Rock Chicks (or why can't girls play guitar?)

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Rock Chicks (or why can't girls play guitar?)

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Don't forget the Corrs have a female drummer. I don't know about your opinion, but I love the Corrs. It is fairly unusual for females to play the drums and I've only seen a small handful.

I am trying to remember a few good female guitarists to discount your theory

Suzi Quattro: excellent rock singer/guitarist
Four Non Blonds: you may not agree on the standard here???
Heart (had a male guitarist too I believe): excellent band with superb music sounds.

Does the violinist in the Corrs count? Superb musicians all round in that band.

If I think of any more I'll let you know

A good strong/unique female voice adds volumes to a band in terms of music quality.

Edited to add:

Bonnie Raitt and Joan Jett and Sheryl Crow

-- Edited by Jules at 17:29, 2006-01-13

-- Edited by Jules at 17:34, 2006-01-13

Tango · In the Long Grass

i think the past generation of girls have been pressured into being all pretty and stuff but i'll tll you now, theres an up and coming selection of female musicans, many guitarists, in the 14-18 age group.i know loads lets see.3 drummers.2 singers.2 bassists (me included and my m8 who just got a see through bass), 11 guitarists, 2 saxophonists, 6 pianists and 1 oboeist.and thats just my m8's not including lads.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Are they any good though? Will they make the big time? It would be good to see more female musicians come up, ones of high standard. On the whole some good rock bands are coming through, I think we are going back to some traditional values in the rock world - but that's another matter altogether.

ArrGee's talking quality!

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

ArrGee you may be interested to see the Gibson guitar awards. Listed here are a number of top female guitarists

http://www.gibson.com/whatsnew/pressrelease/2001/feb13a.html

Tango · In the Long Grass

actually yeah most of them are pretty good and actually have a decent personality unlike ruddy mcallister and co. who just show off their Quo stuff.i like to think i'm a good bassist and beths very good at guitar as are most of them and kit is a truly fabulous drummer.we all play in most of the talent shows and usually do pretty well.i know it doesn't count for much but if we got lucky i think any of us could do well musically

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:

ArrGee you may be interested to see the Gibson guitar awards. Listed here are a number of top female guitarists http://www.gibson.com/whatsnew/pressrelease/2001/feb13a.html

Dolly Parton! Hell, I reckon Geldof would have a chance if he was a gal.

Sadly I think the list proves my point.

franna · V Deep

I'll vote for Dolly as being more talented than you give her credit for, but I'm not sure that I'd give her honors for her guitar skills (on the other hand, I've never paid attention to her guitar playing, so she might be better then I think as well).

Bonnie Raitt & Joni Mitchell without question. Melissa Etheridge with a bit of question (yes, she plays guitar, but as far as I"m concerned it's more about the power of her voice). I wonder about Emmylou Harris....she's brilliant, but again, I'm not so sure how much of it is guitar and how much is her voice....

I despise Sheryl Crow, I'd never consider Joan Jett a great guitarist, Heart's unlistenable crap, no - violin doesn't count.

I wonder why Meshell Ndegeocello didn't get a mention for bass? She must play a Fender.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Maybe Bob's girls should form a band, with their dad as manager. I believe Tiger is a "rare wee belter", or in English, has a great singing voice.

Or, Peaches could join Cream (are they still around?), Pixie could sing with The Small faces, Tiger with Showaddywaddy (Think about it), and Fifi could just sing Bobby's Girl. (because I cant think of any band to go with her name). Anyone under 40,ask someone older!

-- Edited by Scottie at 11:39, 2006-01-14

Tango · In the Long Grass

that'd be so cool.

Best Rock Guitarist (Male)

The Edge, U2
Peter Frampton
Richie Sambora, Bon Jovi
John Frusciante, Red Hot Chili Peppers
Walter Becker, Steely Dan
Dave Grohl, Foo Fighters

some very good ones here

MrsRatSinger · Dave

and what about David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Pete Townshend (The Who) and Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits)??? they're my favourites...

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Hmm never mind about Dolly Parton... I just don't rate her. I can't deal with country music.

Heart (The Wilson sisters) are excellent. Alone is one of my all time favourites.

Scottie I like your idea of the Geldof girls joining those particular bands. No I can't think of anything for Fifi!! I heard that Peaches was releasing a song after her GCSE's. Did she take them last year is it this coming year? I've not heard any more... I think she probably sings though!

Isn't there a band called The Pixies, Pixie could be upfront with them?!!

franna · V Deep

Jules wrote:

Isn't there a band called The Pixies, Pixie could be upfront with them?!!

Time to duck, the international coimmunity of Pixies fans is about to hurl stuff your way.....

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

*ducks*

err maybe she can stay with the Small Faces

Katharina · Dave

ArrGee wrote:

Sure a few can strap on the guitar, but none are particularly renowned. Is it a bloke thing?

I think it is a bloke thing. It's very male to "be in a band", "to go to rehearsal", to be "writing songs". I know you do it too, Tango, and many of your female pals. But will you stick to it? Will you acheive virtuosity, will you be really good?

Rock'n'Pop is (wether we like it or not) based on gender stereotypes. Bands are supposed to be cool, not cute. What are your associations with a guitarist? He's (sic!) either a guitar wizard who spent years in his bedroom practising; OR he is both guitarist and singer, which means he is also a performer.

Women in bands are likely to be the singer, sometimes the bass player. Ever heard of renowned female drummers? Keyboarders? Not really. I always felt that women in rock bands were challenging gender stereotypes anyway, especially the guitarists, drummers and even bassists. Whatever happened to all those Rrriot Girl bands? Are they still around? Babes in Toyland, Hole, Bikini Kill, Team Dresch?

Maybe all this is about to change. I may be wrong, but I think there are quite a number of female techno djs. Maybe this particular music genre is taking a step into the future! And Tango, go for it. Even (or especially!) if it's not techno!

PS. The Pixies already have their famous female face, Kim Deal. She is, coincidentally, the bassist and singer...

franna · V Deep

If you want to be big in the industry, you'd better be pretty.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

No disrespect but sometimes pure talent filters through without the looks - Alison Moyet. Good to see a female artist who isn't a stick insect

A rare thing unfortunately though.

Tango · In the Long Grass

I know you do it too, Tango, and many of your female pals. But will you stick to it? Will you acheive virtuosity, will you be really good?

yes i will stick to it, music is my life, whether i'll become renowned depends mainly on look.and as for famous female drummers, er the white stripes spring to mind.and no i don't do techno.it's more punk and riot ska.far more fun

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

The Corrs also have a female drummer Tango.

I was watching TOTP2 last night and spotted Amazulu. Remember them any of the more mature members? An all girl band. One of whom was playing the guitar. Not my kind of music, but she appeared to hold her own - unless of course it was all for sure and there was a backing band behind the scenes doing the instruments!!

-- Edited by Jules at 17:48, 2006-01-16

franna · V Deep

Jules wrote:

No disrespect but sometimes pure talent filters through without the looks - Alison Moyet.

Who? I vaguely remembered having heard the name, but had to Google her. 1) Maybe you don't have to be pretty to be very successful in the UK, but it's not so easy in the US. 2) She seems to be attractive, so I don't know why you'd hold her up as an example.

I mean, c'mon, we're even into vaginal plastic surgery now.....sick and twisted as that may be.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Katharina wrote:

Ever heard of renowned female drummers? Keyboarders? Not really.

Drummer - Meg White

Keyboards - Candida Doyle, Kate Bush

And quite a lot of good bassists.

In the case of saxaphone, oboe, harp, violin and a whole host of classical instruments, many of the finest musicians are women. Classical music has always been full of talented women. Indeed, it wouldn't surprise me if there were far more women at the Royal College of Music than men.

But I can't think of one really good rock guitarist!

franna · V Deep

ArrGee wrote:

But I can't think of one really good rock guitarist!

I will always vote for Bonnie Raitt, unless bottleneck slide/blues isn't rock enough for you.

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Jules wrote:

...Amazulu. Remember them any of the more mature members? An all girl band. One of whom was playing the guitar. Not mind kind of music, but she appeared to hold her own - unless of course it was all for sure and there was a backing band behind the scenes doing the instruments!!

Given their propensity to make cover versions, I suspect they weren't playing. Anyway, every one mimed back in the mid-80s on ToTP.

Elastica and Hole spring to mind as pretty decent bands with female gutarists, though both are probably known more for hanging on the coat tails of their more illustrious boyfriends...

Well , I guess Bonnie Rait wins hands down.

Katharina · Dave

ArrGee wrote:

Katharina wrote: Ever heard of renowned female drummers? Keyboarders? Not really. Drummer - Meg White Keyboards - Candida Doyle, Kate Bush And quite a lot of good bassists. In the case of saxaphone, oboe, harp, violin and a whole host of classical instruments, many of the finest musicians are women. Classical music has always been full of talented women. Indeed, it wouldn't surprise me if there were far more women at the Royal College of Music than men. But I can't think of one really good rock guitarist!

I know there are quite a lot of good bassists and drummers. But they're famous because they're women in their jobs. They might not even be mentioned if they were men. *You can now start throwing things at me*

I think you're absolutely right about classical instruments, but again: It's not that women can't play well. Of course they can. Rock just is not a traditional female business, so less women give it a try. And those who do will have to stand a much harder comparison (if you know what I mean) if they want to be really good - one of the dilemmas in many traditionally male professions.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

It's 2006 and about time women starting breaking that mold. I hope to see more talented female future musicians in the future. Even if only to prove ArrGee wrong (only joking)

ArrGee · Back To Boomtown

Katharina wrote:

It's not that women can't play well. Of course they can. Rock just is not a traditional female business, so less women give it a try.

There are a lot of women in Rock, but they predomainately sing. There are a few who play keyboards/bass/drums/rhythm guitar. But lead guitar hardly seems to register. Given the dexterity of women, I would have expected women to be more likely to be good guitarists.

Violin is a very good example of women excelling. Most of today's leading violinists are women who have the natural advantages of smaller nimbler fingers (which is what you need to play lead guitar). In fact, women predominate in many leading orchestras....

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/07/23/arts/music/23orch.html?ex=1279771200&en=4af8304a33d66ba5&ei=5090&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss

Wendy Putnam, a violinist in the Boston orchestra, pointed out that in the first half of the 20th century, the lionized violin soloists were all men. They were the role models, but in recent years, prominent female soloists have emerged. "If you look at the conservatories, there's just way more women studying violin than men," Ms. Putnam said. "Just like anything else, women view it as something they can do as well as men."

camilladk · Tonight

You forgot The Bangles. I like them, And think they play very well.

Scottie · Loudmouth

Did you know that Midge Ure's daughter, Molly is in an all girl band called the Faders. Of course he is biased, but says she is a good guitarist and has a powerful voice. I am sure she has inherited her dad's guitar skills. They have been ofered a recording deal and are seemingly very big in Thailand. She does not use her own name though.

-- Edited by Scottie at 15:16, 2006-02-19

Scottie · Loudmouth

The above mentioned Faders supported Kelly Clarkson at the SECC this week in Glasgow. Reports are that they were very good. A band to watch I think. You saw it here first.

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

What kind of music do they do? I wonder if she proves ArrGees theory wrong...

Scottie · Loudmouth

See them on http://www.bothsidesnow.co.uk/xrrf/faders.jpg

Molly is the red haired one. They are rock guitarists.

Tango · In the Long Grass

yeah i've heard them somewhere before, i think it was on 'smile' or cd:uk.yeah i've heard no sleep tonight http://www.thefaders.co.uk/site.php

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

Interesting that they've had a degree of success in Thailand - or is it just that they've spent considerable time there?

What sort of age is she - she looks very young.

Tango · In the Long Grass

molly and cherisse are 18 and toy is 20

Jules · The biggest Geldof fan in the world, bar none!

It must be a sign of my age. In the same way as when I was young and everyone older than me looked and seemed old, now everyone around teenage/early 20's look extremely young and child-like!!

Tango · In the Long Grass

well the baby was born, not naturally mind you, and it's a boy, hasnt got a name yet as his mum can't stay awake long enough.so today it's all american rejects-along

Tango · In the Long Grass

hang on that post was'nt supposed to go there!!!!somebody delete it

dam9191 · House on Fire

What about Chrissie Hynde? She's a singer, songwriter and guitarist, and I've always considered The Pretenders straight rock 'n roll.

Also, thinking back to the 1960s folk music, Joan Baez was known for her guitar-playing as well as her songwriting.

I also believe that Amiee Mann is a singer, songwriter, guitarist as well. [She is best known for her start in the band Til Tuesday, but has had some very good solo albums out too.]

LindaDoreenHicksLoder · Rat Trap

If, and I mean IF, I were ever to have a band...(to be allowed to have a band)...I would LOVE to call myself Pixie..Pixie and the Sticks...

What?...oh yes, shoot....sorry...

What I meant was..."but of course that would be ridiculous...Bob's daughter now having that name...there is only one Pixie in the Boomtown Rats circle..."

I only wore the boots...acted the part...swallowed the sugar from the sticks .... ..... ...... ...... ..... ....

..... ..... ......

Pixie Sticks!!!! I'm talking about PIXIE STICKS.... you know, the striped cardboard straws filled with sugar...how does this always go wrong partway through my posts?...)...danced the dance and smiled the pixie smile my whole life...

What was I thinking?

...I need to find a new board to post on...I have never before "publicly" spent this much time with my foot in my mouth...

I myself would also like to know why girls can't play guitar...I have tried to take it up several times and keep letting it "slide"... ( I am very proficient with the G7 chord...and like the F chord...I am thinking of working something out with just those two chords...so that I can finally ACTUALLY play the guitar AND sing...)...

I always liked the drums better...but people make fun of my air-drumming...(ear-drumming

)...electric guitars give me anxiety attacks...

https://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/LindaLoder/?action=view&current=photo1Copy452.jpg

...when I was younger, I had a keyboard (the $89 variety...but it sounded pretty...)....my sister had a flute (which she actually learned to play)...and an electric guitar which became an ornament in her room...

...I later bought myself an inexpensive acoustic guitar...and tried several times to play it...but it was out of tune...so it became more of a toy...until I met my husband and he and his friend proceeded to break it for me...such is life...

https://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/LindaLoder/?action=view&current=Guitar.jpg

To a new generation...HOPE...
https://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/LindaLoder/?action=view&current=Christmas2006085.jpg
https://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/LindaLoder/?action=view&current=Christmas2006086.jpg
https://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/LindaLoder/?action=view&current=Christmas2006091.jpg
https://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f399/LindaLoder/?action=view&current=Christmas2006110.flv
-- Edited by LindaDoreenHicksLoder at 17:08, 2007-04-09

-- Edited by LindaDoreenHicksLoder at 18:02, 2007-04-09

oshora · CRAZY

HEY! Sheryl Crow is dang good! She has played with Keith Richards and Eric Clapton..come on! What about Linda McCartney on keyboards...self taught and hubby supported, played in a very famous band.

Bottom line - if you are quite attractive, you don't even have to sing to be in a band!

toriapplejoy · House on Fire

don't forget The Bangles...

JoanOfArc · The Fine Art of Surfacing

Joan Armatrading is a great guitarist, writes her own stuff and sings fantastically too.

-Just thought I'd mention that.

I do wonder if women find it harder in the music business than men and wonderif this has something to do with men themselves.......is male chauvinism still around in the music business? Or is it just that women are less likely to play an instrument in the first place...or both perhaps.

FingersLullaby · Like Clockwork

Hey there, I'm India first time user on this site long time listener of the Rats :]

Just wanted to say, I'm a girl & apparently (my teacher says) I'm on my way to getting A* in GCSE music for bass guitar :] Girls can't be that bad then I guess x]