Women Who Rock Celebrates International Guitar Month

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BY LAURA HARPER/WWR Staff Writer

April is International Guitar Month, and Women Who Rock is celebrating with this list of some of the most incredible female guitarists in the music industry. Although men’s names often dominate the list of the most influential guitar players in history, many women have helped to pave the way and make their mark on the industry with their incredible skills. While there are too many to name on this list alone, keep reading for some of our favorites.

1. Emily Wolfe

Wolfe started playing guitar when she was only five years old and has worked her way up to become one of the most incredible female guitarists in the music industry. You can catch her performance at the first Los Angeles 2022 Women Who Rock Benefit Concert at The Novo on Sunday, May 22 – you can purchase tickets here!

2. Orianthi

Women Who Rock is also a huge fan of Australian musician Orianthi, who has formed a solo music career in addition to working with such huge industry names like Alice Cooper and Michael Jackson. She has also released her own custom signature acoustic guitar in collaboration with Gibson Guitars.

3. H.E.R.

Gabriella Wilson, known professionally as H.E.R., is an incredible singer-songwriter who also knows how to rock out on an electric, acoustic, and bass guitar. H.E.R.’s music has won numerous awards throughout her career, all of which have been much deserved.

4. Sister Rosetta Tharpe

No list of influential guitarists would be complete without paying homage to the legacy left behind by female singer and guitarist Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Tharpe attained popularity in the 1930s and 40s through her use of spiritual lyrics and electric guitar, which helped lay the groundwork of modern rock and roll music.

5. St. Vincent

St. Vincent is a woman who does it all, with her career encompassing roles as a musician, singer, songwriter, actress, and producer. Her music has become known for its complex arrangements created through a variety of instruments, of which the notable guitar playing is all her own.

Honorable Mentions

·       Amythyst Kiah

·       Nancy Wilson

·       Bonnie Raitt

·       Joni Mitchell

·       Melissa Etheridge

·       Joan Jett

·       Marnie Stern

·       Mother Maybelle Carter

·       Lita Ford

·       Sharon Isbin