Playing guitar has too often been considered an instrument for guys. Names like Steve Vai, Paul Gilbert, Yngwie Malmsteen, Joe Satriani, Al DiMeola and Jeff Beck are thought to be at the top of guitar-playing world. As noted, all of these individuals are men.
Still, women have made their impact known in the world of guitar. One can argue, however, that while strides have been made in making the guitar an instrument in which girls/women can have a powerful voice, those strides are often overridden by the pangs of objectification in how these female guitarists are marketed.
Luckily, this blog does not serve as a platform for politics between genders. All we are simply saying is that guitar is not just “for the boys”. Girls/women are taking to the instrument with purpose, and what’s more, if not for the rather unfortunate ignorance of placing value on aesthetics rather than talent, one could see that girls/women and guitars have always been more than just a pretty face with a shiny instrument. Check out a small selection of female guitarists through the years. Enjoy!
Orianthi Panagaris:
Bonnie Raitt:
Sister Rosetta Tharpe:
Ana Vidovic:
