International Guitar Month: Inspiring Women Who Shaped the Guitar Industry

April is International Guitar Month, a time to celebrate the versatility and beauty of this iconic musical instrument. The guitar has been an integral part of popular music for over a century, and its influence continues to inspire countless musicians worldwide. While the guitar has often been associated with male musicians, many famous women guitarists have made significant contributions to the field.

One of the most well-known women guitarists is Joan Jett. Jett began her career as a member of the all-female rock band The Runaways in the 1970s before embarking on a successful solo career. Jett’s aggressive playing style and powerful vocals have made her an icon in the world of rock music, and she continues to tour and record to this day.

Another pioneering woman guitarist is Mary Ford, who rose to fame in the 1950s as a member of the musical duo Les Paul and Mary Ford. Ford’s intricate and precise guitar playing helped establish the duo as one of the most successful musical acts of their time, and her influence can be heard in the playing of countless guitarists to this day.

More recently, artists like St. Vincent, Orianthi, and Nita Strauss have been making waves in the guitar world with their innovative playing styles and unique approaches to the instrument. St. Vincent, whose real name is Annie Clark, has become known for her unconventional guitar playing techniques and use of effects pedals to create a wide range of sounds. Orianthi, who has worked with musicians like Michael Jackson and Alice Cooper, is renowned for her virtuosic playing and ability to shred with the best of them. Nita Strauss, who is currently the lead guitarist for Alice Cooper, has become known for her technical proficiency and energetic stage presence.

The contributions of women guitarists have not always been recognized or celebrated, however. Women musicians have long faced discrimination and prejudice in the music industry, and the guitar world is no exception. Many women have had to fight to be taken seriously as guitarists, and the lack of representation of women in guitar magazines, music stores, and other areas of the industry has perpetuated the idea that guitar playing is a male-dominated field.

Thankfully, organizations and initiatives are working to change this. The Women’s International Music Network (WiMN) is one such organization, dedicated to promoting and supporting women in the music industry. The WiMN hosts events and workshops offers educational resources and networking opportunities, and advocates for gender equality in the music world.

International Guitar Month is a time to celebrate the guitar and all the incredible musicians who play it, including the many talented women who have helped shape its history. By acknowledging and supporting women guitarists, we can help create a more inclusive and diverse music industry, one that recognizes and celebrates talent regardless of gender.

In conclusion, International Guitar Month is a time to appreciate the guitar and all that it represents. It is a time to celebrate the diverse and innovative approaches to playing the guitar that have emerged over the years and to recognize the important contributions of women guitarists throughout history. By supporting and promoting women guitarists, we can help create a more equitable and inclusive music industry, one that values talent and creativity above all else.

– Staff Reporter