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 Jeff Beck and Johnny Depp’s Tantalizing “Venus in Furs” Visualizer
By Rod Brakes published
Video The Velvet Underground cover is the latest teaser from the stars' collaborative new album ’18.’

Buffalo Springfield and Poco Founder Richie Furay Shares Immaculate “Walking in Memphis” Performance Video
By Rod Brakes published
Video The country-rock pioneer drops another track from his highly anticipated new album ‘In the Country.’

Watch Blues Master Kirk Fletcher’s "Afraid to Die, Too Scared to Live" Music Video
By Rod Brakes published
Video The guitarist drops soulful lead single from forthcoming album ‘Heartache by the Pound.’

Watch Todd Rundgren’s Buck Wild "No. 1 Lowest Common Denominator" Guitar Solo
By Rod Brakes published
Video The Renaissance man of rock paints a surreal sonic landscape in this furious performance.

Watch Greg Howe Shred on the GP ‘No Guitar is Safe’ Podcast
By Rod Brakes, Jude Gold published
Video The formidable virtuoso unleashes a barrage of licks and tricks from his considerable arsenal.

“That Song is Phenomenal”: Leo Nocentelli Reveals the Origins of the Meters Classic “Cissy Strut”
By Rod Brakes published
Video Watch Gibson’s revealing interview where the funk guitar legend talks about the genesis of this timeless number.

“It is the Dream Job”: Duran Duran Star Andy Taylor Reflects Upon His Life as a Guitarist
By Rod Brakes published
Video Watch this fascinating interview filmed at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios.
All the latest guitar news, interviews, lessons, reviews, deals and more, direct to your inbox!
Thank you for signing up to GuitarPlayer. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.