Rod Brakes

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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.

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Latest articles by Rod Brakes

Watch Loretta Lynn’s Iconic “Coal Miner’s Daughter” Performances on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show’

By Rod Brakes published 7 October 22

Video These early ‘70s renditions capture the "First Lady of Country Music" during her hitmaking prime

Video

Andrew Watt Joins Forces With Guitar Center for Guitar-a-Thon 2022

By Rod Brakes published 7 October 22

The "greatest guitar event on Earth” kicks off in style with hundreds of bargains now available

Watch Finland Blues-Rock Sensation Erja Lyytinen’s “Waiting for the Daylight” Music Video

By Rod Brakes published 7 October 22

Video The Black Sabbath-infused title track appears today upon the release of her new album

Video

“I Wanted to Sound Like Eric Clapton”: Joe Bonamassa Teams up With Epiphone to Create the 1962 ES-335

By Rod Brakes published 7 October 22

The blues-rock titan’s latest signature model is based on one of his most cherished electric guitars

Get up to $230 OFF Fender Player Series Stratocasters

By Rod Brakes published 6 October 22

Don’t miss out on these incredible Guitar-A-Thon deals live at Guitar Center now

Boss’s Best-Selling Pedal Gets Waza Crafted With the DS-1W Distortion

By Rod Brakes published 6 October 22

Made in Japan, this souped-up version of a modern classic offers enhanced functionality and sound

Watch GP Reader Bill Hall’s Stunning Solo Acoustic Performance of Pink Floyd’s “The Great Gig in the Sky”

By Rod Brakes published 5 October 22

Video This incredible rendition of 'The Dark Side of the Moon' classic using a Breedlove Pursuit showcases some impressive improv

Video

Watch Bluegrass Virtuoso Billy Strings’ “Long Journey Home” Music Video

By Rod Brakes published 5 October 22

Video "Not doing this record scared me," says the award-winning guitarist as he prepares for new father & son LP release, ‘Me/and/Dad’

Video

The Beatles 'Revolver' Special Edition release

Listen to The Beatles’ New Release: “Tomorrow Never Knows (Take 1)”

By Rod Brakes published 4 October 22

Video This rare track appears ahead of the newly mixed and expanded ‘Revolver’ Special Editions

Video

Joe Bonamassa Reveals His Most-Used Effects Pedal of All Time

By Rod Brakes published 4 October 22

Whether he’s playing Fender or Gibson guitars, JB says this box is usable in almost any situation and with almost any amp

“I Shouldn’t Have Done ‘Blow by Blow’”: Jeff Beck Reveals His Regrets in This Hilarious Interview

By Rod Brakes, Joe Gore, Matt Resnicoff published 29 September 22

Discover why the legendary guitarist thought his platinum-selling LP was “just mistakes on record”

You've Heard of Rosewood and Mahogany, but Do You Know What Urban Ironbark Is?

By Rod Brakes published 29 September 22

The new heart of the 500 Series, Urban Ironbark – aka red ironbark – is the second responsibly sourced urban wood to appear in the Taylor line after Urban Ash

Stevie Ray Vaughan performing at the Oakland Coliseum Arena on December 3, 1989

“I’ve Got a Hole in My Finger”: Stevie Ray Vaughan on the Trials and Tribulations of Heavy Strings

By Rod Brakes, Joe Gore, Matt Resnicoff published 27 September 22

Video Read this revealing GP interview and watch guitar tech ninja René Martinez in action

Video

Watch a Young Robert Fripp Putting a New King Crimson Lineup Through Its Paces with “Larks' Tongues in Aspic”

By Rod Brakes published 21 September 22

Video This live studio rendition for German TV show ‘Beat-Club’ is vintage prog rock at its finest

Video

Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jeff Beck Talk Shop in This Classic GP Interview

By Rod Brakes, Joe Gore, Matt Resnicoff published 20 September 22

Read this fascinating extract and watch unmissable clips as the Strat legends usher in a new decade

Marshall Records Artist Laurence Jones Explains How to Write a Stadium Rock Fist-Pumper

By Rod Brakes last updated 16 September 22

Video The British blues virtuoso breaks down his “Can't Keep from Loving You” single in this exclusive video

Video

Martin 000JR-10E Shawn Mendes Custom Artist Edition

Martin Unveils the 000JR-10E Shawn Mendes Custom Artist Edition Acoustic Guitar

By Rod Brakes published 16 September 22

This eco-friendly model is Martin’s largest production run of 100% FSC-certified instruments

“My Tribute to One of the Greatest That Ever Lived”: Guns N’ Roses' Richard Fortus Shares Epic Paul Kossoff-Inspired Guitar Solo

By Rod Brakes published 15 September 22

Listen to this impeccable example of pure ‘Burst tone

Jackson's New “Fast as F**k” American Series Soloist SL3 Is a Top Gun Shred Machine

By Rod Brakes published 9 September 22

Video Watch GP's exclusive videos featuring Anthrax’s Scott Ian, Black Dahlia Murder shredder Brandon Ellis, and Jackson/Charvel's Jon Romanowski

Video

Save $$ on the New Positive Grid Spark Mini Amp in This Special Pre-Order Deal

By Rod Brakes last updated 9 September 22

Get in on this limited sale by pre-ordering the Spark Mini and app with alternate crimson grille.

Watch Brian Setzer’s New Revved Up Music Video “Smash Up On Highway One”

By Rod Brakes last updated 6 September 22

VIDEO The Gretsch guitar guru keeps rockabilly rolling forward with this Dick Dale-inspired banger.

VIDEO

Joe Satriani Recommends Listening to these Five Lesser-Known Guitar Solos

By Guitar Player Staff, Rod Brakes last updated 6 September 22

Lesser known but no less great these deep cuts inspired one of the world’s most famous guitarists.

George Benson with the Brother Jack McDuff Quartet

Watch a 21-Year-Old George Benson Ripping Up a Gibson Les Paul Standard in 1964

By Rod Brakes last updated 26 August 22

Video Here’s why the ‘Burst is far more than just a blues-rock machine.

Video

Eric Clapton and Joe Bonamassa perform on stage at the Royal Albert Hall on May 4, 2009 in London, England

“It Was Insane”: Joe Bonamassa Talks Playing With Eric Clapton Live on Stage

By Rod Brakes last updated 18 August 22

Video A simple secret to great guitar tone is revealed in this Musicians Hall of Fame interview.

Video

Listen to the newly released Eric Clapton recording “Born Under a Bad Sign”

By Rod Brakes published 18 August 22

Video This previously unreleased track is featured on the forthcoming limited edition boxed set ‘The Complete Reprise Studio Albums – Volume I.’

Video

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