This thread got me thinking about who is the best. You can give points to your favorite for influence or technical ability or whatever. I am going to start by throwing out Juliana Hatfield. She may not be the BEST per se, but she is my favorite and I feel she is one of the best technically speaking.
Discuss.
I’m sure that Lisa Loeb has a place somewhere in this list. I haven’t heard anything blindly technical from her yet (although it’s probably in her reach), but she plays very effectively and she gets an excellent sound.
Both Corin Tucker and Carrie Brownstein from Sleater Kinney are pretty good.
If Shannon Curfman isn’t on the list yet, give her a few years. I’m amazed that this girl isn’t famous and Avril Lavigne is; Shannon’s the real stuff!
Chryssie Hynde can go from D to G, and back again.
Nancy Wilson (Heart, Cameron Crowe soundtracks) does some wonderful accoustic stuff.
Joni Mitchel.
I have to second Joni Mitchell.
Also throw in the ring Patty Larkin (Patty’s even got an instructional video out there on how to play).
Mary-Chapin Carpenter
Janis Ian (She can rock with the best of 'em and then switch to folk or many other styles, simply amazing).
Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls
Erika Luckett
Rory Block
Nina Gerber
Neko Case - not technical, but wonderful.
krokodil
I’ll second the nomination for Shannon Curfman.
She is a great guitarist and singer. To think that she recorded the CD “Loud Gutars, Big Suspicions” when she was 13.
I’d really love to see her reach the level of fame that someone like Britney Speers has achieved. Shannon is much more talented than a lot of folks that are more famous.
Susan Tedeschi is very good.
bass-Carol Kaye. played on more hits than any female,but didn’t sing. Mostly 60’s.
My vote goes to the ladies of Veruca Salt - Nina Gordon and Louise Post.
Acoutic or Electric?
Hmm…
Bonnie Raitt
Nancy Wilson
Melissa Ethridge
Shawn Colvin
Sheryl Crow
I’d shout PJ Harvey . im a big fan of her sound, even if she doesnt really get technical. still, its emotion that counts in my book, rather than being able to solo for eons.
I like Poison Ivy off the Cramps too.
Kim Deal well, maybe she is not the best, but I´m in love with her so…
Bonnie Rait…
plays great blues.
Jennifer Batten pretty much exceeds everybody on the list so far as far as pure technique.
Lita Ford also rocks, but she unfortunately sounds too much like her idol, Richie Blackmore, and not enough of her own sound.
Chris W
** Charo **
Another vote for Bonnie Raitt. No doubt about it. (Although I just adore the Sleater-Kinney gals.)