18 Best Female Guitarists Of All Time
Guitar shredding, wailing solos, and face-melting riffs aren’t the sole domain of male rockers. Female guitarists have been absolutely tearing it up for decades. Whether it’s on the acoustic scene, jazz, blues, or face-melting heavy metal, these women have made their mark in the guitar world.
Let’s give these amazing women the spotlight they deserve.
1. Joan Jett
Known for: “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” and being the leader of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts.
Why she’s awesome: Before she formed The Blackhearts, Joan was a founding member of The Runaways in the 1970s. With a raw sound, punk attitude, and undeniable stage presence, Jett has influenced countless musicians over the years. And let’s not forget her iconic riffs.
2. Nancy Wilson
Known for: Being one-half of the rock duo, Heart.
Why she’s awesome: Have you heard the acoustic intro to “Crazy On You”? That’s Nancy, proving that female guitarists can produce some of the most iconic intros in rock history. Blending rock and folk, she’s crafted a unique style that’s instantly recognizable.
3. Bonnie Raitt
Known for: Her bluesy sound and slide guitar skills.
Why she’s awesome: Bonnie effortlessly blends pop, rock, and blues into her own signature sound. And she has 10 Grammy Awards under her belt.
4. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Known for: Essentially pioneering rock & roll.
Why she’s awesome: An unsung hero, Sister Rosetta was blending gospel with electric guitar way before Elvis came onto the scene. Dubbed the “Original Soul Sister,” she’s been cited as a major influence by legends like Chuck Berry.
5. Orianthi
Known for: Playing lead guitar for Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour.
Why she’s awesome: Hailing from Australia, this virtuoso caught the attention of greats like Carlos Santana and Steve Vai. With her skills, she could’ve just shredded non-stop, but Orianthi combines her technical prowess with pop sensibilities, making her stand out.
6. Jennifer Batten
Known for: Touring with Michael Jackson and Jeff Beck.
Why she’s awesome: Playing alongside MJ on three world tours, she’s been on some of the world’s biggest stages and has never missed a note.
7. Emily Remler
Known for: Being a jazz mastermind.
Why she’s awesome: Emily carved out a name for herself in the jazz scene of the 80s. Her intricate playing and unique interpretations of standards made her a standout.
8. Yvette Young
Known for: Her band Covet and a unique finger-tapping style.
Why she’s awesome: Bringing a mix of post-rock, math rock, and even a touch of classical, Yvette’s compositions are nothing short of mesmerizing. Her guitar work is often intricate and melodic.
9. Kaki King
Known for: Percussive fingerstyle technique and unique tunings.
Why she’s awesome: Kaki goes beyond just playing the guitar; she makes it sing, talk, and sometimes even scream. With her experimental style, she’s expanded what’s possible on the guitar.
10. Ana Popovic
Known for: Blues, jazz, and soul-infused guitar skills.
Why she’s awesome: Born in Serbia and now rocking stages worldwide, Ana’s blend of blues, soul, and rock is enthralling. Her stage presence and guitar skills have earned her spots alongside legends like B.B. King.
11. Lita Ford
Known for: Being a former member of The Runaways and her solo hits like “Kiss Me Deadly.”
Why she’s awesome: Lita has been rocking since the ’70s, and her influence can’t be understated. She took the hard rock scene by storm with her killer solos and powerful stage presence, inspiring countless future female guitarists.
12. Marnie Stern
Known for: Her finger-tapping techniques and experimental rock sound.
Why she’s awesome: Marnie is an avant-garde rocker. Her distinctive style of playing has made her a standout in the indie and experimental rock scenes.
13. Elizabeth Cotten
Known for: The classic song “Freight Train.”
Why she’s awesome: A self-taught left-handed guitarist, Cotten developed a unique picking style and had a profound influence on American folk music. Her compositions have been covered by various artists and remain timeless.
14. Poison Ivy (Kristy Marlana Wallace)
Known for: Being the lead guitarist for The Cramps.
Why she’s awesome: Poison Ivy’s psychobilly punk riffs gave The Cramps their signature sound. Her influence on punk rock and her fierce stage presence makes her one of the defining female guitarists of her time.
15. Memphis Minnie (Lizzie Douglas)
Known for: Her blues classics like “When the Levee Breaks.”
Why she’s awesome: With a career spanning over four decades, Memphis Minnie was a trailblazer for female blues guitarists. Her songs have been covered by many, including the mighty Led Zeppelin.
16. Courtney Barnett
Known for: Her witty songwriting and indie rock guitar sound.
Why she’s awesome: Hailing from Australia, Courtney combines clever lyrics with a laid-back guitar style. She brings a fresh voice to the indie rock scene, blending elements of folk and grunge.
17. Charo
Known for: Flamenco guitar virtuosity and her signature phrase “Cuchi-Cuchi.”
Why she’s awesome: While many remember Charo for her comedic appearances on TV, she’s a classically trained guitarist. Under the tutelage of greats like Andrés Segovia, she’s mastered the art of flamenco guitar.
18. Gabriela Quintero
Known for: Being half of the guitar duo Rodrigo y Gabriela.
Why she’s awesome: Gabriela’s rapid-fire strumming technique is nothing short of mesmerizing. Together with Rodrigo, they blend metal, jazz, and flamenco into a globally recognized sound.