Poison Ivy of The Cramps playing guitar, photo by Gie Knaeps/Getty Images
Poison Ivy of The Cramps, a legendary woman guitar player known for her unique style and stage presence. Photo: Gie Knaeps/Getty Images
It’s truly inspiring that when discussing the Best Woman Guitar Players, the sheer number of talented individuals makes it impossible to fit them all into a list, even one of 25. From the early days of gospel, country, folk, and the explosive birth of rock and roll, women have been shaping the sound of guitar music. While your personal favorite might not be on this definitive list, we’ve aimed to spotlight the women who have not only shone brightly but have also become true pioneers. These are the guitarists who crafted signature styles, became essential pillars of iconic bands, or laid down groundbreaking tracks that continue to inspire generations of musicians. This compilation of the best woman guitar players celebrates some of the most impactful musicians ever to record, including a few whose techniques even influenced the male guitar heroes we often hear about.
If you are searching for something beyond the typical guitar heroics and want to explore a world of diverse and innovative guitar playing, this list of 25 best woman guitar players of all time is curated just for you.
25: Sarah Lipstate (Noveller)
Sarah Lipstate, performing as Noveller, is a master of sonic architecture. She utilizes looping technology to weave expansive, textural soundscapes, drawing comparisons to pioneers like Rhys Chatham, with whom she has collaborated, and Robert Fripp. However, beneath the layers of feedback and atmospheric effects, Lipstate maintains a strong indie rock sensibility, ensuring melodic logic remains at the heart of her compositions. This blend of experimental sound and underlying song structure has led to tours with artists like St. Vincent and Iggy Pop, artists known for pushing musical boundaries.
24: Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney)
While Carrie Brownstein’s dynamic stage presence and soloing often grab the spotlight, the true genius of Sleater-Kinney’s guitar work lies in the intricate interplay between Brownstein and Corin Tucker. Remarkably, the band operated without a bass guitar, a role that Tucker often filled using a harmonizer, alongside her signature choppy, rhythmic guitar parts. Their guitar collaboration is a clinic in both mathematical precision and raw, controlled intensity. Beyond Sleater-Kinney, Tucker’s guitar skills have also been showcased on several Eddie Vedder solo projects.
23: Felicia Collins
For many, Felicia Collins is instantly recognizable as the powerhouse lead guitarist from the Late Night With David Letterman house band. A true funk specialist, Collins possessed an uncanny ability to adapt her playing to any guest’s style, a crucial skill in the diverse world of television orchestras. Prior to her late-night fame, Collins was deeply embedded in Nile Rodgers’ musical universe, collaborating with numerous artists he produced, including Madonna, and even making guest appearances with the legendary P-Funk collective. Her presence on stage with Thompson Twins at Live Aid undoubtedly contributed to their unexpectedly funky performance that day.
22. Vicki Peterson (The Bangles)
In contrast to their Los Angeles contemporaries, The Go-Go’s, who leaned into a vocal-centric “girl group” sound, The Bangles drew their initial inspiration from the raw energy of mid-1960s garage rock. Their early sets were filled with covers from bands like The Yardbirds and The Seeds, a grittier edge that carried into their more commercially successful era. Vicki Peterson’s often-understated lead guitar work was The Bangles’ secret weapon. As the band evolved, Peterson’s playing expanded to encompass power-pop jangle, driving power chords, and George Harrison-esque melodic lead lines, always serving the song and solidifying her place among the best woman guitar players. Furthermore, Peterson was a significant songwriting force within the band.
21: Wendy Melvoin (The Revolution, Wendy & Lisa)
The arrival of Wendy Melvoin and her musical partner Lisa Coleman into Prince’s inner circle was transformative. They were instrumental in introducing Prince to psychedelic music, a sonic shift that profoundly impacted his work. The film Purple Rain cemented Melvoin’s status as one of the best woman guitar players, particularly highlighting her crucial role in crafting the iconic title track. Later, through her work with Wendy & Lisa, Melvoin demonstrated that funky riffs and scorching solos were not solely Prince’s domain within The Revolution. Her versatility has kept her in demand, leading to collaborations with artists ranging from Madonna to Neil Finn.
20: Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell’s distinctive and lyrical acoustic guitar playing on her early albums alone would warrant her inclusion among the best woman guitar players. As her music evolved towards electric sounds, she collaborated with guitar luminaries like James Burton and Larry Carlton. However, as Mitchell’s compositions grew in complexity, outside musicians found it increasingly challenging to navigate her intricate musical landscapes. Ultimately, Mitchell took on much of the lead guitar work herself, playing on about half of the leads on Hejira (including the memorable jazz-infused riffs on “Coyote”), all but one on Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter, and all lead guitar parts on Mingus. This period saw her holding her own alongside jazz giants like Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius, proving her exceptional guitaristic talent.
19: Dot Wiggin (The Shaggs)
Think playing guitar parts for The Shaggs doesn’t require musical skill? Try replicating them. Whether The Shaggs – a late-1960s sister garage band that defied all conventional musical logic – were untrained savants or simply a happy accident is almost irrelevant. As woman guitar players, they proved to be more influential than countless technically proficient bands. Dot Wiggin’s ability to sing and play in completely different rhythms (while the drummer marched to yet another beat) demonstrated a unique and unconventional form of musical focus. Furthermore, the longstanding tradition of female indie-rock trios employing a second guitar instead of a bass can be traced back to The Shaggs’ pioneering approach.
18: Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge embodies the Pete Townshend tradition of treating an acoustic guitar with the raw energy and attack typically reserved for amplified electric instruments. This powerful acoustic style, honed during her years playing in coffee houses, provides the instrumental hook for many of her hit songs. While her band typically includes a male lead guitarist, he often steps back to allow Etheridge’s passionate and dynamic acoustic playing to take center stage.
17: Annie Clark (St. Vincent)
During her Masseduction tour, St. Vincent, the artist name of Annie Clark, made a striking visual statement by using a different DayGlo pastel-colored guitar for each song – all variations of her custom signature Ernie Ball guitar. Her guitar playing is as vibrant and dynamic as her instrument choices. She is a fluid and imaginative soloist in the vein of Robert Fripp and Frank Zappa, where solos are built on intricate melodic lines rather than just shredding. Beyond her soloing prowess, she is also a masterful dance-pop songwriter, seamlessly integrating her distinctive rhythm guitar riffs into tracks like “Slow Disco.”
16: Joan Jett (Joan Jett and The Blackhearts)
Joan Jett has never positioned herself as a virtuoso lead guitarist, and her bands have always included dedicated lead players. However, the very essence of punk guitar – urgent, precise rhythm chords pounded out with unwavering conviction – is deeply ingrained in her musical DNA. While often not credited as a lead guitarist, her rhythmic guitar work is arguably as influential as that of her Runaways bandmate, Lita Ford. But, true to form, Joan Jett remains focused on rocking audiences rather than chasing accolades as one of the best woman guitar players.
15: Orianthi
Orianthi first gained widespread attention playing alongside Carrie Underwood and was slated to join Michael Jackson’s final tour. However, this Australian guitarist’s true achievement lies in her ability to transcend genre boundaries within rock music. She possesses the versatility to play lead guitar with Alice Cooper, trade licks with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, and then form the duo RSO with Richie Sambora. Her rendition of “Hellbound Train” is widely regarded as the definitive Savoy Brown cover, regardless of gender. Despite recent news of her separation from Sambora, Orianthi remains a formidable and independent force in the guitar world.
14: Bonnie Raitt
Within the pantheon of 1970s rock guitar heroes, it’s difficult to find a slide guitarist with a more instantly recognizable and soulful sound than Bonnie Raitt. Her contemporary, Little Feat’s Lowell George, was both a collaborator and a devoted admirer of her playing. While Raitt’s music often resides within the singer-songwriter realm, her guitar playing, rooted in the blues, is her essential connection to her musical origins. While her bands typically include guitarists who handle lyrical passages, the most emotionally charged and technically brilliant guitar moments are invariably delivered by Raitt herself.
13: Nancy Wilson (Heart)
Nancy Wilson holds the distinction of being the first woman guitarist to lead a rock band to the top of the charts. She and her sister Ann are the enduring core of Heart. While the band has featured other lead guitarists over the years, arguably their most iconic guitar moment belongs to Nancy – the acoustic transition from “Dreamboat Annie” into the explosive “Crazy On You.” Nancy’s musicality ensured that Heart’s artful acoustic side always coexisted with their powerful electric rock sound, even during their arena rock era of the 1980s. She also played a significant role in composing nearly all of Heart’s most beloved songs.
12: Poison Ivy (The Cramps)
Poison Ivy, the stage name of Kristy Wallace, was arguably the most visually and sonically distinctive guitarist in the entire US punk scene. A Cramps song is instantly identifiable by her guitar sound even before Lux Interior’s vocals enter. Poison Ivy reconnected punk to its primal roots in trash culture and twangy guitar sounds, contributing to a resurgence of interest in artists like Link Wray and The Ventures’ Nokie Edwards. Her place among the best woman guitar players is secured by the sleazy, hypnotic riffs that formed the foundation of The Cramps’ songs. As the band’s discography grew, she also developed into a uniquely skilled soloist. And no one has ever explored the sonic possibilities of reverb with more creativity and style than Poison Ivy. Her underground presence has been missed since the passing of her partner, Lux Interior.
11: Marnie Stern
Marnie Stern, with her shredding speed and indie-rock sensibilities, embodies the modern definition of a guitar hero. Even listeners who aren’t necessarily guitar enthusiasts can appreciate her concept albums, like The Chronicles Of Marnia, which are filled with cleverly crafted pop hooks. But for guitar aficionados, her playing is a revelation, showcasing astonishing speed, inventive phrasing, and remarkable economy. Across five albums, she has yet to record a song exceeding four and a half minutes. If Eddie Van Halen had joined Sleater-Kinney, the result, while intriguing, likely wouldn’t have matched the unique brilliance of Marnie Stern’s music.
10: Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses)
Kristin Hersh remains a perpetually underrated figure, yet she stands alongside Bob Mould and J Mascis as a true pioneer of indie-rock guitar. Her distinctive guitar sound is instantly recognizable. Easily ranking among the best woman guitar players of the 1980s and 1990s, she can deliver both furious, mind-melting lead guitar work and powerful, distorted chord progressions. She is equally adept at acoustic guitar, creating moments of exquisite elegance. Hersh truly came into her own when Throwing Muses streamlined into a power trio (their later albums serve as a masterclass in revitalizing this format). Her more recent solo albums, where she also plays bass, further demonstrate the breadth of her musical capabilities.
9: Susan Tedeschi (Tedeschi Trucks Band)
Any fan of jam bands will attest that the Tedeschi Trucks Band isn’t simply a band featuring a woman and a man on guitar, or just a married duo; it’s a band with two exceptional guitarists, full stop. Remarkably, both Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks have demonstrably grown as players since joining forces. Tedeschi has absorbed some of Trucks’ jazz-influenced phrasing, while Trucks has incorporated her R&B sensibilities into his playing. For a prime example of Tedeschi at her peak, seek out the video of her performance of “Crossroads” alongside Eric Clapton at his festival, and observe Clapton’s genuine smile and admiration after her solo.
8: Kaki King
Uniquely positioned among the best woman guitar players of all time, Kaki King is perhaps better described as a contemporary composer who happens to be a guitar virtuoso. Her compositions are rich with elements of modern classical music, progressive jazz, and occasional forays into pop structures. Whether collaborating with classical ensembles or rock musicians, she elevates the acoustic guitar to new heights, employing a percussive technique that draws comparisons to both flamenco and Eddie Van Halen. While she could have easily built a career on pure technical flash, her more recent work – including the conceptual piece The Neck Is A Bridge To The Body – reveals her deeper artistic ambitions.
7: Peggy Jones
Peggy Jones, better known as Lady Bo, holds the distinction of being the first woman guitarist in a major rock and roll band. She joined Bo Diddley’s group at the young age of 16 and played on many of his classic singles, including “Mona,” “Crackin’ Up,” and “Bo Diddley’s A Gunslinger.” Later, she contributed to a number of singles highly prized by record collectors, such as Les Cooper’s “Oowee Baby” and The Soul Rockers’ “Wiggle Wobble,” and even spent time in James Brown’s band. She continued to perform as Lady Bo until her passing in 2015, leaving behind a legacy as a true pioneer.
6: Liona Boyd
Born in London and raised in Toronto, Liona Boyd was both a classical guitar sensation and a television personality in the 1970s. Marketed as the “first lady of the guitar,” she was an early protégé of Andrés Segovia and performed at Carnegie Hall in 1975. Boyd became a familiar face on Canadian television and, though less publicly known at the time, was romantically involved with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. While many favor her classical recordings, particularly those collected on her 20th Century Masters volume, she later transitioned into New Age music, increasingly focusing on vocals after a neurological condition impacted her guitar playing.
5: Emily Remler
Like many guitarists hailing from New Jersey, Emily Remler’s musical journey began in rock. However, her horizons expanded dramatically after studying at Berklee College of Music, where she discovered the music of Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery. She quickly became recognized as one of the leading modern guitarists in the bebop tradition, approaching jazz standards with a lyrical tone and boundless improvisational creativity. Remler recorded prolifically throughout her unfortunately short career, collaborating with artists such as Larry Coryell and Astrud Gilberto. She also briefly explored funk and R&B during a period in New Orleans, although no recordings from this era are known to exist. Like Montgomery, her life and career were tragically cut short; her potential remains a topic of speculation among jazz guitar enthusiasts.
4: Memphis Minnie
Lizzie Douglas, forever known as Memphis Minnie, was a true pioneer among early guitar pickers. She taught herself guitar and banjo and honed her skills in the vibrant Beale Street blues scene in Memphis. She recorded for numerous prominent labels, including Columbia, Checker, Decca, and Okeh, and played a crucial role in the urbanization of the blues sound. Undoubtedly one of the best woman guitar players in history, this fearless blueswoman famously engaged in “cutting contests” with blues legends Big Bill Broonzy and Muddy Waters – and often emerged victorious.
3: Elizabeth Cotten
Elizabeth Cotten, a groundbreaking figure in folk and blues music, developed her distinctive guitar style almost by accident. Being left-handed, she initially learned to play her right-handed brother’s banjo upside down. When she transitioned to guitar, she retained the instincts of a banjo player, and because the guitar was still reversed, she fingerpicked the bass strings while using her thumb to play the melodies. This unique “Cotten picking” style is notoriously difficult to master, which might explain why no two renditions of her signature song, “Freight Train,” sound exactly alike.
2: Mother Maybelle Carter
Mother Maybelle Carter, a monumental influence on country guitar playing, secures her place among the best woman guitar players for inventing the style known by various names: thumb brush, the church lick, but most famously, Carter Family picking. Possibly inspired by banjo techniques, Maybelle utilized her thumb to pick out melodies on the bass strings while simultaneously strumming rhythms on the higher strings. This innovative approach made the Carter Family trio sound like they had a much larger ensemble backing them. Guitar greats like Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, and her son-in-law Johnny Cash all recognized and admired her groundbreaking technique.
1: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Dismiss the notion that the devil has all the best music, or even all the best guitarists. Topping this list of the best woman guitar players of all time is Sister Rosetta Tharpe, an early gospel artist who genuinely pioneered many of the distorted guitar tones that would later become central to blues and rock music. But even before embracing amplification, Sister Rosetta Tharpe recorded some of the most fluid and dynamic acoustic guitar leads ever captured. On her 1945 hit “Strange Things Happening Every Day,” she seamlessly blended country, jazz, and gospel into a powerful expression of faith. For a truly awe-inspiring performance, seek out the live video of her performing “Up Above My Head (I Hear Music In The Air).” While the original 1948 single lacks a guitar solo, this live rendition, circa 1963, showcases her proto-shredding guitar work as a choir enthusiastically claps along. You can hear echoes of Muddy Waters, hints of Chuck Berry, and an overwhelming sense of jubilation before she exclaims, “Let’s do that again!” Yes, Sister, please do.
Explore further into the female musicians who revolutionized the world of music.
