Here are 58 awesome female guitarists. I find them very inspiring and I am sure you will love them too.
I spent several days researching the most influential female guitarists. I wanted to show you a comprehensive list of guitarists from all musical eras and genres.
There are different lists of guitarists available out there. I found that publishers are focusing mainly on guitar-playing techniques and skills.
I looked at it from a different perspective. To be a great guitarist these days, you will need a much broader skill set. To name a few: music writing skills, effect and gear usage, experimental and creative skills, structural thinking, performing skills, style awareness, originality, and even marketing skills.
I included guitarists who are inspirational because of their unique skill sets. It’s important to mention that it is not an ordered list. All these artists are amazing in their own right.
Here are the guitarists you can explore today:
Keep reading and enjoy your time. Get inspired.
#1 – St. Vincent – Annie Clark
Music style: Rock, pop, art rock, indie rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2003 – present
Bands: St. Vincent
St. Vincent is famous for her complex, creative, and innovative music. She sings, writes, plays, produces, directs, and acts meanwhile switching from rock to pop to art rock to indie rock with ease. She has created so many different and unique guitar sounds throughout her career which is very impressive. This kind of unlimited creativity makes her one of the most inspirational guitar players of our time.
She has won three Grammy Awards, including Best Alternative Album for her self-titled fourth album in 2014.
#2 – Kaki King
Music style: Instrumental music
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2001 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Kaki King is famous for her energetic live shows. She created her unique style by combining fingerstyle playing with flamenco percussion and fret tapping techniques. She also uses many alternate tunings to create a unique sound. I am also a big fan of her innovative multimedia performances using projection mapping to transform her guitar into a screen.
Dave Grohl said: There are some guitar players that are good and there are some guitar players that are really fucking good. And then there’s Kaki King.
#3 – Joan Jett
Music style: Rock, hard rock, punk rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1975 – present
Bands: Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, The Runaways, Evil Stig
If you’re a guitarist who loves rock ‘n’ roll, you must check out Joan Jett. She’s a legend. She is The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, The Godmother of Punk. She rocked the world with her rebellious and influential songs, like “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll”, or “I Hate Myself for Loving You”. She plays the guitar with power and skill and inspired generations of guitarists with her attitude, style, and guitar sound. Let’s get inspired by Joan, turn up the volume of your amp, and rock out with your favorite guitar.
#4 – Yvette Young
Music style: Math rock, art rock, progressive rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2009 – present
Bands: Covet
Yvette Young is famous for her polyphonic and finger tapping guitar techniques that create intricate and melodic compositions. You can get inspired by her unique sound: she doesn’t use traditional shapes at all and she uses a lot of alternate tunings. She has a math rock band called Covet, but she also has a solo career as an acoustic guitarist and singer-songwriter. She is also a visual artist who paints her own guitars and album covers.
Yvette is a creative and talented artist and a great inspiration for you if you want to learn new skills and express yourself through music.
#5 – Gabriela Quintero
Music style: Acoustic, flamenco nuevo, instrumental rock
County: Mexico
Active years: 2000–present
Bands: Rodrigo y Gabriela
Did I mention that a guitar is a percussive instrument as well? Gabriela Quintero plays on her flamenco guitar with a rhythmic and percussive style that incorporates elements of rock, metal, jazz, and folk. She also uses techniques such as strumming, tapping, slapping, and drumming on the guitar body. Thanks to Gabriela’s unique style and sound the Rodrigo y Gabriela acoustic duo doesn’t even need a drummer to create their energetic music.
#6 – Molly Tuttle
Music style: Bluegrass, Americana, country, folk
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2006 – present
Bands: The Goodbye Girls, The Tuttles
Molly Tuttle is a talented singer, songwriter, guitarist, and banjo player who is one of the rising stars of bluegrass, Americana, and country music. She has won several awards for her skills and creativity.
Molly’s guitar style is impressive and innovative. She uses a variety of techniques such as flat-picking, cross-picking, alternate tunings, and percussive effects. She is not afraid to experiment and explore new sounds and genres while staying true to her roots.
#7 – Carrie Brownstein
Music style: Punk rock, indie rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1994–2006, 2014–present12
Bands: Sleater-Kinney, Excuse 17, Filthy Friends
Carrie Brownstein co-founded and co-leads Sleater-Kinney. It is one of the most influential and acclaimed bands of the 1990s and 2000s. She is known for her powerful vocals, intricate guitar interplay, and feminist lyrics.
It’s very inspirational how Carrie and her bandmate Corin Tucker create complex and melodic guitar lines that complement each other. They often use different tunings and capos to create unique sounds and harmonies.
#8 – Corin Tucker
Music style: Punk rock, indie rock,
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1994–2006, 2014–present
Bands: Sleater-Kinney, Heavens to Betsy, The Corin Tucker Band
Corin Tucker is the other co-founder of Sleater-Kinney. She has a powerful and emotional style of playing the guitar, which matches her vocal delivery and lyrical themes. She plays with a lot of precision and energy while creating complex and melodic guitar lines.
#9 – Jackie Venson
Music style: Blues, soul, pop
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2013-present
Bands: Solo artist
Jackie Venson is one of the most talented and original artists of our time who deserves recognition. As a singer-songwriter, she has a distinctive style. She blends blues, soul, and pop, creating catchy and soulful tunes that showcase her impressive vocal and guitar skills.
I am sure she will inspire you as she is not afraid to experiment with different sounds and genres. She often remixes her own music to create new sonic experiences. She is not just a musician, but a storyteller, who expresses herself through her songs.
#10 – Sarah Longfield
Music style: Heavy metal, alternative metal, progressive metal, instrumental rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2007- present
Bands: The Fine Constant
Sarah Longfield is a YouTuber, musician, singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. She has an influential presence in the prog-metal community. She is known for her technical skills and her use of an eight-string guitar. She developed a unique style that combines heavy metal, alternative rock, and instrumental music, creating complex and fascinating songs.
She is a role model in the metal scene who proves that women can rock as hard as men. You can find her awesome and original music on her YouTube channel.
#11 – Lyndsey Ell
Music style: Country pop, pop rock, blues
Country: Canada and United States of America
Active years: 2006-present
Bands: Solo artist
Lindsay Ell is a Canadian-American country pop singer, songwriter, guitarist, and television personality. Her unique music and sound showcase her blend of country, rock, and blues influences. She has a great voice, but she also shreds on the guitar like no other. She can play anything from acoustic ballads to electric solos, and she always adds her own feel to the songs.
#12 – Ani DiFranco
Music style: Folk rock, alternative rock, punk rock, indie folk
Country: United States of America and Canada
Active years: 1989 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Ani DiFranco is widely considered a feminist icon and a pioneer of the DIY movement. She is a genre-bending artist who addresses topics such as sexuality, racism, sexism, war, environmentalism, and reproductive rights.
She has a distinctive style of playing the guitar. She uses alternate tunings, fingerpicking, percussive strumming, and rapid-fire chords. She can play anything from delicate acoustic ballads to electric anthems. She performs with high energy and always adds her own personality and passion to the songs. She is one of the most innovative guitarists of our time. Get inspired and check out her awesome and original music.
#13 – Sarah Lipstate – Noveller
Music style: Ambient, drone, experimental, instrumental rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2007 – present
Bands: Noveller
Sarah Lipstate, performing as Noveller, is an amazing and inspiring artist. She has an uncommon style of playing the guitar, that explores the sonic possibilities of the instrument beyond the conventional chords and melodies. She creates layered soundscapes on the guitar using effects pedals. The result of this creative process is her atmospheric and cinematic music, which ranges from ambient and drone to noise and rock.
She often performs live with projections of her own films, creating an immersive and captivating experience. If you like the idea of exploring unconventional methods to create awesome guitar sounds then check out Noveller. She will be a good source of inspiration for you.
#14 – Poison Ivy – Kristy Marlana Wallace
Music style: Psychobilly, gothabilly, punk rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1976 – 2009
Bands: The Cramps
Poison Ivy is an American guitarist, songwriter, producer, and occasional vocalist. She co-founded The Cramps with her husband Lux Interior. A legendary band that pioneered the genre of psychobilly, a fusion of punk rock and rockabilly. They performed wild and energetic live shows, with horror-themed lyrics, and their retro style. Poison Ivy co-wrote all the Cramps’ original songs. She produced or co-produced several of their albums and singles. She sang on some tracks and created artwork for many of their covers.
As a guitarist she plays with passion and energy, using riffs, hooks, and feedback to create a distinctive sound. She liked to experiment with different sounds and textures. Sometimes, she was using unconventional methods like playing with a drumstick or a beer bottle.
#15 – Ana Vidovic
Music style: Classical guitar
Country: Croatia
Active years: 1988 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Ana Vidovic is a Croatian classical guitarist. She has performed all over the world, both as a soloist and with orchestras, playing works by Bach, Torroba, Ponce, Tárrega, Rodrigo, and many others. The saying goes more even true in the case of classical guitarists: the sound is in your hands. Ana Vidovic has a flawless technique for creating a beautiful tone. She plays with expression and emotion anything from delicate pieces to virtuosic ones. She makes them sound musical and elegant. She is one of the best classical guitarists of our time.
#16 – Daniela Villarreal
Music style: Hard rock, alternative rock, metal
Country: Mexico
Active years: 2013 – present
Bands: The Warning
Daniela Villarreal is a Mexican rock singer, songwriter, and guitarist. She is the lead guitarist and vocalist of The Warning, a power trio that also includes her sisters. Daniela has the talent to balance simplicity and complexity, using both power chords and arpeggios. She also uses a variety of effects pedals, such as delay, chorus, wah, and distortion. That’s how she creates different sounds and moods for each song.
She has a knack for creating hooks that stick in your head and make you want to rock. Check out her charismatic performances.
#17 – Vicki Genfan
Music style: Acoustic guitar, folk, jazz, pop, soul
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1991 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Vicki Genfan is an American singer, guitarist, and composer who is known for her virtuosic and innovative style. She can create complex and rich soundscapes on the guitar, that blend folk, jazz, pop, soul, and world music.
She uses many alternate tunings to create rich harmonies, interesting chord voicings, and unexpected modulations. She even creates her own tunings based on the mood of the song. It allows her to play melodies and bass lines at the same time, combined with percussive techniques to add groove and dynamics to her songs.
#18 – Anna Calvi
Music style: Art rock, indie pop, experimental rock
Country: United Kingdom
Active years: 2005 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Anna Calvi is an English singer-songwriter and guitarist who draws inspiration from a wide range of genres and artists. She incorporates elements from these influences into her music, creating a unique and eclectic style that is hard to categorize. She uses effects pedals in an impressive way: not only to enhance her sound but also to express her emotions and ideas. You can watch her using a variety of pedals, such as delay, reverb, distortion, fuzz, and octave, to create different textures and moods for each song.
#19 – Joni Mitchell
Music style: Folk, pop, jazz, rock
Country: Canada and United States
Active years: 1964 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Joni Mitchell is a Canadian-American musician, producer, and painter who is one of the most influential singer-songwriters of all time. She became known for her personal lyrics and unconventional compositions. As a great improviser, she often changed her arrangements and lyrics during live performances, making each show unique and spontaneous.
Joni Mitchell is a master of alternate tunings. She used them to create different moods and atmospheres in her songs, as well as to expand her melodic and harmonic possibilities. She has used over 60 different tunings in her career, some of which she invented herself. She is a legend in the music world. Get inspired by her originality and unique guitar sounds.
#20 – Orianthi
Music style: Rock, pop rock
Country: Australia
Active years: 2000 – present
Bands: Solo artist, collaboration with Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, Carrie Underwood, Steve Vai, and Richie Sambora
Orianthi is a guitar virtuoso who has played with some of the biggest names in music, such as Michael Jackson, Alice Cooper, and Steve Vai. As a solo artist, she has released several albums of rock and pop songs, featuring her impressive vocals and shredding skills.
Orianthi has a unique and original style that sets her apart from other guitarists. She has a distinctive way of combining rock, pop, metal, and blues influences in her playing. She combines speed, melody, and emotion. She also has a signature way of using vibrato, whammy bar, feedback, and harmonics to create sonic effects that enhance her playing and create a sound that is both familiar and fresh.
#21 – Samantha Fish
Music style: Blues rock, roots rock, blues
Country: United States
Active years: 2009 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Samantha Fish is one of the most exciting and innovative guitarists in the blues-rock genre today. She has a natural feel for the blues and can deliver both raw emotion and technical skill in her playing. She plays with a vintage tone by using different types of guitars, such as electric, acoustic, slide, cigar box, and resonator guitars. She also uses various effects and pedals to create different sounds.
Are you interested in blues? Let’s check out her distinctive voice and killer slide technique.
#22 – Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Music style: Gospel, blues, rhythm and blues, jazz, rock’n’roll
Country: United States
Active years: 1919–1973
Bands: Solo Artist
Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a pioneer of gospel and blues music. She influenced many rock and roll artists such as Chuck Berry, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, and Eric Clapton. They admired her electric guitar playing and powerful vocals.
I am in awe of Sister Rosetta Tharpe’s skill and innovation. She was one of the first gospel singers to use an electric guitar, and she played it with flair and passion. She used distortion, feedback, vibrato, and slide techniques to create a distinctive sound that was both spiritual and worldly. She was a trailblazer who broke barriers and stereotypes in the music industry.
#23 – Jennifer Batten
Music style: Instrumental rock, jazz fusion, hard rock, electronic, worldbeat
Country: United States
Active years: 1980 – present
Bands: Solo artist, but worked as a session musician for Michael Jackson, Jeff Beck, Natalie Cole
Jennifer Batten is a legendary guitarist who has worked with some of the biggest icons in music, such as Michael Jackson. She has virtuosic and innovative guitar playing, with a distinctive style and appearance. She has also released several solo albums.
She is a master of various techniques, such as tapping, whammy bar, harmonics, and effects. She can play anything from rock to jazz to world music. Let’s check out her guitar-playing skills, you won’t regret it!
#24 – Nita Strauss
Music style: Heavy metal, hard rock, tribute music, instrumental metal, deathcore
Country: United States
Active years: 2003 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Nita Strauss is a phenomenal guitarist who has rocked the world with her amazing skills and energy. She is currently a touring guitarist for Demi Lovato and Alice Cooper. She has also released two solo albums of instrumental metal music.
She is a master of various techniques, such as shredding, tapping, sweeping, and whammy bar. She can play anything from heavy metal to hard rock to classical music. Check out Nita and let’s get inspired metal heads!
#25 – Muriel Anderson
Music style: Classical, folk, bluegrass, flamenco, pop
Country: United States
Active years: 1989 – present
Bands: Solo artist, but performed with Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Les Paul, and Doc Watson
Muriel Anderson is a master of fingerstyle guitar and harp guitar, playing both with grace and elegance. She can play anything from classical to folk to bluegrass to flamenco. She is also a composer and educator who has released several solo albums and instructional materials. Muriel Anderson is a remarkable and respected guitarist who has inspired many other players.
#26 – Nancy Wilson
Music style: Hard rock, folk rock, pop rock, glam metal
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1973 – present
Bands: Heart, The Lovemongers, Roadcase Royale
Nancy Wilson is one of the most influential and versatile guitarists in rock history. She rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of Heart, the first hard rock band fronted by women. Nancy Wilson has a distinctive style that blends elements of flamenco, classical and hard rock. She can play delicate acoustic fingerpicking, fiery electric riffs, and soaring solos with equal skill and passion. She is a true legend and a pioneer.
#27 – Lita Ford
Music style: Glam metal, heavy metal, hard rock, punk rock
Country: United States of America (born in England)
Active years: 1975–1995, 2008–present
Bands: The Runaways, solo artist
Lita Ford is one of the most influential and respected female guitarists in rock history. She has inspired countless women to pick up the guitar and rock out. She began her career when she joined The Runaways, a band that also featured Joan Jett on guitar and vocals. The Runaways were one of the first all-female rock bands to achieve mainstream success.
As a guitarist, she played a mix of hard rock, heavy metal, and glam metal. She has a powerful and precise technique. It allows her to play fast and furious solos, or melodic riffs. She uses a lot of vibrato, bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and tapping to create expressive and dynamic phrases.
#28 – Liona Boyd
Music style: Classical, new-age, crossover, pop, folk, world
Country: Canada (born in England)
Active years: 1962 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Liona Boyd has charmed audiences around the world with her romantic and unique blend of classical, folk, and world music. She has also composed and arranged hundreds of pieces for the guitar.
Her mastery and elegance are respectable in the classical guitar field. She has a beautiful tone and an immaculate technique that make her guitar sound like an orchestra. You can find versatility and creativity in her music, incorporating elements from different cultures and genres.
#29 – Deborah Coleman
Music style: Blues, rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1995 – 2018
Bands: Solo artist, The Thrillseekers, Time Bomb (with Sue Foley and Roxanne Potvin)
Deborah Coleman was an American blues guitarist, singer, and songwriter. She had a distinctive style that blended electric and acoustic guitar sounds, using effects like wah-wah, distortion, and slide.
She also had a great voice that could express a range of emotions, from joy to sorrow. She was a rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse who kept the blues alive and kicking.
#30 – Mimi Fox
Music style: Jazz, blues, rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1970s – present
Bands: Solo artist
Mimi Fox is an acclaimed jazz guitarist, composer, and educator. Critics and peers garnered praise for her eloquence, passion, and virtuosity. She is one of the most influential and versatile guitarists in the contemporary jazz scene.
You can watch her playing complex chord voicings, smooth voice leading, and elegant chord-melody arrangements. She has a great ability to play fast and fluid single-note lines, using scales, modes, arpeggios, and chromaticism. Let’s check out how she can swing hard, groove funky, or play softly and sensitively.
#31 – Emily Remler
Music style: Jazz, bebop, bossa nova
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1976 – 1990
Bands: Solo artist
Emily Remler was a brilliant jazz guitarist and composer who had a remarkable talent. She had a deep understanding and love of jazz tradition, but she also had her own voice and style. She used solid command of bebop, bossa nova, blues vocabulary, and improvising skills.
She also had a passion for teaching. She was sharing her concepts and methods at several workshops around the world. She was a legend and an inspiration for anyone who loves guitar and jazz music. She died of a heart attack in Sydney, Australia, in 1990, at the age of 32.
#32 – Badi Assad
Music style: World, jazz, pop, classical
Country: Brazil
Active years: 1980s – present
Bands: Solo artist
Badi Assad is a Brazilian singer, guitarist, and composer who has a unique and eclectic musical vision. She is famous for her innovative and expressive guitar technique. She combines fingerstyle, percussive effects, tapping, and harmonics.
She is also a remarkable vocalist and captivating performer, who can communicate with her audience through her music and charisma. I am sure you can find inspiration in her creativity and originality.
#33 – Sharon Isbin
Music style: Classical, folk, world
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1970s – present
Bands: Solo artist
Sharon Isbin is a classical guitarist who has performed as a soloist with over 200 orchestras and has recorded over 30 albums for major labels. You will find inspiration in her extraordinary lyricism, technique, and versatility.
She is a pioneer and a champion of new music for the guitar, who has expanded the boundaries of the instrument. She has commissioned more concertos than any other guitarist and collaborated with artists from different genres.
#34 – Allison Robertson
Music style: Rock, punk, metal
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1993 – present
Bands: The Donnas, Chelsea Girls, Elle Rae, Loudlion
Allison Robertson is a rock guitarist and singer who rose to fame as a member of the all-female band The Donnas. She is a powerful and expressive guitarist who can play fast and loud, but also melodic and nuanced. Check out her truly energetic sound, charismatic stage presence, and cool style to find some inspiration to rock out!
#35 – Carmen Vandenberg
Music style: Rock, blues, alternative
Country: United Kingdom
Active years: 2010s – present
Bands: Bones UK, Jeff Beck, Elle Rae
Carmen Vandenberg is a rock guitarist and singer who has collaborated with legendary artists. She also has her own band, Bones UK. She has a strong blues background and a love for classic rock, but she also incorporates modern sounds and effects into her playing.
For her killer sound she uses a wide range of pedals, such as delay, reverb, chorus, flanger, fuzz, wah, and octave. She is a guitarist who truly rocks! With expression, versatility, and originality!
#36 – Marnie Stern
Music style: Experimental rock, noise rock, math rock, indie rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2007 – present
Bands: Solo artist, The 8G Band
Marnie Stern is an experimental rock guitarist and singer who has earned acclaim for her technical skill and tapping style. She is a virtuosic and inventive guitarist who can play with speed, precision, and flair. She uses a lot of tapping, harmonics, effects, and alternate tunings to create her distinctive sound.
She is also a captivating vocalist, who can sing in high-pitched melodies or spoken-word rants. I am sure you will find inspiration in her expressive and authentic style!
#37 – Xuefei Yang
Music style: Classical, folk, world
Country: China, United Kingdom
Active years: 1988 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Xuefei Yang is a classical guitarist from China who studied in the United Kingdom and launched an international career. She has a solid command of classical guitar repertoire, from Renaissance to contemporary. She is one of the most influential and respected classical guitarists of our time, who has won many awards and honors.
#38 – Tracy Chapman
Music style: Folk, blues, rock, pop, soul
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1986 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Tracy Chapman is a folk singer-songwriter and guitarist who has won four Grammy Awards and sold over 20 million albums worldwide. Tracy Chapman is a socially conscious artist who has written songs about topics such as poverty, racism, oppression, love, and justice.
Possibly she is better known as an impressive vocalist but she is a talented and versatile guitarist as well. She can play different styles and genres, from folk to blues to rock. She uses a variety of guitars and often plays in alternate tunings, such as DADGAD or open G.
#39 – Bonnie Raitt
Music style: Blues, blues rock, roots rock, folk rock, country rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1971 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Bonnie Raitt is a blues singer and guitarist who has won 10 Grammy Awards and sold over 15 million albums worldwide. She is not only a powerful singer but also a master of the slide guitar, a technique that gives her songs a distinctive sound. She can play anything from acoustic fingerpicking to electric slide solos, always with taste and emotion. If you are interested in blues and slide guitar, you should definitely check out Bonnie Raitt’s playing skills.
#40 – Marissa Paternoster
Music style: Punk rock, indie rock, folk rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2004-present
Bands: Screaming Females, Noun
Marissa Paternoster is a singer, guitarist, and artist who is the frontwoman of the punk band Screaming Females. She also has a solo project called Noun. Marissa’s guitar style is loud, fast, and furious but she can also play delicate and melodic parts, as she does in her solo work.
She is one of the most exciting and original guitarists in the current music scene, so check her out as a great source of inspiration.
#41 – Donna Grantis
Music style: Blues, jazz, funk, rock
Country: Canada
Active years: 2002–present
Bands: 3rdeyegirl, New Power Generation
Donna Grantis is a Canadian guitarist. She performed and recorded with Prince as a member of his funk-rock trio 3rdeyegirl and his supergroup New Power Generation. She also released her own solo album, Diamonds & Dynamite, in 2019, which featured Pearl Jam guitarist Mike McCready as a guest.
Donna has a versatile and expressive style of playing the guitar, which incorporates elements of blues, jazz, funk, and rock. She can be a great inspiration for you as one of the best musicians in the industry.
#42 – Kelly Johnson
Music style: Heavy metal, hard rock
Country: United Kingdom
Active years: 1978 – 2000
Bands: Girlschool, World’s Cutest Killers
Kelly Johnson was a British guitarist and singer, best known as the lead guitarist of the all-female rock band Girlschool. She was a pioneer of the new wave of British heavy metal in the late 1970s, and a role model for many female rockers.
She played with power and precision, creating killer riffs and solos that rocked hard. She was also a great singer and songwriter, who expressed herself with honesty and humor.
#43 – Lizzy Hale
Music style: Hard rock, heavy metal, alternative metal, post-grunge
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1997 – present
Bands: Halestorm
Lizzy Hale is a rock star in every sense of the word. She is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Halestorm, a hard rock band that she co-founded with her brother. She has a versatile style that blends influences from classic rock, metal, alternative, and even pop.
She is not afraid to experiment with different sounds and effects. Her ability is outstanding for creating great riffs that drive the songs and showcase her personality. She is a true ambassador for rock music, who will inspire you to play with confidence and attitude.
#44 – Ruyter Suys
Music style: Southern rock, biker metal, hard rock, comedy rock
Country: Canada
Active years: 1996 – present
Bands: Nashville Pussy, Dick Delicious and the Tasty Testicles
Ruyter Suys is the lead guitarist of Nashville Pussy. The band plays loud, fast, and dirty rock with a Southern twist. Ruyter Suys is famous for her wild and energetic stage presence, her blistering solos, and her killer tone. She is pure rock’n’roll.
#45 – Jen Majura
Music style: Alternative rock, metal, pop, classical
Country: Germany
Active years: 2000 – present
Bands: Solo artist, How We End, Evanescence, Knorkator, Equilibrium, Rage, Blind Guardian, Hans Zimmer, Tarja Turunen
Jen Majura is a singer, songwriter, bassist, and solo artist. She is best known as the former rhythm guitarist of Evanescence. Jen Majura’s guitar-playing skills are amazing and versatile. She can play different genres of music, from alternative rock to metal to pop to classical. Let’s check out her energetic performances.
#46 – Ana Popovic
Music style: blues, blues rock, soul blues, and jazz
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1995 – present
Bands: Ana Popovic Band
Ana Popovic is a blues powerhouse from Serbia. Ana Popovic is famous for her fiery and soulful guitar playing, her expressive and versatile voice, and her original and eclectic songs. Let’s check out how she plays the blues with such intensity and skill!
#47 – Laura Cox
Music style: Country rock, hard rock, blues rock, and French rock
Country: France
Active years: 2008 – present
Bands: Laura Cox Band
Laura Cox is an Anglo-French artist who has been rocking the guitar world since 2008. She is the singer and lead guitarist of the Laura Cox Band. A rock band that describes their music as “old alcoholic rockers’ music.
She gained international recognition on YouTube. She posted her cover versions and guitar solos of classic rock and blues songs. She is one of the most influential female guitarists of her generation so don’t miss to check her out.
#48 – Tina S
Music style: heavy metal, shred metal, rock
Country: France
Active years: 2007 – 2016
Bands: Solo Artist
Tina S is a French guitarist who specializes in covering technically difficult solos of heavy metal and classical music. She gained fame on YouTube, where she posted her amazing renditions of songs by Van Halen, Gary Moore, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Pink Floyd, Beethoven, Paganini, and Vivaldi. Let’s check out her amazing technical skills!
#49 – Rebecca Lovell
Music style: Southern rock, blues, folk, Americana
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2005 – present
Bands: Larkin Poe
Rebecca Lovell is a multi-instrumentalist musician who is best known as the lead singer and guitarist of the band Larkin Poe. She is a self-taught, expressive guitarist who can play anything from blues to rock to folk. She plays with passion and energy, often using riffs, bends, slides, hammer-ons, pull-offs, and vibrato to add flavor and emotion to her solos.
She also plays rhythm guitar with skill and groove. She uses chords, arpeggios, palm muting, and percussive techniques to create dynamic and impressive accompaniments. Let’s check out one of the most captivating female guitarists of these days.
#50 – Megan Lovell
Music style: Southern rock, blues, folk, Americana
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2005 – present
Bands: Larkin Poe
Megan Lovell is the sister of Rebecca Megan. She is best known as the dobro and lap steel guitarist and harmony vocalist of their co-founded band, Larkin Poe.
Megan uses different tunings to create different sounds and moods. She often uses glass or brass slides to add warmth and brightness to her tone. Megan and Rebecca together are creating a very unique and cool sound for their band Larkin Poe.
#51 – Stephanie Jones
Music style: Classical, rock, folk, jazz
Country: Australia
Active years: 2011 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Stephanie Jones is an award-winning classical guitarist. She performs extensively around the globe and has released three albums. She gained fame on YouTube, where she posted her amazing renditions of songs by various artists and composers. Additionally to her great classical guitar skills, she uses dynamic percussive techniques too. Check out her Youtube channel for some classical guitar inspiration.
#52 – Jessica Dobson
Music style: Indie rock, pop, rock
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2004 – present
Bands: Deep Sea Diver
Jessica Dobson is the leader and singer of her own indie rock band, Deep Sea Diver. Jessica Dobson has a distinctive and adventurous style that draws from various influences and genres. She also has a large collection of pedals that she likes to experiment with. She is very creative to find different combinations and settings to achieve different effects and moods.
She can also play bass, drums, piano, and synth. As a multi-instrumentalist, she often switches between instruments during live shows and recordings. She is an inspiring artist in the indie rock scene, definitely, someone you should watch out for.
#53 – Brittany Howard
Music style: Rock, blues, soul, funk, R&B, country, folk
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2009 – present
Bands: Alabama Shakes, Thunderbitch, Bermuda Triangle
Brittany Howard is a talented and versatile musician. She has made a name for herself as the lead singer and guitarist of Alabama Shakes. The Grammy-winning rock band blends blues, soul, and rock influences.
She plays with passion and power, using a variety of effects and techniques to create a distinctive sound. She can switch from gentle fingerpicking to fierce strumming. She uses clean tones to distorted fuzz and plays bluesy riffs or even psychedelic solos. She has a fearless attitude that allows her to experiment with different sounds and styles. It’s worth it for every guitarist to check out her.
#54 – PJ Harvey
Music style: Rock, blues, soul, funk, R&B, country, folk
Country: United Kingdom
Active years: 1988 – present
Bands: Automatic Dlamini, PJ Harvey
PJ Harvey is a British singer-songwriter and guitarist. She has an eclectic and experimental style, which incorporates elements of rock, blues, soul, folk, and more. She has a unique and versatile guitar style that ranges from raw and aggressive to delicate and atmospheric. She is not afraid to experiment and try new things using a variety of effects pedals such as distortion, delay, reverb, and vocal effects. Let’s check out the music of PJ Harvey, one of the most celebrated artists in the UK.
#55 – Barbara Lynn
Music style: Rhythm and blues, electric blues
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1962 – present
Bands: Solo artist
Barbara Lynn is a legendary singer, songwriter, and guitarist from Texas. She plays with soul and groove. She uses a variety of techniques such as fingerpicking, strumming, sliding, and bending. Barbara Lynn with her courageous personality is one of the most influential and pioneering guitarists of all time.
#56 – Adrianne Lenker
Music style: Folk, indie rock, indie folk
Country: United States of America
Active years: 2006 – present
Bands: Big Thief
Adrianne Lenker is best known as the lead vocalist, guitarist, and principal songwriter of Big Thief. She plays with huge emotion and expression, using a variety of tunings, techniques, and effects. She can create beautiful melodies and harmonies, as well as psychedelic, noisy, and experimental sounds. She has an adventurous personality who explores new musical possibilities. She is a true artist who expresses herself through her guitar
#57 – Nina Gordon
Music style: Alternative rock, power pop, grunge
Country: United States of America
Active years: 1992–present
Bands: Veruca Salt
Nina Gordon is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist who rose to fame as the co-founder vocalist of the alternative rock band Veruca Salt. As a guitarist she plays with energy and attitude, using a variety of guitars, amps, and pedals to create a crunchy and rocking sound.
#58 – Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers
Music style: Indie rock, post-punk, indie pop, britpop
Country: United Kingdom
Active years: 2019 – present
Bands: Wet Leg
Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers are the women of Wet Leg. Their debut single, “Chaise Longue” went viral and earned them millions of streams and views in 2021. They have received critical acclaim and recognition for their music. They won two Grammy Awards for Best Alternative Music Album and Best Alternative Music Performance.
I would say that Rhian Teasdale and Hester Chambers have a unique and refreshing guitar style. They blend indie rock, post-punk, indie pop, and Britpop influences. They use a variety of guitars and also different effects pedals, such as distortion, delay, reverb, and vocal effects. Let’s check out the brand-new guitar sound and style that they create in Wet Leg.
What to do next?
Wherever you are on your guitar sound journey, you always need some inspiration to grow as a guitarist. Check out our article about the most influential rock albums.
