Over the years, guitar playing has been dominated by male musicians, but that is not to say that there have not been influential female guitarists who have made their mark in the industry. Some of the most famous female guitar players in history have shown that gender is no barrier when it comes to playing the guitar and creating incredible music.
Famous female guitarists have contributed greatly to the music industry in a multitude of ways. Many have written and played their own music, with some becoming incredibly successful, playing to large audiences and selling millions of albums worldwide. Some have also played as session musicians, adding their talents to recordings by famous artists.
Despite the obstacles they faced in a male-dominated industry, many of these women have earned recognition for their guitar playing abilities, musical compositions, and live performances. Their talent, hard work, and determination have paved the way for a new generation of female guitarists who are continuing to break down barriers and make their mark in the music industry.
In addition to their musical contributions, famous female guitarists have also served as role models for aspiring female musicians. They have shown that women can be just as talented and successful as their male counterparts, inspiring generations of young girls to pick up a guitar and pursue their dreams.
Overall, the contributions of famous female guitarists have been immense, changing the landscape of the music industry and inspiring countless individuals around the world.
1. Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a pioneering African American gospel singer and guitarist, widely regarded as the “Godmother of Rock and Roll”. Born in Cotton Plant, Arkansas in 1915, Tharpe was a prodigious talent from a young age, performing with her mother in traveling Pentecostal revivals across the American South.
Tharpe’s music blended the sacred and the secular, drawing on gospel, blues, and swing influences to create a sound that was both deeply spiritual and irresistibly catchy. She was one of the first gospel artists to use electric guitar, and her electrifying performances were known to move audiences to tears and dance alike.
Tharpe’s career spanned several decades, and she was a trailblazer in many respects. She was the first gospel artist to perform at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, and the first to tour with secular musicians, including Cab Calloway and Lucky Millinder. Her recordings sold in the millions, and she was a fixture on radio and television in the 1940s and 50s.
Despite her immense talent and popularity, Tharpe faced many obstacles as a black woman in a predominantly white and male music industry. She was often marginalized and overlooked, and her contributions to rock and roll history have only recently been recognized.
Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s legacy is undeniable. Her music continues to inspire and influence artists across genres, and her innovative guitar playing and charismatic stage presence paved the way for countless musicians who followed in her footsteps.
2. Mother Maybelle Carter
Mother Maybelle Carter (1909-1978) was an American country music singer and musician, known for her distinctive style of guitar playing and her role in the Carter Family band. She was born Maybelle Addington in Virginia, and grew up in a musical family, where she learned to play the guitar and other instruments at a young age. In the 1920s, she and her cousin Sara Carter joined the Carter Family band, which was led by Maybelle’s brother-in-law, A.P. Carter.
Maybelle’s guitar playing style was innovative for its time, and influenced many other musicians in the country music genre. She developed a technique called the “Carter scratch,” which involved playing melody notes with the thumb and rhythm with the fingers. This style allowed her to accompany vocals and other instruments with a distinctive sound that was both percussive and melodic.
The Carter Family band became one of the most popular and influential groups in country music during the 1930s and 1940s, and Maybelle’s contributions to the band’s sound were crucial. She sang lead on several songs, including “Wildwood Flower,” which became one of the Carter Family’s signature tunes.
After the Carter Family disbanded in the 1940s, Maybelle continued to perform and record music, both as a solo artist and with her daughters, June, Anita, and Helen. She was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1970, and her legacy as a musician and innovator continues to influence country music today.
3. Elizabeth Cotten
Elizabeth Cotten was a highly influential American folk and blues musician, known for her unique fingerpicking style and soulful vocals. Born in 1893 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Cotten began playing guitar at a young age, but stopped playing for many years while working as a maid and raising a family.
It was not until she was in her 60s that she was rediscovered by the folk music community, thanks to a chance encounter with a young fan who recognized her talent and encouraged her to start playing again. Cotten’s fingerpicking style, which involved playing the guitar upside-down and using her thumb for bass notes, was unlike anything else in the folk music scene at the time and earned her widespread acclaim.
Cotten’s most famous song, “Freight Train,” is now considered a folk classic and has been covered by numerous artists over the years. Her music was characterized by its simplicity, honesty, and emotional depth, reflecting the struggles and joys of her life.
Throughout her career, Cotten inspired countless musicians with her unique playing style and humble demeanor. She continued to perform and record music well into her 80s, earning her a place in the canon of great American folk and blues musicians. Elizabeth Cotten’s legacy lives on, as her music continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians.
4. Memphis Minnie
Memphis Minnie (1897-1973) was an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1930s and 1940s. She was born Lizzie Douglas in Algiers, Louisiana, and began performing at a young age in Memphis, Tennessee. She adopted the stage name Memphis Minnie and quickly became known for her powerful voice and her skills on the guitar.
Minnie was one of the few women in the male-dominated blues scene of the time, and she broke down barriers with her confident and assertive stage presence. She wrote many of her own songs, which often dealt with social and political issues of the time, such as poverty, racism, and sexism. Her lyrics were sharp and incisive, and her music had a raw energy that captivated audiences.
Minnie’s guitar playing was also notable for its virtuosity and inventiveness. She was skilled in a variety of styles, including fingerpicking, slide guitar, and bottleneck playing. Her solos were often intricate and complex, and her rhythm playing provided a solid foundation for her vocals and other instruments.
Minnie recorded extensively throughout her career, and her songs have been covered by many other artists, including Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin, and Bonnie Raitt. She was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1980, and her influence on blues music continues to be felt today.
5. Emily Remler
Emily Remler was an American jazz guitarist who emerged as a rising star in the 1980s. Born in Englewood, New Jersey in 1957, Remler began playing guitar at a young age and was influenced by a wide range of musicians, including Wes Montgomery, Jim Hall, and Pat Martino.
Remler’s talent as a guitarist was evident from a young age, and she quickly established herself as a skilled performer and composer. She released several critically acclaimed albums throughout the 1980s, including “Transitions” and “Catwalk”, which showcased her virtuosic guitar playing and sophisticated musical sensibilities.
Remler was a versatile musician who was equally at home playing bebop, Latin jazz, and blues. Her playing was characterized by a fluid, melodic style that blended complex harmonies and intricate rhythms with soulful expression.
Despite her success, Remler’s life was tragically cut short when she died of a heart attack in 1990 at the age of 32. Her untimely death was a great loss to the jazz community, and her contributions to the genre continue to be celebrated and studied by musicians and fans alike.
Emily Remler’s legacy as a pioneering female jazz guitarist is still felt today, and her music remains an inspiration to countless musicians around the world.
6. Liona Boyd
Liona Boyd is a Canadian classical guitarist and composer known for her virtuosity and innovation in the world of classical music. Born in London, England in 1949, Boyd began playing the guitar at the age of 13 and went on to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Boyd’s innovative playing style blends classical technique with elements of folk and world music, resulting in a unique and captivating sound. Over the course of her career, she has released more than 25 albums and has performed for audiences around the world, earning her numerous awards and accolades.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Boyd is also an accomplished author, having written several books on her life and music. She is a strong advocate for the arts and has been involved in numerous charitable organizations, including UNICEF and the World Wildlife Fund.
Despite facing significant obstacles as a female musician in a male-dominated industry, Boyd has remained a trailblazer in the world of classical guitar, inspiring countless young musicians to follow in her footsteps. Her passion for music and commitment to excellence have earned her a place as one of the most celebrated classical guitarists of our time.
7. Peggy Jones
Peggy Jones, also known as Lady Bo, was an American guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter who made significant contributions to the rock and roll and blues scenes in the 1950s and 1960s. Born in New York City in 1940, Jones began playing guitar at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a skilled and innovative musician.
Jones’ career began in the early 1950s when she formed the all-female band The Treniers with her sisters. The group performed a mix of R&B, rock and roll, and swing, and became popular on the East Coast club circuit.
In the 1960s, Jones began working as a session musician and toured with a number of prominent artists, including Bo Diddley, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard. She was also a member of the house band at the Apollo Theater in Harlem, backing up acts such as Aretha Franklin and James Brown.
Jones’ playing style was characterized by a dynamic blend of blues, rock, and R&B influences. She was known for her soulful solos and rhythmic strumming, and her distinctive sound influenced generations of guitarists.
Despite her immense talent and contributions to the music industry, Jones’ legacy was long overlooked, and she struggled with poverty and health problems in her later years. However, her pioneering work as a female guitarist and her contributions to rock and roll history continue to be recognized and celebrated by musicians and fans around the world.
8. Kaki King
Kaki King is an American guitarist, composer, and singer-songwriter known for her virtuosic fingerstyle playing and innovative use of the guitar as a percussion instrument. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1979, King began playing the guitar at the age of four and quickly developed a unique and highly skilled playing style.
King’s music defies categorization, blending elements of rock, folk, jazz, and experimental music into a sound that is entirely her own. Her use of alternative tunings, percussive techniques, and looping pedals allows her to create complex and layered soundscapes that are both intricate and accessible.
Throughout her career, King has released numerous albums and collaborated with a wide range of artists, including the Foo Fighters, Regina Spektor, and Tegan and Sara. She has also composed music for film and television, earning an Emmy nomination for her work on the theme song for the Showtime series “The L Word.”
In addition to her musical accomplishments, King is also an activist and advocate for social justice issues, using her platform to promote equality and raise awareness for important causes. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to making a positive impact in the world have earned her a place as one of the most innovative and respected guitarists of her generation.
9. Susan Tedeschi (Tedeschi Trucks Band)
Susan Tedeschi is an American blues and soul singer, guitarist, and songwriter who fronts the Tedeschi Trucks Band, a musical group that has gained international acclaim for its unique blend of blues, rock, gospel, and soul. Tedeschi was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1970 and began playing guitar at a young age, inspired by her father’s love of music.
Tedeschi’s career began in the 1990s, when she released her debut album “Just Won’t Burn” to critical acclaim. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented and expressive blues singers of her generation, and she has been compared to legends like Bonnie Raitt and Janis Joplin.
In 2010, Tedeschi married Derek Trucks, the renowned slide guitarist who had played with artists like the Allman Brothers Band and Eric Clapton. The couple formed the Tedeschi Trucks Band, which has since become one of the most popular and successful blues-rock groups in the world. The band’s live shows are known for their energy, spontaneity, and virtuosity, featuring extended jams and improvisations that showcase the talents of each band member.
Tedeschi’s voice is powerful and soulful, and her guitar playing is equally impressive. She has a natural gift for improvisation and a deep respect for the blues tradition, which she combines with elements of rock, funk, and gospel to create a sound that is both timeless and modern. Tedeschi’s music is a testament to the enduring power of the blues, and her influence on the genre continues to be felt today.
10. Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses)
Kristin Hersh is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the lead singer and guitarist for the alternative rock band Throwing Muses. Born in Atlanta, Georgia in 1966, Hersh formed Throwing Muses with her stepsister Tanya Donelly in the early 1980s. The band’s distinctive sound, characterized by Hersh’s haunting vocals and intricate guitar work, quickly garnered critical acclaim and a devoted following.
Hersh’s songwriting is marked by a raw and emotional honesty, exploring themes of mental illness, trauma, and personal struggle. Her guitar playing is equally expressive, featuring intricate fingerpicking and unconventional tunings that create a distinctive sound that has influenced countless musicians.
In addition to her work with Throwing Muses, Hersh has released several solo albums, including “Hips and Makers” and “Possible Dust Clouds”, which showcase her formidable songwriting and guitar skills.
Hersh’s influence on the alternative rock scene of the 1980s and 90s cannot be overstated. Her innovative guitar playing and confessional lyrics paved the way for a new generation of female musicians, and her music continues to inspire and resonate with audiences today.
11. Marnie Stern
Marnie Stern is an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for her unique playing style and energetic performances. Born in New York City in 1976, Stern began playing the guitar at the age of 12 and quickly developed a distinctive and unconventional approach to the instrument.
Stern’s music blends elements of punk, indie rock, and math rock, characterized by her intricate finger-tapping guitar technique and frenetic vocals. Her songs are marked by their complexity and intensity, with lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and self-discovery.
Throughout her career, Stern has released several critically acclaimed albums and has toured extensively, earning a reputation for her dynamic and engaging live shows. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Zach Hill of Death Grips and Dave Fridmann of The Flaming Lips.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Stern is also an author and visual artist, publishing a memoir in 2021 and creating a series of surreal and colorful paintings. Her dedication to her craft and willingness to experiment with different forms of expression have earned her a place as one of the most innovative and compelling musicians of her generation.
12. Poison Ivy (The Cramps)
Poison Ivy Rorschach, also known as Poison Ivy, is an American guitarist, songwriter, and co-founder of the influential punk rock band The Cramps. Born in California in 1953, Ivy began playing the guitar in the late 1970s and quickly became known for her raw and powerful playing style.
With The Cramps, Ivy helped to pioneer a new sound that blended elements of punk, rockabilly, and garage rock, creating a unique and instantly recognizable sound that influenced countless musicians in the decades to come. Her distinctive guitar riffs and aggressive playing style were a driving force behind the band’s sound, earning her a reputation as one of the most innovative and influential guitarists of her time.
Over the course of her career, Ivy has released numerous albums and toured extensively, both as a solo artist and with The Cramps. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Nick Cave and Lux Interior, her longtime partner and fellow co-founder of The Cramps.
Despite facing numerous obstacles as a female musician in a male-dominated industry, Ivy has remained a trailblazer and inspiration to generations of musicians, pushing boundaries and challenging conventions with her fearless approach to music and art.
13. Nancy Wilson (Heart)
Nancy Wilson is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the co-founder and lead guitarist for the rock band Heart. Born in San Francisco, California in 1954, Wilson began playing guitar at a young age and formed Heart with her sister Ann in the mid-1970s.
Wilson’s guitar playing is characterized by a melodic and dynamic style that incorporates elements of hard rock, folk, and pop. Her distinctive riffs and solos have become a hallmark of Heart’s sound, and have inspired countless guitarists around the world.
In addition to her guitar work, Wilson is also a gifted singer and songwriter, with a versatile voice that can range from powerful rock anthems to delicate ballads. Her songwriting explores themes of love, heartbreak, and empowerment, and her lyrics are marked by a poetic and introspective quality.
Throughout her career, Wilson has been recognized for her contributions to the music industry, including being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Her legacy as a pioneering female guitarist and a trailblazing musician continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and fans alike.
14. Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt is an American blues singer, guitarist, and songwriter who has been making music for over five decades. Born in Burbank, California in 1949, Raitt grew up in a musical family and began playing guitar at a young age. She was heavily influenced by blues and folk music, and she developed a style that combined elements of both genres.
Raitt’s career began in the late 1960s, when she released her debut album “Bonnie Raitt” to critical acclaim. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented and expressive blues singers of her generation, and she became known for her soulful voice and her virtuoso slide guitar playing.
Throughout her career, Raitt has been an advocate for social justice and environmental causes. She has used her music as a platform to raise awareness about issues like poverty, racism, and climate change, and she has worked with organizations like the Sierra Club and the Rainforest Action Network to promote conservation and sustainability.
Raitt has won numerous awards and accolades over the years, including ten Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Her music continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians, and her legacy as a blues icon and activist is secure.
15. Orianthi
Orianthi Panagaris, known simply as Orianthi, is an Australian guitarist, singer, and songwriter known for her dynamic playing style and powerful vocals. Born in Adelaide, Australia in 1985, Orianthi began playing the guitar at a young age and quickly developed a reputation as a prodigious talent.
Orianthi’s music blends elements of rock, pop, and blues, characterized by her searing guitar solos and emotive vocals. Her playing style is marked by its technical proficiency and versatility, allowing her to seamlessly shift between genres and styles.
Over the course of her career, Orianthi has released several critically acclaimed albums and has toured with a wide range of artists, including Alice Cooper and Michael Jackson, with whom she was slated to perform on his ill-fated “This Is It” tour.
In addition to her musical accomplishments, Orianthi is also an advocate for music education, partnering with organizations like Little Kids Rock to provide opportunities for young musicians to learn and grow. Her dedication to her craft and commitment to giving back to the community have earned her a place as one of the most respected and admired guitarists of her generation.
16. Joan Jett (Joan Jett And The Blackhearts)
Joan Jett is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, best known as the founder and lead singer of the rock band Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1958, Jett began her music career as a teenager in the all-female punk rock band The Runaways.
After The Runaways disbanded in the late 1970s, Jett embarked on a solo career and formed Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, which quickly became a commercial success with hits like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll” and “Bad Reputation”. Jett’s guitar playing is characterized by a raw, powerful sound that blends elements of punk, hard rock, and pop, and has inspired countless musicians around the world.
In addition to her guitar work, Jett is also a gifted songwriter and performer, with a distinctive voice that can range from a snarl to a melodic croon. Her songs often explore themes of rebellion, independence, and female empowerment, and have become anthems for generations of fans.
Jett’s impact on the music industry as a pioneering female musician cannot be overstated. Her fearless attitude, uncompromising sound, and boundary-breaking career have inspired countless musicians, particularly women, to pick up a guitar and pursue their own musical dreams.
17. Anne Clark (St Vincent)
Anne Clark, better known by her stage name St. Vincent, is an American musician, singer, and songwriter known for her unique blend of rock, pop, and art music. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1982, Clark began playing guitar at a young age and developed a passion for music that would shape her career.
Clark’s breakthrough came in 2007 with the release of her debut album “Marry Me,” which was met with critical acclaim and established her as a rising star in the indie music scene. She has since released several more albums, including “Actor,” “Strange Mercy,” and “St. Vincent,” which have further cemented her reputation as one of the most innovative and daring musicians of her generation.
Clark’s music is characterized by its eclectic mix of styles, which range from gentle ballads to frenzied rock anthems. Her lyrics are often introspective and poetic, exploring themes of identity, relationships, and the human experience.
Clark’s live performances are also known for their theatricality and creativity, featuring elaborate costumes and visual effects that add to the otherworldly quality of her music. She has collaborated with a wide range of artists and musicians, including David Byrne, Taylor Swift, and Sufjan Stevens, and her influence on the indie music scene continues to grow.
18. Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge is an American musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist, best known for her powerful voice and heartfelt, introspective songwriting. Born in Leavenworth, Kansas in 1961, Etheridge began her music career in the 1980s, and quickly gained a following with hits like “Bring Me Some Water” and “I’m the Only One”.
Etheridge’s music is marked by her honest, confessional lyrics, which explore themes of love, loss, and personal struggle. Her guitar playing is similarly expressive, with a bluesy, soulful sound that complements her distinctive voice.
In addition to her successful music career, Etheridge has also been an outspoken advocate for LGBT rights and breast cancer awareness, and has used her platform to raise awareness for these important causes.
Throughout her career, Etheridge has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the music industry, including multiple Grammy Awards and an Academy Award for Best Original Song. Her legacy as a pioneering female musician and an icon of the LGBT community continues to inspire and influence fans around the world.
19. Dot Wiggin (The Shaggs)
Dorothy “Dot” Wiggin is an American guitarist and songwriter best known as a member of the cult rock band The Shaggs. Born in New Hampshire in 1947, Wiggin began playing the guitar at a young age and, along with her sisters, formed The Shaggs in the early 1960s.
Despite minimal musical training and a highly unconventional approach to songwriting, The Shaggs developed a unique and idiosyncratic sound that has earned them a devoted following and inspired countless musicians. Wiggin’s guitar playing was a key element of the band’s sound, characterized by its sparse and off-kilter style.
Although The Shaggs’ music was initially dismissed by critics and largely ignored by the music industry, their influence has grown over the years, with many citing their music as a precursor to the DIY and outsider music movements that emerged in the 1980s and beyond.
In addition to her work with The Shaggs, Wiggin has released several solo albums and continues to perform and record music to this day. Her dedication to her craft and her willingness to follow her own creative vision have earned her a place as a true iconoclast and one of the most fascinating figures in the history of rock music.
20. Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell is a Canadian singer-songwriter, guitarist, and painter who is widely regarded as one of the greatest and most influential musicians of her generation. Born in Alberta, Canada in 1943, Mitchell began playing music at a young age and developed a style that combined elements of folk, jazz, and rock.
Mitchell’s career began in the 1960s, when she released her debut album “Song to a Seagull” to critical acclaim. She quickly gained a reputation as one of the most talented and expressive songwriters of her generation, and her music became known for its poetic lyrics and intricate melodies.
Over the years, Mitchell has released a string of classic albums, including “Blue,” “Court and Spark,” and “Hejira,” which have cemented her reputation as a master of her craft. She has also been an advocate for social and environmental causes, and she has used her music as a platform to raise awareness about issues like nuclear disarmament and climate change.
Mitchell’s influence on music is vast and far-reaching. She has inspired countless artists and musicians with her unique blend of musical genres and her deeply personal lyrics, and her legacy as a singer-songwriter and cultural icon continues to be felt today.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
