Top 10 Female Guitarists of All Time

Sdílet
Vložit
  • čas přidán 5. 06. 2024
  • Talented, innovative or just plain entertaining, these six-stringers of the female variety know how to get the party rolling. Join www.WatchMojo.com as we count down our picks for the top 10 female guitarists of all time. Check us out at / watchmojo , / watchmojo and / watchmojo . Also, check out our interactive Suggestion Tool at www.WatchMojo.com/suggest :)
    Special thanks to our users Adriana Cardona, HollyElysse, Alex Trujillo and Gabrielle Dickinson for submitting the idea on our Suggest Page at WatchMojo.com/suggest
    Check out the voting page here,
    watchmojo.com/suggest/Top%20Te...
    If you want to suggest an idea for a WatchMojo video, check out our interactive Suggestion Tool at www.WatchMojo.com/suggest :)
    We have T-Shirts! Be sure to check out www.WatchMojo.com/store for more info.
    WatchMojo is a leading producer of reference online video content, covering the People, Places and Trends you care about.
    We update DAILY with 2-3 Top 10 lists, Origins, Biographies, Versus clips on movies, video games, music, pop culture and more!
  • Zábava

Komentáře • 12K

  • @ecneb
    @ecneb Před 3 lety +440

    Thank you for recognizing Mabelle Carter and Sister Rosetta Tharpe. Their contributions to music has been long overlooked.

    • @riannarobinson6727
      @riannarobinson6727 Před 3 lety +16

      Came here to say that very thing.

    • @tjwash5118
      @tjwash5118 Před 3 lety +20

      For people to start calling your playing style using your name (Carter scratch) you know you’ve excelled. She influenced the way a whole generation played guitar, I think she deserved a #1 ranking for that reason alone.

    • @catherinewooldridge9981
      @catherinewooldridge9981 Před 3 lety +7

      @@tjwash5118 well said. She opened the door for rockers today.

    • @pennyfarmer1423
      @pennyfarmer1423 Před 3 lety +6

      I'm glad they where in the pick also

    • @John_Henry83
      @John_Henry83 Před 2 lety +4

      Kids today do no know who they are, Just like they will never know who Rev, Gary Davis was.

  • @briangoad803
    @briangoad803 Před 3 lety +303

    Nancy' Wilson's intro to crazy on you is the best ever.

  • @jtoland2333
    @jtoland2333 Před 2 lety +37

    Loved this. I am surprised that Melissa Etheridge, Chrissie Hynde or Dolly Parton weren't at least on the list as honorable mention. Dolly has never really been recognized for her skills as a guitar player.
    At any rate, enjoyed it. Thanks.

    • @Dragondude2525
      @Dragondude2525 Před 2 lety +2

      Same here. Also surprised they didn’t get a single mention. Also kinda annoyed there was no mention of Charo.

  • @marshaflorom4220
    @marshaflorom4220 Před 2 lety +45

    Nancy Wilson gets my vote ! What a musician!!

  • @citywide2932
    @citywide2932 Před 4 lety +140

    Nancy Wilson should have been 1st. Saw Heart in the late 70's. We were really close to the stage. During the intro to Crazy on You, before the final strumming, she stopped, threw the pick into the audience, and strummed with her fingers. That's Rock and Roll!

    • @Obamafan6861
      @Obamafan6861 Před 4 lety +3

      Also saw them in the late 70's/early 80's, multiple times. Nancy is phenomenal. Crazy on You intro is the best ever. Everyone pretty much holds their breath anticipating that first electric downstroke. They were so damn good.

    • @nigel8649
      @nigel8649 Před 4 lety

      @@Obamafan6861 Nancy didn't play guitar

    • @Obamafan6861
      @Obamafan6861 Před 4 lety +2

      @@nigel8649 What?

    • @kevinshiley9061
      @kevinshiley9061 Před 4 lety +4

      @Nigel you better check your facts before opening the pie hole!!!

  • @krjourneyfan78
    @krjourneyfan78 Před 4 lety +72

    Another vote for Nancy Wilson in the number 1 slot.

  • @thicksteve1761
    @thicksteve1761 Před 3 lety +20

    Sister Rosseta Thorpe was so badass. Adds to why i love my SG so much!!

  • @newmexrob99
    @newmexrob99 Před 2 lety +143

    Agree to disagree, Nancy Wilson will always be one of the greatest guitar players of all time , male or female. Seriously under rated . She never needed a stage gimmick to enhance her music. She just let it rip...

    • @DJ7mph
      @DJ7mph Před 2 lety +5

      Couldn’t agree more. Seen Nancy live a few times. She brought it every time from start to finish. I flip her and Leta.

    • @kennethschwartz9351
      @kennethschwartz9351 Před rokem

      Isn't female and guitarist a contradiction?

    • @lala9407
      @lala9407 Před rokem +2

      ​@@kennethschwartz9351 wdym

    • @jimlandreth6740
      @jimlandreth6740 Před rokem

      Umm to think Nancy compares to the best guitarists is stupid. She’s just as good as Jimi or Eddie or Nuno…just ridiculous

    • @Brando_Magnifico
      @Brando_Magnifico Před 9 měsíci

      You my friend are ignorant

  • @jeremytandrews9577
    @jeremytandrews9577 Před 4 lety +164

    I love Lita Ford, thought she might be #1.....but after seeing the list, I am amazed at some of the other women. But truly Nancy Wilson should be the top pick.( Lita would agree)🤙

    • @content4502
      @content4502 Před 4 lety +4

      Rosetta Tharp invented rnr

    • @jamescoleman8954
      @jamescoleman8954 Před 4 lety

      Jeremyt Andrews I agree 100% Ann Wilson is better than Lita

  • @williamhoward7121
    @williamhoward7121 Před 5 lety +169

    Anyone who has seen Nancy Wilson up close and live (I worked stage security during Hearts heyday) Knows she is the best overall guitar player period!

    • @stephenpaxman1208
      @stephenpaxman1208 Před 5 lety

      LOSER

    • @davidyj9013
      @davidyj9013 Před 5 lety +10

      Absolutely!

    • @bobs_coasterexperience3025
      @bobs_coasterexperience3025 Před 3 lety +1

      Best overall guitar player period? I assume you mean WOMEN. I can name 40 better guitarists overall as far as guys, ok maybe not 40 but you know what I mean. 20 at least though. With that said for women you definitely have an argument.

    • @LuckyTown77
      @LuckyTown77 Před 2 lety +6

      Well, we can all love who we love. Nancy stole the heart of anyone who stood close to her, live, in the mid 70's. I'm still there.

    • @MichaelPop72
      @MichaelPop72 Před 2 lety

      Yeah, sure you did. 🤣

  • @johnstadelman4022
    @johnstadelman4022 Před 2 lety +17

    I saw Heart play Texas Jam one year and Nancy Wilson took my breath away!

  • @diegobarros758
    @diegobarros758 Před 2 lety +25

    It’s amazing how Michael Jackson had a good taste for guitarists. Jennifer Batten, Orianthi…a true legend.

    • @subraxas
      @subraxas Před 2 lety +5

      Jackson had also hired Steve Stevens, Slash or Eddie Van Halen, among others.

    • @dharmaofdog7676
      @dharmaofdog7676 Před 11 měsíci

      Agree and I think Quincy Jones might have had a little something to do with that ;)

    • @rhysfielding8171
      @rhysfielding8171 Před 24 dny

      then he casually just had eddie van halen do beat it entirely for free

  • @maureennolan2784
    @maureennolan2784 Před 5 lety +137

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe--Wow! Blending folk, blues and gospel before rock 'n roll! Her music and voice and presentation are soooooo good.

    • @stevenmac9158
      @stevenmac9158 Před 5 lety +9

      Totally agree! She was the godmother of rock 'n roll.

    • @Mulder25j
      @Mulder25j Před 5 lety +2

      This is the first time I've heard of her.

    • @juliaraymond2407
      @juliaraymond2407 Před 5 lety +4

      IKR? how culture has silenced the greats. I have never heard of her, and am very dissapointed of that fact, she was great! She was doin it before doin it was doin it!

    • @PanglossDr
      @PanglossDr Před 5 lety +5

      Why was she not No 1?

    • @dkpqzm
      @dkpqzm Před 5 lety +5

      Agreed! Just watching her skip to the beat in those high heels and the donning that coat makes her ultimate punk!! She must have blown 1940's American minds and triggered the "Rock n Roll is dangerous" movement.

  • @vanessajazp6341
    @vanessajazp6341 Před 5 lety +89

    Seems Nancy is the big winner in the unofficial fan poll here.
    I think Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Nancy Wilson are definitely 1 & 2.

    • @jeremytandrews9577
      @jeremytandrews9577 Před 4 lety +1

      Vanessa P yup🤙, good call

    • @neetrab
      @neetrab Před 4 lety

      @Patrick Names exactly. I feel disrespected for her!

  • @tomsmith5216
    @tomsmith5216 Před 2 lety +79

    I'll go with Nancy Wilson as #1. She's incredible

  • @pamelalynndonovan923
    @pamelalynndonovan923 Před 8 měsíci

    Lita Ford, Joan Jett and Nancy Wilson are my top favs , and loved this video! Thanks for sharing!

  • @thomaslombardo3401
    @thomaslombardo3401 Před 5 lety +113

    No one plays like Nancy Wilson. She should be at the top of the list.

    • @eileengallagher5931
      @eileengallagher5931 Před 5 lety +2

      I agree with you

    • @leecowell8165
      @leecowell8165 Před měsícem

      Tina S.. guitar GOD. She ain't even a Prodigy she's a Savant! Don't believe it? Watch the first 15 SECONDS of her cover of Beetoveen's 3rd Moonlight Sonata. Just the first 15 seconds never mind about the next 5:45 seconds that she rips off over 7 notes per SECOND without missing a single one!

  • @joeg3763
    @joeg3763 Před 8 lety +393

    Lita Ford can jam, but I'm thinking Nancy Wilson brings more technical prowess.

    • @yaboi2500
      @yaboi2500 Před 8 lety +23

      Nancy brings speed and technicality.

    • @johnvanwijngaarden4632
      @johnvanwijngaarden4632 Před 8 lety +34

      I don't see Lita Ford in the Rock & Roll HALL of Fame, where the Wilson sisters definitely are. At their inauguration the announcer specifically stated Nancy being able to out-play many males in the business.... in short MoJo just slapped a list together without having a clue as to what they're saying.

    • @superjbailey1
      @superjbailey1 Před 7 lety +10

      Agreed!

    • @martinkuliza
      @martinkuliza Před 7 lety +13

      as they usually do, so.. why are you suprised.
      i think the entire internet knows that MOJO Lists are a load of bullshit and usually contain little to no research, but aim at ratings and subs

    • @stevemtc1
      @stevemtc1 Před 7 lety +3

      Joe G correct

  • @kristygiles2241
    @kristygiles2241 Před 2 lety +7

    Saw Lita Ford in concert last month, she was amazing live!

  • @BonnChnd
    @BonnChnd Před rokem +8

    I have listened to them all for most of my 62 years and for many reasons Nancy is # 1. If we could all sit down, smoke a bowl and listen to these ladies jam I could talk about those reasons. Lastly, I think if Annie Clark became more mainstream she could play a true killer rock guitar. She makes it look so easy, but I don’t think she will change her style. Nancy # 1!

  • @EricRoberts2112
    @EricRoberts2112 Před 4 lety +75

    While a huge fan of Lita Ford, I would have put her at #2 and Put Nancy Wilson at #1 as Nancy was a pioneer of rock guitar goddesses and paved the way those that came later...even the Runaways...

    • @chrispetritsch4959
      @chrispetritsch4959 Před 4 lety +3

      Lita Ford has been passed by loads of other female guitarists and she was never all that good anyway.

    • @ashleybower8600
      @ashleybower8600 Před 4 lety

      Agreed. I am a big fan of Lita’s, but absolutely would have been okay with her not being number 1. Personally, I’m just happy to see her included at all, since so often people tend to forget her entirely in favor of Joan.

    • @nigel8649
      @nigel8649 Před 4 lety

      Nancy Didn't play guitar

  • @rixpix2957
    @rixpix2957 Před 3 lety +59

    Sister Tharpe stroking that SG just makes me smile!

    • @briancandeland2113
      @briancandeland2113 Před 3 lety +4

      The 'Didn't it Rain' clip was filmed less than a mile from where I live. The station is long gone but I often walk past the spot

  • @jamesoconnor8044
    @jamesoconnor8044 Před 2 lety +10

    Loved your choice of Lita Ford, I painted graphics on many of her B.C. Rich guitars back in the 80s. However you missed one of the greatest Flamenco guitarists of all time, Charro !

  • @markhalstead2386
    @markhalstead2386 Před rokem +24

    Nancy Wilson is my favorite female guitarist of all time. She definitely deserves number 1.

  • @chrisb1953
    @chrisb1953 Před 8 lety +403

    It was good to see Sister Rosetta Tharpe on the list, a true trailblazer. I'm sure guys such as Chuck Berry and Billy Gibbons have a lot to thank her for.

    • @guyfroml
      @guyfroml Před 8 lety +3

      Absolutely!

    • @joseaquino8773
      @joseaquino8773 Před 8 lety +3

      I think Berry has a lot more to thank for to Muddy Waters and his idol, T-Bone Walker and C&W white players that inspired him. Dunno if she has any influence on him at all.

    • @LincolnFStern
      @LincolnFStern Před 8 lety +33

      Except for the small fact that he explicitly listed her as an inspiration. But what does Chuck Berry know eh?

    • @iamnumfive
      @iamnumfive Před 7 lety +13

      I never heard of her till now and I am definitly a convert. Would have loved to have seen Sister Rosetta and Bonnie Raitt jam together.

    • @leslawrence3865
      @leslawrence3865 Před 7 lety +9

      Am I in the minority or majority when I say Bonnie Raitt is very very sexy. VERY.

  • @joycesreed140
    @joycesreed140 Před 3 lety +84

    Looooooove Nancy Wilson...... her riffs are CRAZY!

  • @duchovny2
    @duchovny2 Před 3 lety +27

    I imagine if Rosetta were around today, she’d be blowing everyone’s minds

  • @milesofentertainment
    @milesofentertainment Před rokem +10

    Samantha Fish. She rocks, kills a soft ballad, can play the blues with anybody. Great live show. We're all about guitar and she's been at the top of our playlists for several years and has her own "Best of" playlist on our channel. That's guitar God country with players like Duane Allman, Prince, Frank Zappa, Mick Taylor and a handful of others. For those not familiar think of the resulting child of a Janis Joplin and Stevie Ray union. She's just an incredible talent-singer, songwriter and guitarist. That being said, we like everybody on your list and would recommend viewers check out more of Sister Rosetta Tharpe. She's a truly historic figure in music and an extremely influential guitar player. Way ahead of her time.

    • @bradfordskelley
      @bradfordskelley Před rokem +2

      Agreed!

    • @michaelcraig9449
      @michaelcraig9449 Před 5 měsíci +1

      Samantha Fish is great, so is her sister. Amanda. Check out Ally Venable band, she really rocks.

  • @TormentorRain
    @TormentorRain Před 4 lety +131

    Nancy Wilson all day for top female guitarist ever

    • @ryansmurda1552
      @ryansmurda1552 Před 4 měsíci

      No question. Definitely #1

    • @leecowell8165
      @leecowell8165 Před měsícem +1

      Tina S... the guitar GOD on this rock from the day she was born... Gifted ain't even the word she's not even a Prodigy shes a Savant. Nobody (male or female) touches Tina's guitar playing world she plays in her own league.
      Oh, you think not? Try searching her her on YT she's all over this place. Then see what the reactors say about her don't take MY word for it.. this girl IS a fucken GOD! I forewarn you though... she is NOT a "showy" type. Many think she's not very emotional or even seems to be "detached" from reality. Better think again!

    • @ryansmurda1552
      @ryansmurda1552 Před měsícem

      @leecowell8165 I watched her videos. She's an amazingly talented guitar player. No question about it. But who's ever even heard of her? Ive been listening to rock music my entire life and never heard of her until a few hours ago. Best guitarist of all time !? Male or female !? ......Come on! There's more to greatest guitarist than technical ability.

  • @robertschultz7108
    @robertschultz7108 Před 6 lety +669

    With all do respect, the top 10 are well deserving , but Nancy Wilson is hands down #1

  • @lawrencetaylor4101
    @lawrencetaylor4101 Před 2 lety +4

    Good list, though I don't know some of the newer guitarists. However, I would have put June Millington of Fanny on the list, and not as an honorable mention. Those ladies rocked.

  • @JFG46
    @JFG46 Před 2 lety +5

    I was surprised not to see Allison Robertson of The Donnas not on this list. More of a traditional straight rock guitar player but she holds up for me in the same vein as a Malcolm / Angus Young combo. If I was putting together a rock band today she would be at the top of my list to recruit.

    • @markcampbell7554
      @markcampbell7554 Před 2 lety

      Excellent choice! I LOVE Allison Robertson! She is very talented and very underrated. Some of the choices on this list are really not known as great guitarists and they left out many that deserve to be on the list.

  • @rocketreindeer
    @rocketreindeer Před 3 lety +89

    All great, but Nancy Wilson is literally my hero. Her Crazy On You intro among other things is unshakably epic. Adding to her mojo is her genuinely unassuming personality. Even though she's not a self-promoter, t's really hard to forget her.

    • @larrycoker8093
      @larrycoker8093 Před 2 lety +5

      I agree with you Rocket and yeah, her intro on "Crazy On You" is absolutely great. I might be dumb for asking you this, but have you ever heard her acoustic playing on "Love Alive" from their "Little Queen" album from 1977? You know, she can hold her own on electric guitar, but she really shines on acoustic!

    • @aliceinwonderland887
      @aliceinwonderland887 Před rokem +4

      Yes that piece at the beginning will be legendary 100 years from now like Bach or Beethoven, for real.

    • @kaypowell407
      @kaypowell407 Před rokem +4

      Crazy on You intro gives me goose bumps

  • @Dafuqusay
    @Dafuqusay Před 3 lety +104

    I love Lita Ford but I'd certainly give the nod to Nancy for #1. If bass guitarists were allowed in this list, Suzie Quatro belongs as well.

    • @kakhabergulisashvili3971
      @kakhabergulisashvili3971 Před 3 lety +1

      How about Ida Nielsen?! She is best from bass guitar players! N:1! Rhonda Smith also is bass guitar player of world-сlass!.. And why author shouldn't have included bass players in this list is also unclear.

    • @awakeandalive4248
      @awakeandalive4248 Před 3 lety +4

      Yeah agree but Lita ford easily the hottest female guitarist, sexiest and the prettiest female guitarist ever.

    • @TheKrazysexykool
      @TheKrazysexykool Před 3 lety +6

      I concur. Nancy Wilson should have been #1

    • @angiegordin1018
      @angiegordin1018 Před 2 lety +1

      @@awakeandalive4248 she sure is! I’m on team Lita! Best guitar hero!

  • @stephaniesayer7191
    @stephaniesayer7191 Před 2 lety +1

    Y'all had me on the edge of my seat thinking for sure you'd forget about Lita. Great list, great artists!

  • @kevinb3812
    @kevinb3812 Před 2 lety +1

    You did pretty good here! I also like Patty Larkin and Rory Block. Both can get after it. Rory is acoustic blues and Patty has incandescent solos on acoustic and she’s a singer-songwriter.

  • @Rollin_L
    @Rollin_L Před 4 lety +45

    Having just seen Heart this week, with Joan Jett opening, the timing is good for a comment. Jett is amazing. I've not seen the others on this list perform live, but I was in high school when the Wilson sisters were tearing up the radio in their 20s, and now they are tearing down venues still in their 60s. No question in my mind. Nancy Wilson is No 1.

    • @vipelviramotd
      @vipelviramotd Před 2 lety +1

      That was a truly great concert. Both girls know their guitars.

  • @justcuz9837
    @justcuz9837 Před 4 lety +64

    Nancy IS and forever the best! Sister Rosetta Tharp is bad ass too!

  • @cynsini9211
    @cynsini9211 Před 2 lety +10

    I love Kaki King's sound. And Prince once told wannabe guitarists to listen to Joni to learn their "colors".

  • @cree8vision
    @cree8vision Před 2 lety +2

    My list most of whom were pioneers: Carol Kaye, June Millington(Fanny), Annie Clark, Gretchen Mann, Mary Ford, Poison Ivy, Liona Boyd, Nita Strauss

    • @kevinb3812
      @kevinb3812 Před 2 lety +1

      Nice list! I like your taste. Carol Kaye! Yes.

  • @BBoardman81
    @BBoardman81 Před 4 lety +116

    Theres ZERO EXCUSE to have Nancy Wilson at 2 and not 1. I dont care what the parameters for the video are.
    Nancy is number 1.
    Period.

    • @Excitable101
      @Excitable101 Před 4 lety +2

      Also, no Lita Ford.

    • @chefpegleg1
      @chefpegleg1 Před 4 lety +3

      The only excuse to have Nancy at number 2 is if Bonnie Raitt is number 1. If it's My list Bonnie and Nancy are number 1a and 1b. I couldn't choose which one to put above the other.

    • @bogus696996
      @bogus696996 Před 4 lety

      your personal preference

    • @bogus696996
      @bogus696996 Před 4 lety

      @@Excitable101 she was #1

    • @thomashickey3195
      @thomashickey3195 Před 3 lety +1

      Nancy Wilson is a good guitarist but no one rocks like Lita she makes that guitar talk.

  • @AnnieJohnsonRock
    @AnnieJohnsonRock Před 4 lety +195

    Nancy Wilson should be #1. She's had a consistently creative career for DECADES. She's great on acoustic AND electric. She's still out there playing. All the others are influential and great guitarists in their own right, but Nancy is #1.

    • @content4502
      @content4502 Před 4 lety

      Carol Kaye

    • @7JANEWAY
      @7JANEWAY Před 4 lety +3

      @@content4502 Carol Kaye, as one of the Wrecking Crew, certainly deserves a spot on this list, for she opened the door for those who followed her.
      However--though she played guitar, she was best known for playing bass, which could be one reason she's not on this list.

    • @courtneywhite8470
      @courtneywhite8470 Před 4 lety +2

      Not only guitarist, mandolin, piano, and an amazing vocalist in her own right!!!

    • @7JANEWAY
      @7JANEWAY Před 4 lety

      Courtney White Are you talking about Carol Kaye, because I don’t think she sang?

    • @courtneywhite8470
      @courtneywhite8470 Před 4 lety +2

      @@7JANEWAY nope. Same thing everyone's talking about. Nancy Wilson

  • @pshattuck1
    @pshattuck1 Před 2 lety +4

    An up and coming talent that certainly deserves Honorable Mention, is Maddy Rice. She’s played in Stay Human and is currently in the Saturday Night Live house band. Stay tuned, as this talented Guitarist continues her rise to fame!

  • @cliffordjones4262
    @cliffordjones4262 Před 2 lety

    This list is awesome... seeing some of the old school gals was enlightening... you should do a list of vocalists... I'd love to see that

  • @billf7816
    @billf7816 Před 4 lety +59

    Nancy Wilson is the best!!! The quality of her songs blows the others away!

  • @trevinmorgan345
    @trevinmorgan345 Před 4 lety +148

    Nancy Wilson deserves the #1 spot, hands down. Also, Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls should be on here. Check out her live guitar solos on "Land of Canaan" and "Galileo." They are amazing.

  • @brucewilson1958
    @brucewilson1958 Před 2 lety

    My friend Mac Hayden taught Bonnie how to play slide. He was in the influential bands Barefoot Jerry and Area Code 615, which is the area code of Nashville. About 1970 Guitar Player described Mac as the Jimmy Hendrix of the Slide Guitar.

  • @richardsuter1230
    @richardsuter1230 Před 3 lety +10

    We need a longer list; I would have loved to see Liz Phair & PJ Harvey

  • @hestheMaster
    @hestheMaster Před 5 lety +70

    Sister Rosetta Tharpe was a legend before Rock and Roll was ever thought of.

    • @oscarfernandez387
      @oscarfernandez387 Před 5 lety +4

      She should be #2 behind Nancy Wilson

    • @neetrab
      @neetrab Před 4 lety +7

      @@oscarfernandez387 uh, she should be #1. Exactly!! I was actually shocked she wasn't #1 and felt completely disrespected for her that she wasnt even in the top 5. Smh she should be #1 just for her massive influence alone! And how do they not put her performance of "up above my head" on here?? Gigantic *FAIL* .

    • @wandafoxx3097
      @wandafoxx3097 Před 4 lety +6

      Agree. Rosetta broke the Mold. She opened up the Levee for Rock and Roll

    • @MasonBarge
      @MasonBarge Před 4 lety +3

      With you on that. Rosetta could have given lessons to Chuck Berry . . . Well, maybe she did.

  • @jenniferstinebaugh204
    @jenniferstinebaugh204 Před 5 lety +111

    Nancy Wilson is my number one ..the way she so flawlessly slays the beginning of crazy on you omg she's a goddess of the guitar ..love her so much!...great list i respect any woman who can pick up a guitar and show some of these guys whos boss!

    • @wesloroff646
      @wesloroff646 Před 5 lety

      GAWD the way she shredded on Crazy On You...My gawd no one else coulda come up with that shit (if Nancy hadnt done it 1st). Imagine any one else doing that?

    • @fakshen1973
      @fakshen1973 Před 5 lety +3

      I'm in Club Nancy. She has the entire toolkit: phenomenal guitarist, touring monster, excellent songwriter, and just owns the entire stage with her presence... and she did it all of it in a shitty behind-the-scenes era for female rock artists. There's nothing wrong with Ford. But Wilson checks all the boxes.

    • @stephenpaxman1208
      @stephenpaxman1208 Před 5 lety

      LOSER

  • @tyrssen1
    @tyrssen1 Před 2 lety +2

    Saw Heart in Detroit when their first album came out. Absolutely fantastic!

  • @mekrabj2901
    @mekrabj2901 Před 3 lety +15

    I loved this list. How ever I'll take Bonnie Raitt as my number one. A kick ass woman playing slide guitar with a glass bottle neck? Come on. She can sing hard beat songs as well as ballads.

  • @kennethsizer6217
    @kennethsizer6217 Před 3 lety +79

    Joan Jett: Why do we all know her name?
    Because, after being shown the door by TWENTY-THREE record companies, she DID NOT GIVE UP.

    • @rockahbilly76
      @rockahbilly76 Před 2 lety +4

      Over-rated skank. Couldn't play or sing her way out of Biden's soiled Depends.

    • @georgeorwell126
      @georgeorwell126 Před 2 lety +2

      @@rockahbilly76 If you were male in the 80s and did not want to bang Joan, you were gay as folk.

    • @Karl-Benny
      @Karl-Benny Před 2 lety +1

      @@rockahbilly76 well rolling stones rated her as top 100 but obviously you will show your credentials here to show why you are right

  • @RayVision3D
    @RayVision3D Před 7 lety +500

    I would have swapped Nancy Wilson's and Lita Ford's positions on the charts, but that's just my opinion.

    • @deadharddrive
      @deadharddrive Před 7 lety +9

      I would have to swap Jennifer Batten and Lita Ford, personally. But Mojo is all about who's most popular, not who's actually best. Jennifer Batten has played with SO many people and developed curriculum for guitar for numerous music schools. Lita's always been popular because she's the pretty blonde...but with most people in this list, well...she shouldn't even BE on this list.

    • @stoatlord1976
      @stoatlord1976 Před 7 lety +14

      Agreed. I own all of Lita's work, and she uses the same solo melodies repeatedly. When she is good, she is GOOD. But I find her work repetitive and she really doesn't have great songwriting ability.
      Jennifer Batten is a whole order of magnitude better in almost every single respect.
      Nancy Wilson would have been my top choice, too, but I am a huge Bonnie Raitt fan, and it is great to see some artists from the early history of rock and pop guitar getting some much deserved acclaim.
      But what lists like this seem to overlook is that fact that rock/metal are actually not the only genres out there. Some jazz would be nice to see included occasionally. And while it is great to see the earlier generations represented, and acoustic love to the likes of Nancy Wilson and Joni Mitchell's earlier recordings, it'd be great to see some classical guitarists rated... because believe me, some of them could leave the metal shredders standing in clouds of dust.

    • @Darkkat07
      @Darkkat07 Před 6 lety +2

      i have a very difficult time deciding between Lita or Nancy, but damn both are amazing

    • @cdreid99999
      @cdreid99999 Před 6 lety +9

      youve apparently never actually heard lita ford play..

    • @madalinewhite9649
      @madalinewhite9649 Před 6 lety +17

      Nancy Wilson for.my top choice. Saw Heart. In concert moons ago San Antonio, Texas. They Rocked. Good concert

  • @carlmanthey7287
    @carlmanthey7287 Před 2 lety +7

    Leona Boyd should be somewhere on the list. Incredibly technical and precise. Another different genre with classical music, but the lady is phenomenal.

  • @georgej.dorner3262
    @georgej.dorner3262 Před 2 lety +1

    Talented video, with a very savvy narrator. I must confess, I had never previously heard of about two-thirds of these guitarists, but didn't hear a one to complain about. I enjoyed listening to them all. But what happened to Suzi Quatro?

  • @lydiapawlak4229
    @lydiapawlak4229 Před 6 lety +240

    Nancy Wilson of Heart, is the BEST PERIOD!!! Muti-talented; Played Mandolin, Guitars, Good Keyboard player as well!!!!!

    • @acrovader
      @acrovader Před 5 lety

      Heart sucks ass.

    • @shaunmichaels60
      @shaunmichaels60 Před 4 lety +1

      Barracuda is the only good song they did. 80's fluff. the 80's have a lot to answer for, just show ponies

    • @dennispierson5607
      @dennispierson5607 Před 4 lety +9

      Nancy Wilson is most excellent. :)

    • @mag2469
      @mag2469 Před 4 lety +11

      shaun michaels u don't shit about heart because if u did u would know that barracuda is not the only good song they did.You obviously never heard devils delight,little queen,heartless,sing child,cook with fire,mistral wind,be be le strange ,I could go on forever.I do agree tho that the 80s heart wasn't that great.Go and check these songs out and im sure u will have a change of HEART.

    • @bettyrose959
      @bettyrose959 Před 4 lety +1

      Nancy wasn't even the #1 guitarist in her band. But that doesn't mean she sucked. The issue with anything like this is there is no best. there's no way to possibly prove it. Everyone's opinion is just that, their opinion. Nancy is very talented, there is no doubt, but a statement of best is just an opinion. Is Malcolm better than Angus Young in AC/DC? Could be to some, that's my point.

  • @m7alan7johnson7
    @m7alan7johnson7 Před 7 lety +217

    I think Heart Nancy Wilson is spot on for this list! She's an amazing guitarist, singer and has given us some amazing riffs!

    • @russdean9414
      @russdean9414 Před 7 lety +9

      What riffs? Are you sure you weren't hearing Roger Fisher or Howard Leese?

    • @m7alan7johnson7
      @m7alan7johnson7 Před 7 lety +5

      @Russ Dean Maybe you're correct. I must confess, a lot of their great riffs go to the guys but surely after she replaced (I forget which one) she has to be given credit for some great riffs. Just my opinion. Again, I may not be as "up to speed" as you but, I'm pretty sure she's had her fair share of great tunes.

    • @creepyskulldini581
      @creepyskulldini581 Před 7 lety +6

      I found it to flagrantly lack Miss Poison Ivy Rorschach ( of The Cramps ) myself.

    • @jeffw8746
      @jeffw8746 Před 7 lety +4

      She was great at dropping to her knees when the solos started... but she wasn't playing them! The Wilson girls were the face of the band.. the guys did the guitar work...

    • @bsevans007
      @bsevans007 Před 7 lety +17

      Nancy Wilson played guitar aplenty. She has chops for sure. Guys played, but Nancy outplayed when she soloed

  • @danaleestephens1686
    @danaleestephens1686 Před 2 lety +5

    Nancy Wilson hands down! She still rocking!

  • @paulthompson1988
    @paulthompson1988 Před rokem +2

    Would have put Bonnie Rait as #1 and Orianthi as #2, but overall a good selection that was not limited to genre. Bit hard to compare generations too, because Rosa Tharpe was a brilliant trail-blazer and probably acknowledged by every other guitarist on that list as breaking the Glass Ceiling. Good list. 👌👌👍👍👍👍

  • @Gratefulman1965
    @Gratefulman1965 Před 4 lety +81

    Nancy Wilson is # 1 no matter what any list says.

  • @denises3630
    @denises3630 Před 6 lety +93

    Nancy Wilson was perfection in Heart her intro for Crazy on you shakes me every damn time

    • @lifesrelative6788
      @lifesrelative6788 Před 6 lety +2

      I love how she's toyed with the "intro" over the years. People think it's part of CoY but is actually another song & I can't think of it's name to save my life.

    • @seamonster7376
      @seamonster7376 Před 6 lety +3

      I believe you are referring to Silver Wheels. It started as an intro for Crazy on You and even Dreamboat Annie in the '70s, and was finally released to the album Bebe Le Strange in 1980.
      czcams.com/video/IdiGp_tyA-Y/video.html

    • @alwaysopen7970
      @alwaysopen7970 Před 6 lety +3

      Saw them in 1978 on the "Little Queen" tour and it was a treat; 10th row in front of Nancy. Ann was the looker back then.

    • @courtneywhite8470
      @courtneywhite8470 Před 4 lety +2

      You and me both!!! Especially when I see the live footage of CoY! Going that sick on an acoustic??? Few and far between!!! I'll never understand why Nancy isn't given the credit she's due? Does everyone forget that some of Heart's most well known songs , the vocals are done by Nancy??? So, on top of being an amazing guitarist, she's not a half bad vocalist, either. But, I completely agree with you about the intro to CoY!!!!

    • @azerko
      @azerko Před 4 lety

      I love Heart and her singing and artistic figure...but just don't think she is that virtuous player like Orianthi for instance.

  • @wadeadams4263
    @wadeadams4263 Před rokem +1

    I saw Joni M. at a small club in OC years ago and she rocked the roof off the place

  • @joegoldman3065
    @joegoldman3065 Před 2 lety +3

    Great, great list. I especially applaud you for pulling in names not well known, and almost forgotten: mother Mabel Carter and sister Rosetta Tharp. it would have been very easy to simply leave them out, given the average age of the people viewing your videos. You have done great homage to two giants. personally, I think Sheryl Crowe should have gotten more than honorable mention. as we all know, Sheryl can hold her own on the guitar as well as anyone. thank you grunge for the fabulous work you do. You are excellent, excellent cultural archivists.

  • @cashflownpv
    @cashflownpv Před 4 lety +132

    Absolutely Nancy Wilson #1 without question.

  • @timjohnson8230
    @timjohnson8230 Před 6 lety +184

    Nancy Wilson should have #1 slot

  • @marykrueger6039
    @marykrueger6039 Před 3 lety +2

    Nancy Wilson. No 1 for sure. Not even a question. Been doing it for over 40+ years.

  • @mq42
    @mq42 Před 2 lety +1

    This is a tough list but there are a few popular guitarists here who could be bumped down (or off) to make way for some more skilled ones. Shawn Colvin, Suzy Tedeschi, Nita Strauss...

  • @patrickriley195
    @patrickriley195 Před 5 lety +66

    Nancy Wilson is my #1 in this list, all mentioned are/were great!

  • @terrys3898
    @terrys3898 Před 4 lety +38

    Nancy Wilson is the best. Loved watching her in concert.

  • @btchhopperou812
    @btchhopperou812 Před 3 lety +3

    I GOTTA agree with Rebecca Benger(comment also in this stack)... Nancy Wilson just ROCKS 'em all. Check her out playing with Jerry Cantrell and the rest of AIC with Gretchen Wilson doin' vocals on a chuggy-AIC-ish version of BARRACUDA!! It's here on YT- worth the watch! Love ya Lita, but Nan has got the edge by a razor thin margin IMHO

  • @tcconnection
    @tcconnection Před 3 lety +4

    I admire Rosetta, and Orianthi totally rocks. When I hear electric with Heart, the guys were credited. Yep, Orianthi for me.

  • @kareninaburguette6788
    @kareninaburguette6788 Před 3 lety +66

    I think of a "photo finish" decision. Lita had a longer and known solo career but I believe the Number One should be Nancy. And, by the way, Ann is to me the best female voice (of rock) and thanks god, both sisters still alive.

    • @tictoc5103
      @tictoc5103 Před 2 lety

      Defently agree 👍🏻

    • @guysabol8743
      @guysabol8743 Před 2 lety

      I would have to agree.. loe joan jett, also love Sheryl Crow. Nice that you did add the 40s stars. Look as a male lefty guitarist, think you covered it well. I also still love hart and J mitchell..yeah yeah yeah and the beat goes on and the beat goes on

    • @Pahllthecat
      @Pahllthecat Před 2 lety +1

      I LOVE Heart!! Ann is my favorite and I like her singing best, but both sisters are excellent singers.
      I put Nancy at #1 too.

  • @TXLeppard
    @TXLeppard Před 4 lety +31

    Can't argue with the Top 3, but Nancy Wilson hands down is THE GOAT

  • @johnmartins94
    @johnmartins94 Před 2 lety +3

    I would swap #1 & #2.
    Nancy is amazing!

  • @jussitikkuri6991
    @jussitikkuri6991 Před 2 lety +3

    I like all the above mentioned but Nancy Wilson from heart has my heart.

  • @graciepaints412
    @graciepaints412 Před 5 lety +85

    Love a bit of Nancy though, she's number one for me 😁

  • @derricklogan2058
    @derricklogan2058 Před 3 lety +39

    When I saw Nancy Wilson at #2, I was wondering who would be #1, until it dawned on me that it was Lita Ford. Still, Nancy Wilson is my favorite Heart!!! Love her style of 🎸 playing!!!
    I never heard of Sister Rosetta, but I am going to research her music! Thank you for the video! I loved it! It was good to learn of Chuck Berry's influence. I like her sound, especially that Gospel Edge!!!

    • @ricko2486
      @ricko2486 Před 2 lety +1

      Sister Rosetta was rock and roll before rock and roll existed and if she had been born a male she/he would have been recognized by the powers that be a long long time ago. Having said that, Nancy Wilson is #1 imho, but these lists are simply opinion so I hope that nobody gets upset.

  • @mimimonster
    @mimimonster Před rokem +9

    I watched this to make sure Nancy Wilson was on the list 😊

  • @vickil.1388
    @vickil.1388 Před 4 měsíci

    You bet. I am happy they mentioned my favorite guitarists, Lita, & obviously Nancy. Some of these needed to be in a top ten anyway, they are, & were very good, & and founded guitar rocking women.

  • @alleahsasseville
    @alleahsasseville Před 3 lety +191

    Nancy Wilson should have been #1, when you hear any Heart song... you think of HER guitar playing automatically. (Sorry Lita)

    • @deadendkid1968
      @deadendkid1968 Před 3 lety

      I think of Howard Lease...but I know who plays in the band...

    • @raysmith5338
      @raysmith5338 Před 3 lety +1

      I agree, should have been Nancy then Joan then Lita.

    • @tacbear
      @tacbear Před 3 lety

      She was and IS Epic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • @deadendkid1968
      @deadendkid1968 Před 3 lety +6

      @@raysmith5338 Joan was a poser...she only plays 3 barre chords...I love her stuff...but the guitar playing was not her...it was Ricky Byrd...and it was Lita in the Runaways...she is like Keith Richards...people give him the recognition they should give to Ronnie Wood...

    • @johnwillard6198
      @johnwillard6198 Před 2 lety +1

      She didn’t play much lead guitar in Heart

  • @scott37040
    @scott37040 Před 4 lety +62

    No offense to Lita Ford but NANCY WILSON is #1 in my book! She paved the way for women guitarists in rock. And she's still performing!

  • @user-xg7pm8yd1x
    @user-xg7pm8yd1x Před 5 měsíci

    Yes,yes I totally agree with this list.. MY FAV, THO IS ORIANTHI, FROM WAY BACK,, AND STILL LOVE HER..!!

  • @joanofarcxxi
    @joanofarcxxi Před 2 lety

    They are all good in their own way. Each has a unique style and takes you somewhere different. I enjoy them all.

  • @mandyfarmer588
    @mandyfarmer588 Před 5 lety +252

    NANCY #2?? Yeah, I think NOT!! Nancy plays some of the most excellent and tricky changes I might add! NO ONE can play like her!! And she kills it on the electric and a plethora of other instruments and sings like an Angel!! NANCY WILSON IS #1 IN MY BOOK!!!

    • @toetag4
      @toetag4 Před 5 lety +8

      Mandy Farmer after just watching her rip through her solo on crazy on you I put her at number one

    • @tam2000k2
      @tam2000k2 Před 5 lety +7

      Also, the only person that I have seen move while playing as well as she does, is Jimi Hendrix. That on it's own should make Nancy #1

    • @okolopierre4514
      @okolopierre4514 Před 5 lety +10

      She's s bad ass rock god for sure. She is CRIMINALLY underrated..

    • @ms.felonystrutter2472
      @ms.felonystrutter2472 Před 5 lety

      YOUR BELOVED NANCY COULD ONLY DREAM TO PLAY LIKE BRIT....LET ALONE LITA. WATCH THIS, EAT SHIT czcams.com/video/d6tXOAKGu8c/video.html AND czcams.com/video/UztvWlG9nsU/video.html

    • @TJBall-go3gv
      @TJBall-go3gv Před 4 lety +5

      @@ms.felonystrutter2472 Damn!!! Did you snort something before you wrote that! Ground and pound.

  • @melakiesimrak2758
    @melakiesimrak2758 Před 9 lety +148

    Nothing is more fucking awesome than a female playing guitar. Especially when she's better than most famous male guitarists. Pretty much giving mysoginists the middle finger :)

    • @SeanORaigh
      @SeanORaigh Před 9 lety +108

      Considering that the famous male guitarists that are known for skill are so much better than anyone on this list, there are no middle fingers being given.

    • @Candela115
      @Candela115 Před 9 lety +9

      Sean O'Reilly not really, a lot of these girls are very innovative akd creative whereas a lot of famous guitarists are just good at playing very fast solos, creativity is better than technicality.

    • @YorickReturns
      @YorickReturns Před 9 lety +40

      What a weird comment. I've never heard anyone criticize a woman for playing guitar.

    • @nathanielhellman6952
      @nathanielhellman6952 Před 9 lety +33

      Take a look at the guitarists of King Crimson, Genesis, Dream Theater, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Pink Floyd, and pretty much all Progressive Rock/Metal Guitarists before you make a statement like that.

    • @TotesMagee
      @TotesMagee Před 9 lety +5

      Anonymous asdfg Jack White is a good example of this =)

  • @keithaustinragsdale8182
    @keithaustinragsdale8182 Před 2 lety +3

    Should've thrown an honorable mention to Jan B from Vixen for her infectious glam rock grooves & Jen Batten who rocked out with MJ all throughout the late 80's should've been a top 10. Outside of that, solid list. Orianthi is definitely the Steve Vai of female guitarists! Side note: glad to see you're spotlighting him in an upcoming episode, his storied career is more than enough proof that he's 100% in the top 3 of all time behind EVH & Hendrix, not to steal the spotlight from all these amazing ladies.

  • @quintyss1290
    @quintyss1290 Před 3 lety

    Thanks for this. I love and respect them all.

  • @rebeccabenger8772
    @rebeccabenger8772 Před 4 lety +616

    I'm sorry, I love Lita Ford but Nancy Wilson is the GREATEST of all time!!!

  • @frederickwhite6416
    @frederickwhite6416 Před 5 lety +18

    June Millington was and is a great guitar player. With the exception of Ford and Wilson she'd blow the others away.

  • @jimhardy8686
    @jimhardy8686 Před rokem +2

    Vicki Peterson deserves a mention. I dunno exactly where I'd rank her, but very sharp and very musical player. Excellent.

  • @MrJoshmeyer
    @MrJoshmeyer Před 3 lety

    very great. thank you so very much! but how about susan tedechi? love your work, watchmojo 3

  • @jamiethornton6101
    @jamiethornton6101 Před 6 lety +60

    Vicki Peterson of The Bangles is probably the best i've ever seen live. She has some amazing guitar solos. She's easily in the top 10 female guitar players.

    • @dayceem
      @dayceem Před 5 lety +2

      I've always thought highly of Vicki. She must be very versatile - she's played with gobs of other artists.

    • @wesloroff646
      @wesloroff646 Před 5 lety +1

      Ok yeah I didn't think of Vicki but she had some good riffs gotta admit that

    • @michellerbullock165
      @michellerbullock165 Před 5 lety +1

      I love Vicky, definitely top 5..
      ..♥️

    • @johngetz8259
      @johngetz8259 Před 4 lety +1

      jamie thornton ..was thinkin she should be on the list..

  • @joeymccullough2716
    @joeymccullough2716 Před 3 lety +36

    Glad you included Mary Ford in this list. She helped Les Paul change the guitar world. She’s probably the MOST underrated guitar player of any gender

    • @jimwalsh2001
      @jimwalsh2001 Před 2 lety +1

      She was a better player than Les.

    • @branon6565
      @branon6565 Před 2 lety +2

      *EITHER gender, as there are only two....

    • @billh.1940
      @billh.1940 Před rokem +1

      Mary Ford was a great singer, her guitar playing gets over looked.

  • @pammcmonigle6061
    @pammcmonigle6061 Před 2 lety +6

    This is an amazing list. I totally agree that Lita Ford is no 1. I just got her book, can’t wait to read it! You rock Lita!

  • @randallwilfordweaver810
    @randallwilfordweaver810 Před 3 lety +3

    Honestly I’ve never known Kaki King, Annie Clark, Sister Rosetta Tharpe, and Lita Ford until now I’ve heard their music but didn’t know names

  • @ChildOfThe1970s
    @ChildOfThe1970s Před 3 lety +13

    I would have bumped Nancy Wilson up to the top of that list and added Vicki Peterson of The Bangles in the top 10. Glad to see you recognize some of the old-time guitarists too!!

  • @JamieAndersonMusic
    @JamieAndersonMusic Před 3 lety +33

    I heard Jennifer Batten in a small venue once. I watched her roam around the audience, playing her guitar while talking with everyone. Her warm-ups would make you dizzy and she did it all while talking with everyone. Incredible.

  • @gilcortes7075
    @gilcortes7075 Před rokem

    Chrissie Hynde from the Pretenders. She also has her signature fender telecaster out. her trademark. Honorable mention

  • @sherrijohnson2685
    @sherrijohnson2685 Před 2 lety +4

    Wow! These women are all amazing. I didn't realize there were so many mind-blowing talented women. However, they forgot to mention my favorite...Samantha Fish!