We wish we could have expanded this list beyond just the 15 we present. However, there are reasons for keeping these articles under a certain limit because of loading times and other factors. However, these 15 female guitars represent various musical styles and playing. We thought it would be more interesting for our readers to mix it up instead of just creating a list of 15 Blues players, 15 metal players, or pop players. In the end, what we have here is 15 fabulous musicians who play with extraordinary passion and skills that will knock you off your rock and roll feet.
This list is in no particular order, just a celebration of 15 fantastic female guitar players.
Rory Block
Rory Block, born Aurora Block on November 6, 1949, in Princeton, New Jersey, has firmly established herself as one of the foremost authorities of country blues guitar in the world. Raised in a family deeply entrenched in the music scene, Block was surrounded by influential figures of the 1960s folk revival from a young age. This unique upbringing allowed her to learn directly from some of the most iconic figures in American roots music. By the age of fifteen, she had already left home to fully immerse herself in the thriving Greenwich Village music scene, where she honed her craft and developed her deep appreciation and mastery of delta blues music.
Block’s debut album, Rory Block, released in 1975, marked the beginning of a prolific and passionate exploration of blues music. Throughout her career, she has released more than 20 albums, each demonstrating her commitment to preserving and revitalizing traditional blues through her dynamic guitar skills and authentic vocal style. Her 1981 release, High Heeled Blues, was a pivotal album that garnered high praise for its intensity and rawness, solidifying her position as a serious blues musician.
Throughout her career, Rory Block has played with numerous blues legends, including Stefan Grossman and Mississippi John Hurt, the latter of whom she met during her teenage years in New York City. These collaborations not only deepened her understanding and interpretation of the blues but also influenced her musical style. Block’s contributions to the genre have been recognized with five Blues Music Awards, including “Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year,” and her project “The Mentor Series” that pays tribute to the original delta blues artists has been critically acclaimed.
Rory Block’s inclusion in the article “15 Female Guitarists That Will Blow Your Mind” is warranted by her meticulous dedication to blues music, her skill as a guitarist, and her ability to convey the deep, often somber beauty of the traditional blues narrative. Her music does more than just recount the blues; it captures the soul and essence of the genre’s storied past while continuing to innovate within its framework.
Susan Tedeschi
Lita Ford
Lita Ford’s journey from the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the pinnacle of hard rock fame encapsulates why she is a fixture on the list of “15 Female Guitarists That Will Blow Your Mind.” Born on September 19, 1958, in London, England, Ford moved to the U.S. with her family at a young age, growing up in LA where she was immersed in the burgeoning rock music scene of the 1970s. Her musical influences ranged from The Runaways’ raw energy to the technical prowess of guitarists like Ritchie Blackmore and Tony Iommi, shaping her aggressive playing style.
Ford first gained major attention as the lead guitarist for The Runaways in the late 1970s, a pioneering all-female band that broke through gender barriers in rock music. After the band disbanded in 1979, Ford launched a solo career that would eventually cement her status as a rock icon. Her debut solo album, Out for Blood, was released in 1983, but it was her third album, Lita (1988), that catapulted her to stardom. The album featured several hits, including “Kiss Me Deadly” and the power ballad “Close My Eyes Forever,” a duet with Ozzy Osbourne, showcasing her ability not only as a guitarist but also as a songwriter and vocalist.
Throughout her career, Ford has been known for her blistering guitar solos and gritty vocal performances, making her a beloved figure in the heavy metal community. She has released a total of eight studio albums, with her most recent, Living Like a Runaway, receiving critical acclaim for its return to her roots and raw sound. Ford’s impact on music extends beyond her recordings; her dynamic presence and pioneering spirit have inspired countless aspiring musicians, particularly female guitarists who see her as a trailblazer in a predominantly male-dominated genre.
Lita Ford’s inclusion in this prestigious list is a nod to her enduring influence and significant contributions to rock music. Her skillful guitar work, combined with her relentless drive and rock ‘n’ roll spirit, make her one of the most respected and influential guitarists of her generation. Her awards and recognitions, including several nominations for Grammy Awards, further testify to her talent and legacy in the world of rock music.
Rebecca and Megan Lovell
Larkin Poe, a band led by sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell, has rapidly ascended as one of the most compelling acts in the roots rock and blues scene. The Lovell sisters, born in Calhoun, Georgia, and raised in a musically vibrant family, showcase a deep-seated love for classic rock and blues, which they beautifully meld with a modern twist in their music. Rebecca, born January 30, 1991, and Megan, born May 12, 1989, began their musical journey at a young age, initially performing with their older sister Jessica in a group called the Lovell Sisters before forming Larkin Poe in 2010.
Larkin Poe’s debut album, Kin, released in 2014, was a bold introduction to their gritty, soulful sound and marked the beginning of their exploration into a more robust, electrified style. Their music, deeply rooted in the tradition of Southern rock and blues, features Rebecca’s raspy, commanding vocals and potent guitar riffs, complemented by Megan’s lap steel and resonator guitar, creating a distinctive sound that is both traditional and innovative. The band’s subsequent albums, including Reskinned (2016), Peach (2017), and the critically acclaimed Venom & Faith (2018), have further established them as a powerhouse duo, blending fierce musicianship with lyrical depth.
Their unique blend of musical styles has not only garnered a significant fanbase but also critical acclaim. Venom & Faith was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album, highlighting the duo’s ability to redefine and invigorate the blues genre. Throughout their career, Larkin Poe has collaborated with various renowned artists, including Elvis Costello and Keith Urban, showcasing their versatility and broad appeal.
Larkin Poe’s inclusion in the article “15 Female Guitarists That Will Blow Your Mind” reflects their innovative approach to blues and roots music, their impressive guitar skills, and their contribution to the evolution of these genres. As they continue to tour extensively and produce music that pushes the boundaries of traditional blues, Rebecca and Megan Lovell remain influential figures in modern music, inspiring a new generation with their bold artistry and indomitable spirit.
Carolyn Wonderland
Ana Popovic
Ana Popovic, born on May 13, 1976, in Belgrade, Serbia (then Yugoslavia), has carved out a prominent space for herself in the blues genre as a formidable guitarist and singer-songwriter. Her musical journey is rooted in a rich cultural tapestry, growing up in a household filled with music, thanks to her father’s extensive blues and soul record collection. This early exposure not only ignited her passion for music but also influenced her later style and musical choices.
Ana’s career began to gain momentum in the late 1990s after she moved to the Netherlands to study jazz guitar. She quickly became a fixture on the European blues scene before breaking onto the American blues scene in the early 2000s. Her debut album, Hush!, released in 2001, was a powerful introduction to her fierce guitar skills and robust vocal abilities. Since then, Ana has released over ten albums, continuously showcasing her growth as a musician and her versatility in both blues and jazz genres. Albums like Unconditional and Trilogy further demonstrate her prowess, earning her accolades and a loyal international fanbase.
Throughout her career, Popovic has performed with numerous music legends, including Buddy Guy, Joe Bonamassa, and Robert Randolph, among others. Her collaborations extend across genres, highlighting her adaptability and appeal as a guitarist capable of both commanding the lead and contributing to a broader ensemble. Ana’s ability to blend fiery guitar licks with complex, emotional solos has earned her nominations for several Blues Music Awards and has seen her featured in esteemed music publications worldwide.
Ana Popovic stands out not only for her technical skill and intense stage presence but also for her role as a trailblazer in a predominantly male-dominated industry. Her inclusion on the list of Top 10 Female Blues Guitarists is a testament to her influence and contribution to the blues genre, ensuring her place among the greats and inspiring a new generation of musicians. Her ongoing dedication to her craft and her ability to continually innovate within traditional forms while maintaining a deep respect for the roots of blues music make her a standout figure in the world of contemporary blues.
Read More: Top 10 Ana Popović Songs
Nili Brosh
Orianthi
Orianthi Panagaris, known professionally as Orianthi, is an Australian guitarist and singer-songwriter born on January 22, 1985, in Adelaide, South Australia. Her multicultural background, with a Greek family passionate about music, significantly influenced her musical upbringing. She began playing piano at the age of three and moved to the acoustic guitar at six before taking up electric guitar at eleven. Inspired by the musical prowess of Carlos Santana, Jimi Hendrix, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Orianthi honed a style that blends rock, blues, and pop with an electrifying flair.
Orianthi gained significant attention in 2009 when she was selected as the lead guitarist for Michael Jackson’s ill-fated “This Is It” concert series, which was canceled due to Jackson’s untimely death. However, her involvement in the rehearsal performances showcased her exceptional talent to a global audience, catapulting her career forward. She released her debut album, Violet Journey, in 2007, which she produced and wrote at the age of 21, playing all the instruments on some tracks. Her major-label debut, Believe, arrived in 2009, featuring the hit single “According to You,” which became a significant success, turning Orianthi into a household name in the rock and blues guitar community.
Since then, Orianthi has released several more albums, including Heaven in This Hell (2013) and O (2020), showcasing her growth as an artist and her versatility across various musical styles. She has collaborated and performed with many well-known artists, including Alice Cooper, Richie Sambora, and Steve Vai, further establishing her as a force within the music industry. Her dynamic playing style and ability to blend intricate guitar solos with melodic harmonies have earned her accolades from both critics and fellow musicians.
Orianthi’s inclusion in the list of Top 10 Female Blues Guitarists is attributed to her innovative guitar techniques, charismatic stage presence, and the raw energy she brings to her performances. Beyond her technical ability, Orianthi has been recognized with several awards and nominations, highlighting her impact and contribution to the music world. Her role as a trailblazer for female guitarists in a predominantly male-dominated industry not only inspires upcoming musicians but also marks her as a significant figure in the evolution of modern blues and rock music.
Read More: Top 10 Orianthi Songs
Jennifer Batten
Read More: Jennifer Batten Interview: 10 Albums That Changed My Life
Nancy Wilson
Nita Strauss
Renowned for electrifying stages worldwide, Nita Strauss has redefined the role of women in heavy metal and rock guitar. Born on December 7, 1986, in Los Angeles, California, Strauss has music running through her veins, tracing her lineage back to Johann Strauss II, the famous Austrian composer. Growing up in a city as vibrant as LA, she was perfectly positioned to dive deep into its rich music scene, drawing inspiration from a blend of classic rock icons and metal maestros.
Nita’s career took a significant leap forward when she joined The Iron Maidens, an all-female Iron Maiden tribute band, where her skillful playing began to draw widespread attention. Her reputation for fast, technical guitar solos and charismatic performances paved the way for her to join Alice Cooper’s band in 2014. This role not only showcased her talent on a global scale but also solidified her status as a leading figure in rock guitar.
In 2018, Nita Strauss released her debut solo album, Controlled Chaos, which was a personal project from the ground up—self-released, crowd-funded, and co-produced by Strauss herself. The album reflects her growth as a musician and composer, featuring a mix of melodic instrumentals and hard-hitting tracks, demonstrating her versatility and depth as an artist. Beyond her recording achievements, Strauss has been recognized with various accolades, and her endorsements and signature models with major guitar manufacturers speak volumes about her impact in the music industry. Her powerful presence and pioneering spirit secure her spot on any list of top female guitarists, inspiring countless aspiring musicians worldwide.
Read More:Nita Strauss: The ClassicRockHistory.com Interview
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Joanne Shaw Taylor has blazed a trail through the blues rock scene with her smoky vocals and searing guitar licks, firmly establishing herself as one of the genre’s most dynamic performers. Born in the heart of England’s Black Country in Solihull on September 16, 1985, Taylor was discovered at the young age of 16 by Eurythmics co-founder Dave Stewart, after he witnessed an impressive performance by her at a local jazz and blues club.
Taylor’s debut album, White Sugar (2009), immediately grabbed the attention of the blues community with its raw power and emotional intensity. This album began a series of critically acclaimed releases that charted her growth as a blues artist, with subsequent albums like Diamonds in the Dirt and The Dirty Truth further establishing her as a powerhouse. Each record showcases her development not only as a guitarist but also as a songwriter and vocalist, underscoring her deepening connection to the blues tradition while injecting a modern vibrancy.
Over the years, Joanne Shaw Taylor has collaborated with various notable artists, including Annie Lennox and Joe Bonamassa, enhancing her visibility and influence in the blues and rock scenes. She has consistently toured internationally, bringing her distinctive style to enthusiastic audiences and gaining a reputation for her explosive live performances. Her impact on the blues genre is marked not only by her skillful guitar playing and distinctive voice but also by her role in redefining the expectations for female guitarists in blues music. Taylor’s inclusion in the article “15 Female Guitarists That Will Blow Your Mind” is a testament to her formidable talent and her significant contributions to the contemporary blues scene.
Samantha Fish
Bonnie Raitt
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe, often hailed as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll,” played a pivotal role in the early development of rock, rhythm and blues with her electric guitar mastery and gospel roots. Born on March 20, 1915, in Cotton Plant, Arkansas, Tharpe was a musical prodigy from a young age, guided by her mother who was a singer, mandolin player, and evangelist for the Church of God in Christ. By the age of four, Tharpe was accompanying her mother on tours across the American South, where she developed her distinctive style that would later influence the evolution of rock music.
Tharpe’s debut single, “Rock Me,” released in 1938, redefined the boundaries of gospel music by incorporating electric guitar—a move that was both revolutionary and influential, paving the way for future rock and roll icons. Her unique blend of spiritual lyrics and secular rhythms captured the attention of a diverse audience, making her one of the first gospel musicians to gain mainstream popularity. Her 1944 hit “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” recorded with Decca Records, is often credited as one of the first rock and roll records, showcasing her extraordinary guitar solos that were far ahead of their time.
Throughout her career, Sister Rosetta Tharpe collaborated with a myriad of artists and influenced many legendary musicians, including Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Johnny Cash, all of whom cited Tharpe’s music and performance style as pivotal to their own musical journeys. Her live performances, characterized by her roaring guitar work and powerful vocals, were nothing short of charismatic and electrifying, helping to shape the rock genre’s performance standards.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2018, albeit posthumously, was a long-overdue acknowledgment of her contributions to the music industry. As a figure in the article “15 Female Guitarists That Will Blow Your Mind,” Tharpe stands not just as a talented musician but as a trailblazer who broke racial and gender barriers, bringing the spirited energy of gospel into the mainstream and sowing the seeds for rock and roll. Her legacy is a testament to her groundbreaking spirit and profound influence on the world of music.
Hey,Brian,you need to add Laura Cox on this list,for sure.