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

Watch Joan Armatrading’s Beautifully Dark "Woncha Come on Home" Performance
By Rod Brakes published
Video Walking her own path from day one, the British singer-songwriter’s matchless style has inspired generations of guitar players.

Watch Jefferson Starship’s Hilarious Voyage into the Far-Out Splendor of an Underground Concert Hall
By Rod Brakes published
Video The iconic band descends 333 feet into Tennessee’s world-famous Volcano Room.

Listen to the Weirdest and Most Wonderful Effects From the World’s Largest Electro-Harmonix Collection
By Rod Brakes published
Video JHS's Josh Scott visits fellow pedalhead Daniel Danger's "private Batcave lair of madness.”

Could This Be the Coolest Stereo Chorus Tone Ever? Watch Jamie West-Oram Demonstrate His “One Thing Leads to Another” Guitar Chops
By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published
Video The Fixx guitarist reveals the studio secrets of the band’s 1983 top ten hit on GP's ‘No Guitar Is Safe’ podcast.

Watch Texas Blues Rocker Jelly Ellington’s Epic “Stand Back” Music Video
By Rod Brakes published
Video The latest release from the Austin guitarist’s sophomore album, ‘Not All Who Wander Are Lost.’

Watch Rare Performance Footage of Folk Legend Woody Guthrie
By Rod Brakes published
Video Pete Seeger introduces "one of the greatest ballad makers” in this 1964 BBC clip.

Blondie Unearth Rare "I Love You Honey, Give Me a Beer" Demo Recording
By Rod Brakes published
Video Listen to the original track that became the Rock and Roll Hall of Famers' 1980 classic "Go Through It”

Watch Guitar Legends Les Paul and Mary Ford Demonstrate Their Pioneering Multitrack Recording Techniques
By Rod Brakes published
Video This entertaining TV clip from 1953 proves the duo were way ahead of the game.

Watch Blues-Rock Sensation Erja Lyytinen’s New “Bad Seed” Music Video
By Rod Brakes published
Video Finland’s finest slide guitarist drops lead single from new album, ‘Waiting For the Daylight’

Watch Dropkick Murphys’ Woody Guthrie-Inspired "Two 6's Upside Down" Music Video
By Rod Brakes published
Video Taken from their forthcoming acoustic album ‘This Machine Still Kills Fascists’ the band brings “original punk” Woody Guthrie’s words to life.

Watch Jimmy Page & Jeff Beck’s Epic Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame Performance
By Rod Brakes, Steve Rosen published
Video The ex-Yardbirds guitarists hit the stage with a fierce rendition of “Immigrant Song.”

Don’t Miss Indie Blues Trailblazer Troy Redfern’s Blistering New Single, “Come On”
By Rod Brakes published
Video The “king of slide guitar” straps on his DeArmond goldfoil-fitted 1930s Dobro in this hard rocking music video.
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