Ray's Profile Picture

Ray

Features Editor

I'm a musician and artist originally from the South West coast of Scotland. I studied Visual Arts and Film Studies at the Cumbria Institute of the Arts in Carlisle, where my degree was based on Japanese cinema, the Horror genre and 20th century avant-garde painting. Outside of guitarguitar, I make music, sell paintings, and write stories. I love watching movies, reading, travelling and learning new instruments.

  • Gear I Can't Live Without

    Any fuzz pedal, Ableton Live 11, Dunlop Tortex (green, yellow and blue are all required!)

  • Essential Album

    Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness - Smashing Pumpkins

  • Best Ever Gig

    Hans Zimmer at the Hammersmith Apollo or Tom Waits at the Edinburgh Playhouse


My Recent Articles

8 BEST Guitars Made in JAPAN

8 BEST Guitars Made in JAPAN

Fender Electric Guitars: The Ranges Explained (Updated for October 2026)

Fender Electric Guitars: The Ranges Explained (Updated for October 2026)

Jackson Guitars: A Brief History (Updated for October 2026)

Jackson Guitars: A Brief History (Updated for October 2026)

Taylor Series Explained - Which Model is Right for Me? (updated for Oct 2026)

Taylor Series Explained - Which Model is Right for Me? (updated for Oct 2026)

The 13 HEAVIEST Songs Ever Written (Updated for October 2026)

The 13 HEAVIEST Songs Ever Written (Updated for October 2026)

Active vs Passive Pickups Explained: Our Expert Guide

Active vs Passive Pickups Explained: Our Expert Guide

Artists Who Use SQUIER Guitars

Artists Who Use SQUIER Guitars

Our In-Depth Guide to the JACKSON DINKY

Our In-Depth Guide to the JACKSON DINKY

7 Best YAMAHA Acoustics for All Player Levels

7 Best YAMAHA Acoustics for All Player Levels

Yamaha Acoustic Guitars: The Ranges Explained (Updated for 2026)

Yamaha Acoustic Guitars: The Ranges Explained (Updated for 2026)

The GUITARS You Didn’t Know You NEEDED

The GUITARS You Didn’t Know You NEEDED

PRS: The Ranges Explained (Updated for October 2026)

PRS: The Ranges Explained (Updated for October 2026)

JAZZ Subgenres: Your Essential Guide

JAZZ Subgenres: Your Essential Guide

14 Songs That Use EPIPHONE Guitars

14 Songs That Use EPIPHONE Guitars

Beginner Guitar Amps: Our Guide to Buying Your First Guitar Amp (Updated November 2026)

Beginner Guitar Amps: Our Guide to Buying Your First Guitar Amp (Updated November 2026)

Which Epiphone Les Paul is Best for You?

Which Epiphone Les Paul is Best for You?

“You ARE the Universe!” Steve Vai Talks EXCLUSIVELY About the New SATCHVAI Album!

“You ARE the Universe!” Steve Vai Talks EXCLUSIVELY About the New SATCHVAI Album!

16 Greatest Ever SYNTH Riffs

16 Greatest Ever SYNTH Riffs

8 Essential Guitar Scales (With Pictures) (Updated for November 2026)

8 Essential Guitar Scales (With Pictures) (Updated for November 2026)

Guitar Bracing Guide: What Goes On Inside Your Acoustic Guitar

Guitar Bracing Guide: What Goes On Inside Your Acoustic Guitar