The Greatest Female Guitarists of All Time
Issue #35
Venus Zine applauds 46 of the world's best
By Venus Zine Staff
Published: March 1st, 2008 | 12:25pm
Rolling Stone’s 2003 special issue about the “The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time” is an ambitious edition with Jimi Hendrix on the cover and accolades to the great players of our time. But the project is sorely lacking in female presence — there are only two women on the list: Joni Mitchell and Joan Jett.
To shine light on the great female guitarists of our time, we have selected 46 of the best based on an array of excellence factors, including either technical skill, standout performance, and style pioneering. To diversify the selection process, we invited guitar experts and music leaders from various genre backgrounds (read their bios below) to nominate their favorites.
Because of the large number of guitarist profiles, we've split up the editorial content into three postings. Click on the headlines below to read about Venus Zine's 46 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.
GUITARISTS A–G
Jennifer Batten
Christina Billotte
Kat Bjelland
Rory Block
Carrie Brownstein
Elizabeth Cotten
Brody Dalle
Kim Deal
Ani DiFranco
Tanya Donelly
Rosie Flores
Lita Ford
Suzi Gardner
GUITARISTS H–M
Sue Ann Harkey
Polly Jean Harvey
Jessie Mae Hemphill
Kristin Hersh
Chrissie Hynde
Sharon Isbin
Cordell Jackson
Joan Jett
Peggy "Lady Bo" Jones
Carol Kaye
Tara Key
Kaki King
Courtney Love
Lydia Lunch
Barbara Lynn
Christina Marrs
Satomi Matsumoto
Memphis Minnie
Joni Mitchell
GUITARISTS O–Z
Odetta
Pat Place
Liz Phair
Bonnie Raitt
Toshi Reagon
Michelle Shocked
Donita Sparks
Marnie Stern
Ruyter Suys
Sister Rosetta Tharpe
Mary Timony
Sarah Utter
Tal Wilkenfeld
Nancy Wilson
THE PANEL
Meet the experts who nominated the guitarists
Abigail Aronson Zocher earned her bachelors from New England Conservatory of Music in Classical Guitar Performance, studies with David Leisner, and earned their Chadwick Medal for the outstanding graduate of the year. She earned her masters in jazz studies, studying with Mick Goodrick, Cecil McBee, and George Garzone. She has been on the Berklee faculty since 1995 and is an associate professor in their world-renowned guitar department.
Kenneth Bays is the editor of Blues Revue, the world’s largest blues magazine. He has written about folk, blues, roots, and pop music for numerous online and print publications, including Performing Songwriter, American Songwriter, and the All Music Guide.
Calvin Johnson has been working with underground culture since childhood. He is the incubator of many media experiments, including K Records, and lives within walking distance of the Dub Narcotic studio in Olympia, Washington.
Evelyn McDonnell is the editorial director of MOLI.com. She is the author of three books including Mamarama: A Memoir of Sex, Kids and Rock ‘n’ Roll and Army of She: Icelandic, Iconoclastic, Irrepressible Björk. She coedited the anthologies Rock She Wrote: Women Write About Rock, Pop and Rap and Stars Don’t Stand Still in the Sky: Music and Myth. A former senior editor at the Village Voice and associate editor at SF Weekly, her writing has appeared in Ms., Rolling Stone, the New York Times, and Spin. Her 1996 cover story for Option on PJ Harvey was named best interview in a magazine by the Music Journalism Awards.
Amy Phillips is the senior news editor of Pitchforkmedia.com.
Jaan Uhelszki was one of the founding editors of Detroit’s legendary Creem magazine. Since that time, her work has appeared in leading publications including USA Today, Uncut, MOJO, Rolling Stone, Spin, NME, Guitar World, and the Village Voice. Currently a senior editor at Rhapsody, she is the only journalist to have ever performed in full makeup with Kiss.
Nan Warshaw co-founded Bloodshot Records in 1994. Prior to Bloodshot, she was a DJ at punk rock clubs and for college radio, an independent publicist, a bartender, a club buyer, an indie booking agent, and also did work in the non-profit sector. Today she sits on the advisory boards of the Future Of Music Coalition and Rock For Kids. The current Bloodshot roster features a range of indie rock bands with roots inflections including Firewater, Scotland Yard Gospel Choir, the Gore Gore Girls, Detroit Cobras, Graham Parker, and Waco Brothers.
Comments
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katie-ami (over 3 years)
You have GOT to hear Julia Muth of The Sharp Tongues! Amazing female guitarist! http://www.myspace.com/thesharptongues
soccerchick708 (over 3 years)
Allison Robertson of The Donnas is my idol and she's freaking AMAZING!!! http://www.thedonnas.com http://www.myspace.com/thedonnas and the sharp tongues kinda remind me of Sahara Hotnights. check them out, theyre awesome.
Portland (over 3 years)
Great list! You could have made it the "top 50" and added Emily Remler, Sara Jaffe (Erase Errata), Mary Osbourne, and Susan Tedeschi.
MollyDianne (over 3 years)
Although obviously biased, it is very disappointing not to see either Allison Robertson of the Donnas, a true guitar wizard who's natural connection with her instrument inspires almost anyone who sees her, or Erin Smith of Bratmobile who's unique style melding surf, twee and punk inspired so many girls to pick up a guitar and learn to play.
amyyelle (over 3 years)
Thank you for recognizing the artists that were sorely missed from the RS list! Unfortunately I must agree that Allison Robertson kicks A** and should be included!
decodestny (over 3 years)
This list is awesome. Even though she's not the new, younger people that others are talking about, I think that Charo should be there too! Although no one really thinks of her as a guitarist because of the bad 80's cameos on The Love Boat, I saw her on a special one day and she blew me away!
Egorock81 (over 3 years)
I can think of two obvious omissions (so obvious that it seems as though they were snubbed.) Juliana Hatfield who has dedicated herself to guitar playing, was the first female guitar columnist for Guitar World magazine and has a very signature style of chiming chords, fuzzed out solos and blues inspired progressions. I wonder if her tongue-in-cheek "girls can't play guitar" comments were taken a little too seriously. And where is Allison Robertson? She's a guitar god! I'm not going to name names but she could definitely outplay half of the women who made the list in both virtuosity and innovation! I wanna make a new list!
wannadrum (over 3 years)
I am really pleased that this article was published. Just to add my 2 cents worth, I think the most glaring ommission is Allison Robertson of The Donnas. Her technical abilities and soul make her guitar sing. Oh and Charo too - she is awesome!!!
OldBathwater (over 3 years)
Allison Robertson!
Michaela412 (over 3 years)
With all of the articles that you print on The Donnas, I am VERY surprised that you didn't take Allison Robertson into consideration.
Michaela412 (over 3 years)
With all of the articles that you print on The Donnas, I am VERY surprised that you didn't take Allison Robertson into consideration.
dmb70 (over 3 years)
Allison Robertson is the best guitarist of her generation, male or female. It is a huge oversight that she is not at the top of this list!
creoleladae (over 3 years)
Allison Robertson ring a bell? hello?!
davidlasky (over 3 years)
Without Maybelle Carter's name on it, this list is worth nothing. Read your history.
xjunkiecrueheadx (over 3 years)
This article shows you how much of a joke Venus Zine is. As a female guitarist/bass guitarist/drummer/pianist for over 15 years that listens to - and is influenced - by everything from country to jazz to metal to punk to boy bands, I can say without a shadow of doubt that Allison Robertson is the greatest female guitarist of all time. She's easily in the 10 for greatest guitarists of all time, male OR female. Any musician, music critic, or women's music "zine" should know that. Your "experts" that compiled this list disgust me and are a disgrace to the music community.
sterling74 (over 3 years)
CHEETIE KUMAR, Birds of Avalon.. She was the guitar player in the late great Cherry Valence and is now in the even better Birds of Avalon. Creative, inspiring, super Rockin' -- saw them open for Flaming Lips and she and the band were awesome ..
jojococo (over 3 years)
I have to agree with person who mentioned the omission of Juliana Hatfield. When i saw this list she was the first name i looked for. Keep in mind that there are many talented women on this list, but a bunch of them, like Courtney or even liz phair, they don't play lead guitar, they play rhythm guitar, there's a big difference. On at least five of Juliana's albums, she is credited as the sole guitarist. That is a much rarer thing than you might think. (not to mention the fact that she also produces most of her albums herself and is insanely prolific.:)
jojococo (over 3 years)
I have to agree with person who mentioned the omission of Juliana Hatfield. When i saw this list she was the first name i looked for. Keep in mind that there are many talented women on this list, but a bunch of them, like Courtney or even liz phair, they don't play lead guitar, they play rhythm guitar, there's a big difference. On at least five of Juliana's albums, she is credited as the sole guitarist. That is a much rarer thing than you might think. (not to mention the fact that she also produces most of her albums herself and is insanely prolific.:)
arlan (over 3 years)
Allison Robertson. http://www.queersighted.com/2007/09/20/mcphee-might-get-jealous-but/
dawn-aeron (over 3 years)
OK, WHERE is the amazing WATA from Boris?? Good lord!
robbie02539 (over 3 years)
I get the impression that you guys are too young to declare the expertise to create this list. Whether or not that's the reason you obviously do not have the expertise. The omission of Ellen McElwaine is inexcusable and leaves a giant gaping hole in this list.
catchy (over 3 years)
It's been said several times already but the omission of Allison Robertson is shocking! With Jaan and Amy Philips on this panel I would have expected to see Ms. Robertson on your short list. The inclusion of Courtney Love makes me wonder if you guys thought at all about talent and more about headliners in the market. Kudos on the Mary Timony nod, I'm not sure there is anyone who rivals her male or female in the indie rock genre. I also have to mention The Duchess (Diddley.)
AmySchroeder (over 3 years)
Thanks so much for all the feedback on the "Greatest Female Guitarists" feature. It's interesting to read everyone's feedback. We've been getting a lot of positive letters, e-mails, and postcards at the office, so thanks to everyone for that. We've also been getting a load of "why-didn't-you-include-my-neighbor-on-your-list"–type letters. This is the first time we've done a feature of this nature -- the first time we've done a comprehensive list and the first time we've enlisted a panel to nominate the "winners." In short, it was a real learning process. The biggest lesson I learned is that you can't please everyone, though I spend a lot of my time trying to do exactly that. I'm glad that we were able to recognize a lot of talented guitarists. We'll publish some of these comments in our upcoming summer issue, out June 1. Sincerely, Amy Schroeder Editor & Founder Venus Zine
REFISHBACK (over 3 years)
I WISH TO DIRECT YOUR ATTENTION TO A MS, JANNA JORDAN FROM TULSA OK. WHO HAS BEEN LOCALLY WELL RECEIVED IN HER BAND DOWNFORFIVE.COM AND ALSO THE BAND PHENOM. DOWN FOR FIVE WAS INVITED TO PLAY THE MAIN STAGE AT ROCKLAHOMA AND YOU HAVE TO BE KILLER TO EVEN GET A SIDE STAGE. SHE HAS BEEN ACCLAIMED BY SOME AND THE CURRENT NO. 1 GUITARIST IN HEAVY METAL IN THE WORLD. I INVITE YOU TO GET ON THEIR WEBSITE DOWNFORFIVE.COM AND BE SURE TO PLAY THE TUNE DARKEST HOUR. THIS IS A RENDITION OF A NIGHT MARE AND HER SOLO WILL EXTABLISH HER AT THE TOP OF THE HEAP. ALSO. SEARCH PHENOM TULSA MYSPACE AND SEE HER DO A JIMI HENDRIX OF THE STAR SPANGLED BANNER. LOOK AT THE PICS, LISTEN AND WATCH, AND YOU WILL AGREE A NEW STAR HAS BEEN BORN. THE NEXT FEMALE ICON. I AM NOT ASSOCIATED WITH THESE BANDS.
REFISHBACK (over 3 years)
i wish to make a correction re janna jordan. she has been acclaimed as the top FEMALE rock guitarist.
SINGAPORE_SLING (over 2 years)
You can't get a hunert bitches on this lisr? Ani DiFranco... great guitarist...what a fucking strecth! Liz Phair writes great songs but can hardly be called a guitar player. You are illegitimizing yourself with all this filler. GET FUCKING REAL!
Amarillo_Fats (over 2 years)
No list is complete with out--Kelly Johnson--from Girlschool..she goes back to later 70's and early 80's....it has been said she was ahead of here time,,,but i have been blessed to have seen many great guitarists over the years.....and when i saw Kelly in San Franscisco in 82' she was on fire...the best female electric guitar in the world...and i realize there are great female guitarists now...but for 1982 on one night...she was the best female guitarist i had ever seen and probably better than half the males...she was that good and that night proceeded to "blow the roof off that dump" Check Kelly Johnson memrial, "furnite fire", "race with the devel...that will make you a believer....... Amarillo Fats.......Amarillo, Texas
guitarlover (over 2 years)
What about Tiik Pollet. Hear her guitar licks at www.myspace.com/tiikmusic
sw10ny (over 2 years)
Most of you missed the Early 70's or Ellen McIlwaine would be on this list. She's right up there with Bonnie Raitt and in the same style. Remarkable slide player.
roar (over 2 years)
Great list. This rippin guitarist underground guitar weilding chick should be up there on the top, Mary-T www.mary-t.com
jimmys (about 1 year)
How is this list possible without Juliana Hatfield or Louise Post? They pretty much blow 90% of this "list" out of the water on guitar.
bron (about 1 year)
The problem is the name of the article: The Greatest FEMALE GUITARISTS Of All Time. Just about every comment points out that many in the list are NOT great guitarists, but there are significant guitarists left out. Rename the article to be more representative of the context of the women in the list and it will raise less objections. Something like: The Greatest FEMINIST GUITAR PLAYERS Of All Time Problems also arise if you omit Orianthi. When Santana and Vai say Orianthi is at their level, then she is definitely one of THE Greatest Female Guitarists Of All Time. Check for yourself: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7b-_YcACuQ
Tara (about 1 year)
Whattya think? www.myspace.com/taraschmitt
Tara (about 1 year)
More... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sA82uu3KE74&feature=BF&list=UL&index=1
Wanderer (about 1 year)
its an old post I know, anyway... I don't think at all the list done by Rolling Stone is ambitious, if 98 men are the best of all time, so be it. There are great female guitarists I know, but if they're not in Rolling Stone's list, it just means they weren't good enough, simple like that. I see this list just as another display of feminism, which is just as bad as machismo.
Barb Bernhardt (about 1 year)
I think you missed the boat by leaving Nina Gerber and Laura Love off the list. Okay, Laura's a bass player, but she is a maverick and a bass player that most guys can't keep up with.
palegreen (about 1 year)
I agree with JimmyS. Where is Julianna Hatfield and Louise Post? LP has a rockin' solo in almost every song. Amazing!
JT (about 1 year)
No Melissa Etheridge or either one of the Indigo Girls (Amy Ray or Emily Saliers) on the list? Really?!!
wamrjamr (8 months)
Ever heard of Debbie Davies.
cinzen (8 months)
Even though I realize it's impossible to please everyone, you do mention technical skill was a factor to take into account...so...Where the hell is the Great Kat! The fastest of all female shredders!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JxKbdu7L_8
michael sousa (7 months)
One listen to Steph Paynes Of Lez Zeppelin is all you would need, the most powerful female guitarist to date. http://www.lezzeppelin.com/
therackealjackbl (6 months)
for consideration: Melissa Etheridge and Shannon Curfman
Tristan VAnce (5 months)
Seriously how could you overlook Allison Rae Robertson from the Donnas?
Francis (4 months)
Wendy Melvoin?
Jawbone McKay (4 months)
Evidently, You judges have never seen Carolyn Wonderland. Your picks are damned good but Carolyn is pure platinum on six instruments. Have a happy
leesa (3 months)
I agree with mike Sousa and jawbone McQueen...Steph Paynes from Lez zep is not only an amazing guitarist but charasmatic as we'll. Carolyn wonderland is the hardest working musician out there. I've watched her grow into an amazing guitarist along with her beautiful voice...how else could you be known as bob Dylan's favorite songwriter? Maybe I'm bias...I play drums behind Steph and used to behind wonderland! They both rock in my book and have more talent in their pinkies than SOME of the picks. You can't win em all though!
Snookums (3 months)
Time to update the list with a dark-horse, sensation, Juliette Valduriez (24), from Paris!!!
Blaine (about 1 month)
You guys forgot June Millington of Fanny, the first all-girl rock back signed to a major label contract. She's on Facebook, go look!
jon maye (3 days)
My dear "experts"....y'all really need to brush up on your female guitarist knowledge. A GLARING omission: http://www.ronnicrooks.com/