Women have fought for their spotlight in the music industry for decades, and spearheads of the scene like Joni Mitchell and Joan Jett have paved the way for some of the best female guitarists of all time...
Jennifer Batten
While at the Musicians Institute, Batten perfected her two-handed tapping technique and went on to share stages with Michael Jackson and Slash. Her own tours include large multimedia displays and expansive storytelling. Her instrument of choice is a Washburn JB100 Signature.
Liona Boyd
A classical guitarist known for her unique playing style, which is due to her struggle with focal dystonia. She's been praised by maestro Andres Segovia and has shared stages with Eric Clapton,David Gilmour, and Steve Morse. She plays on a German Vazauez Rubio nylon-string.
Orianthi
Orianthi played on the NAMM stage for the first time at just 19 years old. She has an ecclectic playing style and has inspired young girls everywhere to try the electric guitar. She plays in Richie Sambora's RRO group, and her preferred instrument is a PRS.
Courtney Cox
Despite playing in a tribute band, this Iron Maidens guitarist has risen through the ranks to become a staple in the metal scene. She graduated from Paul Green's School of Rock, and has millions of views on her YouTube playthrough videos. She plays on a Jackson Adrian Smith Signature guitar in absinthe green.
Debbie Davies
We wouldn't have Sue Foley, Laura Chavez, or Susan Tedeschi without Debbie Davies. She was one of the first women to break ground in the blues-rock genre, and has releeased dozens of solo records. She prefers to play on any Fender Stratocaster.
Sue Foley
Foley's genre-bending sound includes soul, surf, country, rock, and punk influences. She fingerpicks rather than using a standard flatpick approach, and after turning pro at 16 she pretty much has the authority to play however she wants. Her instrument of choice is a custon pink paisley Fender Telecaster.
Mimi Fox
Fox is a jazz virtuoso, with 10 ambitious solo records under her belt. She falls within the rhythmic jazz category, and her sound includes harmonics and deep riffs. She plays on a Heritage H-575 Mimi Fox Signature.
Muriel Anderson
This iconic player somehow weaves classical, country, flamenco, and jazz all into one unique style. She is a very technical player while still remaining melodically sensible. Her sound is nearly impossible to replicate. With an instrument like her Morris Muriel Anderson Signature, why even bother?
Badi Assad
Assad has been a staple within the classical and fingerstyle genres since the 90s, thought she took a hiatus from 1998-2002 when she was dealing with focal dystonia. Her album, Three Guitars, with Larry Coryell and John Abercrombie is one of her most notable works. She plays on a Paul Fischer nylon string.
Nili Brosh
Brosh teaches at the Berklee Collefe of Music, and she is one of the youngest professors on staff. She released her debut solo album and graduated from the prestigious school both in 2009. Through the Looking Glass is still one of her most profound pieces. Her notable instrument is an Ibanez RG Prestige 7-string.
Nori Bucci
Bucci is one of the fastest players to date. She has released three solo albums while also playing in the band Gamalon. She's since taken a break from music to focus on her other creative outlets, but guitar will always be her first love. She plays on a '96 Fender Stratocaster.
Maybelle Carter
Carter coined a revolutionary picking style that's still widely used today called the "Carter Stratch," or "Carter Family Picking" or "Thumb Brush Picking. Her legendary Gibson L-5 is now housed in the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville. Her influence over the country music genre runs so deep that it simply would not be the same without her.
Charo
While Charo is mostly known for her glamourous looks and theatrical personality, she actually got her start as a classical guitar virtuoso. She studied in Madrid under maestro Andrés Segovia, and her dedication to flamenco music has made it what it is today. Unlike most guitarists, she doesn't actually have one consistent instrument.
Laura Chavez
Laura Chavez excels at blues guitar, and has remastered techniques pioneered by Laura Price and Candye Kane. Her southwestern sound is stinging and soulful, and she even plays with minimal distortion. Her favorite guitar is a Fender Stratocaster.
Deborah Coleman
Coleman is best known for her sweet bends, liquid tones, and stabbing bass notes. She's on par with Jimi Hendrix, who happens to be one of her biggest influences. She plays on a Gibson Les Paul.
Felicia Collins
Nile Rogers gives Collins a nod for her prestigious playing style. She's best known for her time in Rogers' band as well as David Letterman's house band. She's toured with Cyndi Lauper, Whitney Houston, and the Thompson Twins. She prefers to play on a Hamer Daytona.
Elizabeth Cotten
The "Cotten Picking" method is thanks to this acoustic genius. It's an alternating-bass method that she first picked up when she was just learning the guitar. She flipped her brother's left-handed banjo upside down so she could hold it properly. Her notable instrument once her career picked up speed was a Martin 000-18.
Ani DeFranco
DiFranco loves open tunings and taping picks to the fingers on her right hand. She's known for her aggressive and percussive sound. She plays more like a bassist than a guitarist, though her notable instrument is an Alvarez Yairi WY1 Bob Weir Signature.
Kat Dyson
This versatile guitarist has worked with the likes of Cyndi Lauper, Zucchero, Mick Jagger, and Prince. Bandleaders love Dyson for her dedication to songs. She once suggested that Prince break up a set by performing one song solo acoustically, and the crowd ate it up. “A good song can withstand a hurricane.” Her notable instrument is a Paul Reed Smith Custom 24.
Lita Ford
Ford played with Joan Jett & the Runaways, and she's known as one of the most badass rock guitarists of all time. She played on some of the 80s biggest hits, and always fully feels her emotions when she plays. Her instrument of choice is a BC Rich "Black Widow" Warlock.
Vicki Genfan
With the use of cascading melodies, percussive beats, and shimmering harmonics, Genfan's sound is truly unique. She's best known for her festival, house show, and van tour performances. Her notable instrument is a Luna Vicki Genfan Signature.
Donna Grantis
Grantis has a degree in Jazz Performance from McGill University, and is one of the most in-demand session musicians from Toronto. She also front her own band. She was the chosen guitarist for Prince's project, 3rdeyeGirl. That alone earned her a place in guitar history. Her instrument of choice is a PRS CE 22.
Sharon Isbin
Founding director of Juilliard's Guitar Department and a virtuoso in her own right, Isbin has even performed at the Obama White House. She won Guitar Player's Best Classical Guitarist honor, and has worked with Steve Vai, Stanley Jordan, Nancy Wilson, and Steve Morse. She plays on a Michael O'Leary classical.
Poison Ivy
Alongside her husband and Cramps frontman Lux Interior, Ivy was an integral part of the psychobilly rock movement. She's never shied away from an aggressive, dangerous, and violent performance. She plays on a '58 Gretsch 6120.
Kaki King
A techically advanced solo-acoustic career has come back into style thanks to Kaki King. She excels in two-hand tapping as well as electric and pedal-steel guitar. She typically plays on an Ovation Adamas Kaki King Signature.
Sarah Longfield
While her whimsical playing style and humorous YouTube playthrough videos are entertaining, they can't discredit her raw talent. She plays on an 8-string, fanned-fret in order to bring her riffs and solos to life. Her notable instrument is a Strandberg 8-string.
Bibi McGill
McGill played a solo during Beyoncé's 2013 Super Bowl half-time show, and it was so good and so intense that sparks literally flew from her instrument. She earned herself a permanent spot in Queen Bee's backing band thanks to that. She's also toured with P!nk. Her notable instruments include various D'Angelico guitars.
Gretchen Menn
Menn has several solo albums, one which includes a musical interpretation of "Dante's Inferno." Menn thrives in both heavy rock and classical orchestration, which are at the opposite ends of the genre spectrum. She makes for an amazing live experience and you can usually find her playing on an Ernie Ball Music Man Silhouette.
June Millington
The industry owes a lot of its equal rights initiatives to Millington. She fought for gender equality all through her career. She started her own label, Fabulous Records, and an all-female rock band, Fanny. She also founded The Institute for Musical Arts. Her instrument of chioce is a '56 Gibson Les Paul.
Memphis Minnie
Minnie is a self-taught guitar and banjo player, and she left home at 13 to busk on the road. She was a staple on Beale Street. Her notable instrument is a National archtop.
Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell's Blue album is considered one of the finest LPs front to back ever written. She's a fan of original tunings and unique, hard to follow picking patterns. Her technological temperments make her one of the most influential folk indie icons. Her favorite guitar is a 1956 Martin D-28.
Noveller
While live ambient looping is a pretty common technique today, it wasn't really a thing until Sarah Lipstate, aka Noveler, took the stage. He was handpicked to open for St. Vincent and Iggy Pop, and her vibe of ever-shifting sounds make her music hypnotic. She typically plays on a Fender Jaguar.
Mary Osborne
Osborne's savvy improv skills and natural talent earned her a headlining spot on a Dizzy Gillespie show. Her main influence was Charlie Christian, and it reflects in her playing style. She and her husband, trumpeter Ralph Scaffidi, taught music and played local shows together in LA. She typicallyp lays on a Gibson ES-150.
Ana Popovic
Popovic was featured on the Experience Hendrix tours, and she released her most ambitious album last year, Trilogy. It goes beyond her usual rock-funk-jazz infused sound, making for a deeper listen. She plays on '57 and '64 Fender Stratocasters.
Arianna Powell
Powell has played with the likes of Nick Jonas, the Black Eyed Peas, and other big names. Her versatile rock/funk/fusion sound makes her an asset as a session musician. She left Pennsylvania and moved to LA when she was young in hopes of being signed to a major label, which she quickly did. Her notable instrument is an '04 Fender American Standard Strat.
Gabriela Quintero
Quintero is one of the finest acoustic-rhythm players. She fronts the duo Rodrigo y Gabriela, a nylon-string duet project. She plays on a prized custom Yamaha nylon-string acoustic-electric.
Bonnie Raitt
Raitt has one of those instanty recognizable voice, and the way she implements slide techniques into her deep blues genre sets her apart from other players. She has so many records out that it's hard to choose which one is her best. She typically plays on a Fender Stratocaster.
Emily Remler
Remler graduated from Berklee with a jazz degree, and has recorded seven studio albums. Though she died at only 32 years old, she was a force to be reckoned with while she took the stage. She played on an Aria Pro II Herb Ellis.
Allison Robertson
Roberton's use of classic rock technicalities and punk rock energy is what launched her onto the cover of 2005's Guitar Player magazine. Though a recluse today, her tone and spirit are unforgettable. Her notable instrument is a Gibson Les Paul.
Aleks Sever
Sever, a Croatia native, has a style that reflects those of Prince, Jeff Beck, and James Brown. She has an incredible ear for funk grooves, impeccably fast hands, and an untapped amount of soul. Her instrument of choice is a Fender Tele.
Leni Stern
Stern bends and blends genres and has more influence over the jazz and world scenes than any other guitarist. She has played with Eric Johnson and Mike Stern to create some of the most captivating rhythms. Her notable instrument is a custom Fender Strat.
Nita Strauss
Alice Cooper relies on Nita Strauss, and her metal energy amplifies both Cooper's early hits and his later-era slow rockers. Strauss's technique is dynamic, melodic, and way too fast. Her notable instrument is an Ibanez Custom Nita Strauss Signature.
St. Vincent
Annie Clark, better known as St. Vincent, relied on MIDI boards to play her guitar solos in order to revamp the sound of her second album. Her unique use of fuzz pedals and synthetic hooks have named her one of the genre's top experimenetal artists. Her notable instrument is an Ernie Ball Music Man St. Vincent Signature.
Susan Tedeschi
Susan Tedeschi is the other half of the Tedeschi Trucks Band. She was already an established artist when she was asked to support the Allman Brothers. Although her soloing is sometimes second rate when compared Truck's slide work, she still holds her own. She usually plays a Fender Telecaster.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe began singing and playing the guitar in church at just four years old. After she moved to Chicago, she became widely influential in the gospel scene, and her 1939 hit, "This Train," was an instant chart topper. Her instrument of choice is a 1961 Gibson SG.
The Great Kat
The Great Kat is, literally, a "belligerent self-promoter with zero patience for crap guitar technique." She's a no-nonsense force. A Juilliard-trained violinist who specializes in speed-metal readings of classical pieces, she's probably the fastest guitarist of all time. She plays on ehr own Cook KAT Signature.
Carmen Vandenberg
Vandenberg was schooled at London's Academy of Contemporary Music, and her sound is heavily reliant on blues rock. She was recently Jeff Beck's co-guitarist, and her band Bones merges blues with modern rock. She even incorporates hip hop and punk genres into her guitar-heavy sound.
Nancy Wilson
Wilson is a master on a Nylon-string. She was a standout player in Heart's lineup, and the brand "Ovation" owes a lot of their commercial success from the 1970s to her since she used only their acoustic-electric models.
Xuefei Yang
Yang began playing classical guitar in Beijing at just seven years old. She has won numerous competitoins, and her tone and musicality are critically acclaimed. Her instrument of choice is a Smallman Classical.
Yvette Young
Young is a visual as well as a musical artist. Her dexterity and two-handed tapping make for an undulating soundscape and contraptual melodies. She plays in the math rock band, Covet. Her instrument of choice is a Strandberg Boden 7.
The Roches: "The Roches"
The Roche's self-titled album shed light on feminism and the false and dangerous structures of sexism. It paved the way for women musicians to play and write more freely without fear of backlash from men in the industry.
Alicia Keys: "Songs in A Minor"
Alicia Keys graduated high school at 16 and pursued a record deal with Columbia Records. After she signed, she released "Songs in A Minor" to address the blatant racism and disrespect she experienced due to her age, race, and gender while trying to build her reputation. Now, she's one of music's biggest successes.
Terri Lyne Carrington: "The Mosaic Project"
This album is a necessary way to address the fact that women in music do value solos, despite the claims that they don't. The jazz improv collection is a masterpiece, and while each player came to the studio with a few licks in mind, they gave them all up when it came time to just jam.
Meredith Monk: "Dolmen Music"
Monk's "Dolmen Music" cultivates a new sound and then strips it bare. She integrates only essential, purposeful, natural tones, and the result is like something unheard of. Slides, holds, drones - everything about this sound is both mysterious and bold.
Patty Griffin: "Flaming Red"
Patty Grififn's "Flaming Red" release marks her as one of the all-time greatest singer-songwriters. Though typically pegged as a folk singer, she continues to prove that she leans more toward rock. "Flaming Red" is an electric transition from persona to persona.
Oumou Sangare: "Moussolou"
Oumou Sangare's debut came out when she was just 21. She emphasizes the importance of feminism and denounces the way women are subservientt o men. She sold nearly 2000,000 copies of the cassette across West Africa.
The Breeders: "Last Splash"
Kim Deal's "Last Splash" is one of the most successful albums alongside Frank Black's work in the Piexies. Her songwriting moved front and center and is much more accessible than her work with the Pixies. It ousold all of Frank's solo work.
Robyn: "Body Talk"
Robyn fought male record tycoons in order to put out her LP, "Body Talk." After gaining autonomy of her work back from Jive Records in 2005, she created Konichiwa Records and kept her sound away from corporate control.
Iris DeMent: "My Life"
DeMent thrives on introspective lyrics and sparse, pretty arrangements. The country and folk communities praise "My Life" for its honest and raw emotion. Her lyrics literally do all the talking, and they pack a huge punch.
Joanna Newsom: "YS"
Newsom's sound is completely her own. She doesn't fit into any folk or ethereal category, she is simply herself. Her album "Ys" is truly as mysterious as she is.