Roundup of popular female guitarists: introducing guitar players from Japan and around the world.

AsturiasAna Vidović

Ana Vidovic plays Asturias by Isaac Albéniz on a Jim Redgate classical guitar

Ana Vidovic, widely acclaimed as one of the world’s foremost guitar virtuosos today, is a Croatian classical guitarist born in 1980.

At the age of 13, she became the youngest student ever admitted to the Academy of Music in Zagreb.

She went on to win the Fernando Sor International Competition, the Mauro Giuliani International Competition, and the Francisco Tárrega International Competition, firmly establishing herself as one of the world’s top artists.

Hit and RunLita Ford

Lita Ford – Hit and Run

Lita Ford is a rock musician, guitarist, and vocalist.

She was born in England in 1958, moved to the United States with her family at the age of four, and began learning guitar at eleven.

At seventeen (in 1975), she joined the all-girl band The Runaways as lead guitarist, making a spectacular debut.

A pioneer of girls’ rock bands, she went on to achieve success as a solo artist after the band disbanded.

DiamondsNakayama Kanako

Princess Princess “Diamonds <Diamond>” The Last Live (2023 Digital Remaster Version)

Kanako Nakayama, guitarist of PRINCESS PRINCESS—the legendary band that has led Japan’s girls’ band scene—made her major-label debut in 1986 with the mini-album “Kiss de Hanzai.” In 1989, they became the first all-female band to perform at Nippon Budokan, leaving a major mark on the music world.

Influenced by Joan Jett, Nakayama combines powerful guitar playing with strong songwriting talent.

After PRINCESS PRINCESS disbanded, she pursued solo work, including the album “HOWLING,” and performs with the rock band VooDoo Hawaiians.

In November 2024, she successfully held a 60th-birthday commemorative live show, proving her rock spirit remains as fierce as ever.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the essence of powerful female rock.

RomanceCarrie Brownstein

Wild Flag – Romance (Live on KEXP)

Carrie Brownstein, whose transparent and surreal sound expression truly shines.

Born in 1974 in Washington State, she is a guitarist active in the band Sleater-Kinney.

Even from a young age, she showed her talent—for example, the album Dig Me Out was selected in Rolling Stone’s 1997 list of the 500 Greatest Albums of All Time.

You Go RunningJessica Dobson

Deep Sea Diver – You Go Running (Live on KEXP)

Jessica Dobson is a female artist from Los Angeles, USA, a singer and guitarist who has performed with Beck’s band, The Shins, and Deep Sea Diver.

In addition to guitar, she also plays bass guitar, drums, and piano, and her delicate, intelligent performances are captivating.

Shake ‘Em On DownSamantha Fish

SAMANTHA FISH BAND “Shake ‘Em On Down” 3/22/13

Samantha Fish is a guitarist and singer from Missouri, USA, born in 1989 (age 28).

Her outstanding, talent-filled performance at Chicago’s Rosa’s Lounge caught the attention of music industry professionals, leading to her being scouted and making her record debut.

She was selected for the 2012 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist and is currently considered the number one young blues guitar artist.

absolute valueNakajima Yumi (Chirinuruwo Waka)

“Absolute Value” ChirinuRuWoWaka

Former guitarist and vocalist of GO!GO!7188.

Currently active as the guitarist and vocalist of Chirinuruwowaka.

Her stage name is “Yuu.” Although she is left-handed, she uses a right-handed guitar.

She is known for her piercing high-pitched vocals and the appeal of her guitar work that delivers straight-ahead rock.