The vibrant world of guitar music is enriched by the extraordinary talent of countless women who have defied expectations and carved their own paths. To say there are too many phenomenal female guitarists to list is an understatement. From the foundational genres of gospel, country, folk, and rock to today’s diverse musical landscape, Lady Guitar Players have consistently innovated, inspired, and broken barriers. While this list may not encompass every personal favorite, it aims to spotlight 25 of the most exceptional lady guitar players who have ignited stages, shaped sounds, and left an indelible mark on music history. These are the women who not only played the guitar but redefined what it meant to wield one, often influencing even the most celebrated male guitar heroes.
If you’re seeking to move beyond the usual guitar narratives and delve into a world of groundbreaking fretwork and authentic musical expression, this compilation of 25 legendary lady guitar players is your perfect starting point.
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25: Sarah Lipstate (Noveller)
Sarah Lipstate, known as Noveller, is a master of sonic architecture. She utilizes looping technology to construct vast, immersive soundscapes reminiscent of pioneers like Rhys Chatham and Robert Fripp. However, beneath the layers of feedback and texture lies a strong foundation in indie rock songcraft, revealing a compelling melodic logic within her compositions. This unique blend of experimental sound and melodic sensibility has led to collaborations and tours with artists from St Vincent to Iggy Pop, recognizing her distinctive and captivating approach to guitar.
24: Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker (Sleater-Kinney)
While Carrie Brownstein often takes center stage for her dynamic solos, the true genius of Sleater-Kinney’s guitar work lies in the symbiotic interplay between Brownstein and Corin Tucker. Their guitar partnership defied conventional band structures, effectively eliminating the need for a bass guitar. Tucker ingeniously employed a harmonizer to create basslines while simultaneously delivering her signature rhythmic guitar parts. The result was a complex and powerful sonic tapestry, characterized by both mathematical precision and raw, controlled energy. Tucker’s guitar prowess also extends beyond Sleater-Kinney, with notable contributions to Eddie Vedder’s solo projects.
23: Felicia Collins
For many, Felicia Collins is synonymous with her role as the dynamic lead guitarist for the house band on Late Night With David Letterman. A funk aficionado at heart, Collins demonstrated remarkable versatility, seamlessly adapting to the diverse musical styles of each guest on the show. Prior to her television success, she was deeply embedded in Nile Rodgers’ musical network, collaborating with artists like Madonna and contributing to the iconic P-Funk sound. Her presence on stage with Thompson Twins at Live Aid, injecting a dose of funk into their performance, is a testament to her wide-ranging talent and impact.
22: Vicki Peterson (The Bangles)
In contrast to their pop-oriented contemporaries, The Go-Go’s, The Bangles drew their core inspiration from the raw energy of 1960s garage rock. Their early performances featured covers of The Yardbirds’ “I’m Not Talkin'” and The Seeds’ “Pushin’ Too Hard,” influences that permeated even their chart-topping hits. Vicki Peterson’s often-underappreciated lead guitar work was a crucial element of their sound, evolving from garage rock grit to power-pop jangle, robust power chords, and George Harrison-esque melodic lines. Her adaptability and songwriting skills cemented her place among the best lady guitar players of her era.
21: Wendy Melvoin (The Revolution, Wendy & Lisa)
Wendy Melvoin, alongside her musical partner Lisa Coleman, was instrumental in shaping Prince’s groundbreaking sound. Their influence steered Prince towards psychedelic music exploration, a pivotal shift that profoundly impacted his artistic direction. The film Purple Rain immortalized Melvoin as a prominent lady guitar player, highlighting her crucial role in crafting the iconic title track. Beyond her work with Prince, Melvoin showcased her own funky riff mastery and impressive soloing on Wendy & Lisa’s projects. Her diverse collaborations extend to artists like Madonna and Neil Finn, underscoring her enduring musical impact.
20: Joni Mitchell
Joni Mitchell in 1974 – Photo: Joel Bernstein/Getty Images
Joni Mitchell’s distinctive acoustic guitar style on her early albums alone would warrant her inclusion among notable lady guitar players. As her music evolved towards electric sounds, she collaborated with guitar luminaries such as James Burton and Larry Carlton. However, as Mitchell’s compositions became increasingly intricate, she discovered that external musicians struggled to fully grasp their complexity. Consequently, she took on a greater role, playing a significant portion of the lead guitar parts on Hejira, nearly all on Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter, and all lead parts on Mingus. In doing so, she demonstrated her guitar artistry alongside jazz legends like Wayne Shorter and Jaco Pastorius, solidifying her reputation as a truly exceptional and innovative guitarist.
19: Dot Wiggin (The Shaggs)
Skeptical about The Shaggs’ guitar skills? Try replicating their seemingly chaotic yet strangely compelling sound. Whether viewed as accidental geniuses or raw prodigies, The Shaggs, a 1960s all-sister garage band, defied all conventional musical norms and inadvertently became highly influential, especially for lady guitar players in indie rock. Dot Wiggin’s unique approach, singing and playing guitar in completely different rhythmic patterns (often while the drummer followed yet another rhythm), demanded remarkable focus and created a truly singular sound. Their unconventional instrumentation—two guitars without a bass—also pioneered the template for countless female indie-rock trios that followed.
18: Melissa Etheridge
Melissa Etheridge embodies the spirit of Pete Townshend in her fierce, percussive acoustic guitar playing. Honed through years of coffeehouse performances, her powerfully amplified acoustic guitar serves as the central instrumental hook in many of her hit songs. While her bands typically include a male lead guitarist, Etheridge’s raw energy and passionate playing often take center stage, showcasing her dynamic presence and guitar prowess.
17: Annie Clark (St. Vincent)
St. Vincent performing in 2021 – Photo: Rich Fury/Getty Images
During her Masseduction tour, St. Vincent, the moniker of Annie Clark, made a bold visual statement by using a different DayGlo pastel guitar for each song—all variations of her custom Ernie Ball signature model. Her guitar playing was as vibrant and captivating as her instrument collection. Clark’s soloing style is reminiscent of Fripp and Zappa, characterized by intricate and melodic phrasing. Beyond her improvisational skills, she’s also a gifted dance-pop songwriter, seamlessly integrating her distinctive rhythm guitar work into infectious tracks like “Slow Disco,” proving her versatility and artistry.
16: Joan Jett (Joan Jett and The Blackhearts)
Joan Jett has never proclaimed herself a lead guitarist, and her bands have always featured lead players. However, she embodies the very essence of punk guitar—rhythm chords delivered with raw urgency and unwavering precision. While often uncredited for her lead work, Jett’s foundational guitar style is arguably as influential as that of her Runaways bandmate, Lita Ford. But for Joan Jett, it’s always about the music, too busy rocking to dwell on accolades or comparisons, solidifying her iconic status as a lady guitar player.
15: Orianthi
Orianthi initially gained attention playing alongside Carrie Underwood and was slated to tour with Michael Jackson. However, this Australian guitarist has transcended those early associations to become a force in classic rock. Her impressive resume includes playing lead guitar with Alice Cooper, trading licks with Steve Vai, and forming the duo RSO with Richie Sambora. Her rendition of “Hellbound Train” is considered by many to be the definitive Savoy Brown cover, regardless of gender. Even after parting ways with Sambora, Orianthi remains a powerful solo artist, a testament to her exceptional guitar skills.
14: Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt performing in 1977 – Photo: GAB Archive/Redferns
Among the guitar heroes of 1970s rock, Bonnie Raitt stands out for her uniquely identifiable slide guitar sound. Even Lowell George of Little Feat, a slide guitar master himself, was both a collaborator and admirer of Raitt’s playing. Although rooted in the singer-songwriter tradition, Raitt’s guitar work is deeply connected to her blues foundation. While her bands often include guitarists for melodic passages, the most electrifying and soulful guitar moments are invariably delivered by Bonnie Raitt herself.
13: Nancy Wilson (Heart)
Nancy Wilson holds the distinction of being the first lady guitarist to lead a chart-topping rock band. She and her sister Ann are the consistent core of Heart. While the band has featured other lead guitarists, Nancy delivered one of their most iconic guitar moments – the acoustic transition from “Dreamboat Annie” into “Crazy On You.” Nancy’s artistry ensured that Heart’s delicate acoustic side always coexisted with their powerful electric sound, even during their arena rock era of the 1980s. She also played a vital role in composing nearly all of Heart’s most beloved songs.
12: Poison Ivy (The Cramps)
Poison Ivy of The Cramps in 1986 – Photo: Paul Natkin/WireImage
Poison Ivy, of The Cramps, was arguably the most visually and sonically distinctive guitarist in the entire US punk scene. A Cramps song is instantly recognizable even before Lux Interior’s vocals enter, largely due to Ivy’s signature guitar sound. She reconnected punk with its primal roots in trash culture and twangy rockabilly, contributing to the rediscovery of artists like Link Wray and The Ventures’ Nokie Edwards. Her sleazy, reverb-drenched riffs formed the backbone of The Cramps’ sound, and she evolved into a skilled soloist as the band’s discography grew. Poison Ivy’s unique style and stage presence have been sorely missed since she stepped away from the limelight after the passing of her partner, Lux Interior.
11: Marnie Stern
Marnie Stern embodies the modern guitar hero, blending shredding virtuosity with indie rock sensibility. Even listeners who aren’t necessarily guitar aficionados can appreciate her concept albums, like The Chronicles Of Marnia, which are packed with clever pop hooks. For guitar enthusiasts, her rapid-fire runs and economical phrasing are truly captivating. Across five albums, she has yet to record a song exceeding four and a half minutes, demonstrating her concise and impactful approach. If Eddie Van Halen had joined Sleater-Kinney, the result might still not have been as groundbreaking as Marnie Stern’s innovative guitar work.
10: Kristin Hersh (Throwing Muses)
Kristin Hersh is a consistently underrated yet pioneering figure in indie rock guitar, comparable to Bob Mould and J Mascis. Her distinctive sound is instantly recognizable. Easily ranking among the best lady guitar players of the 1980s and 90s, she can unleash furious lead guitar work and mind-melting power chords, then seamlessly transition to delicate and elegant acoustic pieces. She truly came into her own when Throwing Muses became a trio, revitalizing the power-trio format. Her more recent solo albums, where she also plays bass, further showcase the breadth of her musical capabilities.
9: Susan Tedeschi (Tedeschi Trucks Band)
For jam-band enthusiasts, the Tedeschi Trucks Band isn’t defined by gender or marital status, but as a band with two exceptional guitarists. Remarkably, both Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks have significantly evolved as musicians through their collaboration. Tedeschi has incorporated Trucks’ jazz influences, while Trucks has embraced her R&B sensibilities. A prime example of Tedeschi’s brilliance is her performance of “Crossroads” with Eric Clapton at Clapton’s festival. Clapton’s wide grin after her solo speaks volumes about her exceptional guitar talent.
8: Kaki King
Kaki King stands apart from many lady guitar players, functioning more as a modern composer who happens to be a guitar virtuoso. Her compositions are rich with elements of modern classical, progressive jazz, and satisfying forays into pop. Whether collaborating with classical or rock musicians, she elevates the acoustic guitar to new heights with a percussive technique that blends flamenco and Van Halen influences. While capable of creating crowd-pleasing riffs, her recent work, including the concept piece The Neck Is A Bridge To The Body, reveals her pursuit of deeper artistic expression.
7: Peggy Jones
Peggy Jones, better known as Lady Bo, holds a significant place in music history as the first lady guitarist in a major rock and roll band. Joining Bo Diddley’s group at just 16, she played on many of his classic singles, including “Mona,” “Crackin’ Up,” and “Bo Diddley’s A Gunslinger.” She later contributed to sought-after collector’s singles like Les Cooper’s “Oowee Baby” and The Soul Rockers’ “Wiggle Wobble,” and even spent time in James Brown’s band. Peggy Jones continued performing as Lady Bo until her passing in 2015, leaving behind a legacy as a true pioneer.
6: Liona Boyd
Liona Boyd, born in London and raised in Toronto, achieved both musical acclaim and television celebrity status in the 1970s. Marketed as the “first lady of the guitar,” she was an early protégé of Andres Segovia and performed at Carnegie Hall in 1975. Boyd became a familiar face on Canadian television and, unbeknownst to many at the time, was romantically involved with Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. While her classical recordings, particularly those on her 20th Century Masters volume, are highly regarded, she later transitioned into New Age music, increasingly focusing on vocals after a neurological condition affected her guitar playing.
5: Emily Remler
Emily Remler, like many guitarists from New Jersey, began playing rock but expanded her horizons after studying at Berklee College Of Music and discovering Charlie Christian and Wes Montgomery. She quickly became a leading modern guitarist in the bebop tradition, known for her fluid tone and boundless improvisational creativity. Remler recorded prolifically, collaborating with artists such as Larry Coryell and Astrud Gilberto. She also briefly played with funk and R&B bands in New Orleans, though no recordings from that period exist. Tragically, like Montgomery, her life and career were cut short, leaving us to only imagine what she might have achieved had addiction not claimed her life at 32.
4: Memphis Minnie
Memphis Minnie in 1942 – Photo: Paul Colin/BY GETTY IMAGES
Lizzie Douglas, known to the world as Memphis Minnie, was a true pioneer of guitar picking. Self-taught on guitar and banjo, she honed her skills in the vibrant Beale Street blues scene in Memphis. Recording for labels like Columbia, Checker, Decca, and Okeh, she was instrumental in the urbanization of the blues sound. As one of the most influential lady guitar players in history, this fearless blueswoman famously held her own and often triumphed in guitar “cutting contests” against blues giants like Big Bill Broonzy and Muddy Waters.
3: Elizabeth Cotten
Elizabeth Cotten, a groundbreaking figure in folk and blues, developed her unique guitar style by chance. Left-handed, she initially learned to play her right-handed brother’s banjo upside down. When she switched to guitar, she retained her banjo-playing instincts, fingerpicking the bass strings with her fingers and using her thumb for melodies on the higher strings. This distinctive “Cotten picking” style is exceptionally challenging to master, which may explain why no two renditions of her signature song, “Freight Train,” sound exactly alike.
2: Mother Maybelle Carter
Mother Maybelle Carter, a foundational influence on country guitar, earns her high ranking among lady guitar players for inventing the influential guitar style known as thumb brush, church lick, or most famously, Carter Family picking. Possibly inspired by banjo techniques, Maybelle used her thumb to pick melodies on the bass strings while strumming rhythms on the higher strings. This innovative approach made the Carter Family trio sound like they had multiple guitars backing them. Guitar legends like Doc Watson, Chet Atkins, and her son-in-law Johnny Cash all recognized and were influenced by her groundbreaking technique.
1: Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Sister Rosetta Tharpe in 1964 – Photo: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Sister Rosetta Tharpe tops this list of exceptional lady guitar players because she truly did invent many of the distorted guitar tones that blues and rock musicians would later embrace. But even before distortion, Sister Rosetta Tharpe recorded some of the most fluid and dynamic acoustic lead guitar work ever captured. Her 1945 hit “Strange Things Happening Every Day” blurred genre lines between country, jazz, and gospel, all in service of her powerful spiritual expression. For a truly awe-inspiring performance, seek out live video of her rendition of “Up Above My Head (I Hear Music In The Air).” While the original 1948 single lacks a guitar solo, this live version from around 1963 showcases her proto-shredding guitar skills while a choir enthusiastically claps along. There’s a hint of Muddy Waters, a touch of Chuck Berry, and an overwhelming sense of jubilant energy before she exclaims, “Let’s do that again!” Yes, Sister, please do.
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