Trailblazing Female Guitarists in Blues and Rock

Trailblazing Female Guitarists in Blues Rock

By Martine Ehrenclou

The guitar has long been a symbol of freedom, rebellion, and artistic expression in both blues and rock music. While the spotlight has often shone on male guitarists, women have also been wielding this instrument with unparalleled skill and passion, reshaping the sound of the genres and breaking barriers along the way. From blues pioneers to modern rock virtuosos, here are some of the most influential female guitarists who have left an indelible mark on the music world. And some are under-recognized. Time to change that.

Below are just a few of the female blues rock greats. I couldn’t include absolutely everyone. However, if you want to add any favorites, please write their names in the comment section below.

Sister Rosetta Tharpe: The Original Guitar Hero
Sister Rosetta Tharpe is often credited as the godmother of rock ‘n’ roll, but her mastery of the electric guitar remains one of her most defining traits. With her gospel-infused playing style, she bridged the gap between blues, gospel, and early rock. Her innovative techniques, such as distortion and powerful picking, influenced guitar legends like Chuck Berry and Keith Richards. Songs like “Didn’t It Rain” and “Up Above My Head” showcase her pioneering talent.
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Memphis Minnie: A Blues Guitar Virtuoso
Memphis Minnie’s name is synonymous with blues guitar mastery. Known for her exceptional fingerpicking technique, she could hold her own against any male guitarist of her time. Minnie recorded over 200 songs, including classics like “When the Levee Breaks” and “Me and My Chauffeur Blues.” Her confidence and skill set a standard for female guitarists in the male-dominated world of blues.
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Bonnie Raitt: The Queen of Slide Guitar
A true blues-rock icon, Bonnie Raitt has carved out a legendary career as a singer, songwriter, and guitarist. Her slide guitar playing, soulful voice, and ability to blend blues, rock, and folk have earned her countless accolades. Albums like ‘Nick of Time,’ ‘Luck of the Draw’ and ‘Just Like That’ feature stunning guitar work that showcases her versatility and emotion. Raitt’s advocacy for blues music has also helped keep the genre alive for new generations. Raitt is the winner of 13 Grammy Awards.
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Joan Jett: Rock ‘n’ Roll Rebel
As the founder of The Runaways and later Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, Joan Jett brought a punk edge to rock ‘n’ roll with her raw guitar riffs and rebellious attitude. Known for hits like “Bad Reputation” and “I Love Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Jett’s straightforward, powerful guitar style became a defining element of her sound and solidified her status as one of rock’s most enduring icons.
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Nancy Wilson: The Heart of Heart
As a founding member of Heart, Nancy Wilson brought a melodic and dynamic guitar style to the band’s hard rock sound. Her acoustic fingerpicking on tracks like “Crazy on You” and electrifying riffs on “Barracuda” showcased her versatility as a guitarist. Wilson’s ability to blend intricate acoustic arrangements with hard-hitting rock anthems has made her a trailblazer for women in rock.
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Lita Ford: The Shredder Extraordinaire
Lita Ford’s blazing guitar solos and heavy metal edge set her apart in the rock world. Rising to fame as a member of The Runaways before launching a successful solo career, Ford became one of the few female guitarists to dominate the hard rock and heavy metal scene. Her hits like “Kiss Me Deadly” and her duet with Ozzy Osbourne, “Close My Eyes Forever,” highlight her technical prowess and rock star charisma.
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Susan Tedeschi: Blues Revivalist
Susan Tedeschi is a modern blues powerhouse, known for her soulful voice and searing guitar work. As part of the Tedeschi Trucks Band with her husband, Derek Trucks, she has carried the torch for blues and blues-rock into the 21st century. Songs like “Midnight in Harlem” demonstrate her ability to combine heartfelt vocals with masterful guitar playing, making her one of today’s leading blues guitarists.
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Orianthi: Modern Guitar Virtuoso
Australian guitarist Orianthi has become one of the most respected players in contemporary rock. Known for her work with legends like Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper, as well as her solo career, she combines technical precision with explosive stage presence. Her single “According to You” showcases her shredding abilities and pop-rock sensibilities, cementing her as a modern guitar hero.
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Joanne Shaw Taylor: Sultry Singer, Guitar Ace
#1 Billboard blues artist, Joanne Shaw Taylor is considered a virtuoso blues-rock guitarist, with one of the most soulful voices. A true artistic songwriter, she was discovered by Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics at the age of 16. She’s become a dynamic force in the blues-rock world. Her album ‘Heavy Soul’, was produced by Kevin Shirley, and ‘The Blues Album’ and ‘Blues From The Heart’ were produced by Joe Bonamassa and Josh Smith.
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Ana Popovic: The Serbian Blues Queen
Hailing from Serbia, Ana Popovic has built an international reputation as a blues guitarist with fiery technique and a dynamic stage presence. She seamlessly blends blues with elements of jazz, funk, and rock, as heard on albums like ‘Can You Stand the Heat’ and ‘Like It on Top.’ Her dedication to the craft has earned her accolades and a devoted global fanbase.
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Joanna Connor: Blues Rock Slide Guitar Master
Joanna Connor is a commanding presence in the worlds of blues and rock, celebrated for her fiery slide guitar mastery and deeply soulful voice. Alongside her band, The Wrecking Crew—an ensemble of exceptional musicians—Connor’s latest album, ‘Best of Me,’ showcases her unmatched talents. The album features a stellar lineup of special guests, including guitar legends Joe Bonamassa, Josh Smith, Gary Hoey, and Mike Zito, harmonica virtuoso Jason Ricci, saxophonist Eric Demmer, and the Groove line Horns.
A true force of nature, Connor has shared the stage with an illustrious array of blues royalty, including Buddy Guy, Jimmy Page, BB King, Robert Cray, ZZ Top, and Etta James, to name just a few. Renowned for her blistering slide guitar technique, she is widely regarded as a virtuoso. After relocating to Chicago, Connor quickly became a mainstay in the city’s vibrant blues scene, performing alongside legends like James Cotton, Junior Wells, and Buddy Guy.
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Samantha Fish: Dynamic Blues Rocker
From Kansas City, Missouri, Samantha Fish is one of the most dynamic blues forces in the world. A multi award-winning guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter, she’s known for her electrifying live performances and finesse on the fretboard. Her last critically acclaimed album ‘Faster,’ saw Fish digging deeper into rock and roll while still incorporating her love for blues and roots music. Collaborating with Jesse Dayton, she released her seventh album ‘Death Wish Blues’ that won a 2024 Grammy nomination.
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Carolyn Wonderland: Blues Guitar Maven
In 2018, iconic musician and bandleader John Mayall made history by selecting Carolyn Wonderland as the lead guitarist for his band, The Blues Breakers—the first woman ever to hold this prestigious role. This groundbreaking decision speaks volumes about her exceptional talent on the guitar. Known for her fiery six-string and lap steel mastery, Wonderland pairs her electrifying playing with powerful, soul-stirring vocals. Her music seamlessly weaves together blues, rock, country, and Americana, showcasing her originality and depth as an artist. With a reputation for unforgettable live performances, she has solidified her place as a true force in the music world.
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From the roots of the blues to the heights of rock stardom, female guitarists have consistently challenged norms, broken barriers, and expanded the possibilities of their instrument. Their contributions have not only enriched the genres they play but have also paved the way for future generations of women to pick up the guitar and make their mark. Whether through soulful blues licks, electrifying rock riffs, or innovative experimentation, these trailblazers remind us that the guitar is an instrument of expression—and women have always had a powerful voice in its story.

If you think I missed some of your blues-rock favorites, please add them in the comment section below.