Nita Strauss has rightfully earned her place among guitar royalty, celebrated as a leading figure in modern shred guitar. While she openly admires guitar virtuoso Steve Vai, it’s another groundbreaking guitarist who truly shaped her aspirations: Jennifer Batten. For Strauss, Batten represents a vital figure, especially considering the landscape for female guitarists when she was growing up.
Strauss recounts her experience at Guitar Summit 2024 with Rock Antenne, emphasizing the profound impact Vai has had on her career. However, she reveals a deeper connection to Jennifer Batten, citing Batten as the role model she yearned for in her formative years. Vai, in his supportive nature, often emails Strauss to commend her growing recognition in guitar publications like Guitar World. This mentorship from Vai is significant, but Batten’s influence strikes a more personal chord with Strauss.
Reflecting on her early fascination with the electric guitar, Strauss previously shared with Guitar Player magazine that Steve Vai’s performance in the movie Crossroads was a pivotal moment. It ignited her passion and set her on a path of intense guitar study. “When I was 13 years old, I saw Steve Vai in Crossroads. He was so cool and charismatic,” Strauss remembers. “At the time, I had a guitar, but I hadn’t fallen in love with it yet. I remember watching Steve Vai and thinking, Why didn’t anybody tell me that you could do that with a guitar? That is so cool!”
Nita Strauss – Guitar Summit 2024 – Rock Antenne Stage – YouTube
Nita Strauss performing on stage at Guitar Summit 2024, Rock Antenne Stage
While Vai’s artistry captivated her, Strauss longed for a female figure in the guitar world to emulate. Growing up, the landscape lacked prominent female guitarists in the shred and rock genres. This absence made Jennifer Batten’s presence on the world stage all the more impactful.
“It’s important to act as a role model, even if you aren’t one on a grand scale,” Strauss explained at Guitar Summit, highlighting the significance of representation. For her, Jennifer Batten filled that crucial void. Batten, renowned for her spectacular performances as Michael Jackson’s guitarist across three world tours in the late 80s and 90s, and her work with Jeff Beck on albums like Who Else! and You Had It Coming, became a beacon.
Strauss vividly recalls the awe of witnessing Batten’s performances with Michael Jackson: “Watching Jen on the biggest stage in the world, with the biggest star in the world, Michael Jackson, shredding, playing the Super Bowl, blazing solos faster than anybody that I’d ever seen,” she reminisces. “It was just amazing to see a girl up there doing that, and I think ‘If I can create that moment for some girls of the next generation, that’s really special’.” Batten’s high-profile visibility, technical prowess, and sheer stage presence shattered perceptions and broadened possibilities for aspiring female guitarists.
Strauss also addresses the often-used descriptor “female guitar player” with a pragmatic perspective. While some find it limiting, Strauss sees it as an opportunity for recognition. “To be honest with you, that doesn’t really bother me. I hear some people get offended by that saying, ‘Oh, you should not be called the best female player. You should just be the best player.’ I’m just happy to be in that conversation because I don’t think I’m the best. I don’t think I’m faster or more technical than anyone.” Her focus remains on contributing to the guitar community and inspiring future generations, regardless of labels.
Nita Strauss’s career continues to flourish, even amidst temporary departures from Alice Cooper’s band for solo endeavors and collaborations like her stint with Demi Lovato. Alice Cooper himself has expressed admiration for the caliber of guitarists he’s worked with, including Strauss and Orianthi, who temporarily filled Strauss’s spot before an injury led to Gilby Clarke stepping in. However, Strauss is anticipated to rejoin Cooper’s band, reaffirming her commitment to both her solo work and her role within the legendary shock rocker’s ensemble.
Nita Strauss adorns the cover of the October 2023 issue of Guitar Player
Nita Strauss featured on the cover of Guitar Player Magazine October 2023 issue
Ultimately, Nita Strauss’s journey is a testament to the power of inspiration. While acknowledging the influence of Steve Vai, it’s clear that Jennifer Batten’s groundbreaking career served as a crucial catalyst for Strauss, demonstrating the heights attainable for women in guitar and solidifying Batten’s legacy as a true guitar heroine.
