti Published
Video With tone, technique and passion in abundance, Derek Trucks’ slide guitar solo is breathtaking to behold

By Christopher Scapelliti Published
“It’s astounding. Even I can see that,” said Steve Howe

By Christopher Scapelliti Published
Video This newly upgraded film celebrating the concert’s 50th anniversary captures guitarist Mick Ronson’s anthemic riff-mastery at its finest in the heyday of glam rock

By Rod Brakes Published
This rare, custom-order 1957 Gibson Double 12 features six- and 12-string necks

By Guitar Player Staff Published
From Jimi Hendrix and Jimmy Page to Stevie Ray Vaughan and Slash, here are some of the greatest rock guitar solos ever committed to record

By Rod Brakes Published
This hard-clipping overdrive and vintage-style phaser are inspired by some pedalboard classics

By Christopher Scapelliti Published
‘Guitar Player’ editor-in-chief Christopher Scapelliti takes us on a track-by-track tour of the landmark album on its 50th anniversary

By Rod Brakes Published
Revisited by Jeff Beck prior to his death, the ‘Live in Japan 1973, Live in London 1974’ boxed set showcases previously unreleased live performances from his legendary power trio

By Art Thompson Published
The Artist spoke to ‘GP’ from Paisley Park’s Studio A at a milestone moment in his guitar playing career

By Jimmy Leslie Published
50 years ago, this campfire classic was at the top of the charts

By Rod Brakes Published
Featuring a CPU-controlled analog circuit boasting eight BBDs, this powerful stompbox is a smorgasbord of classic echo

By Christopher Scapelliti Last updated
50 years on from the release of Queen’s self-titled debut album, Brian May remains an inspiration to guitarists of all ages
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