Orianthi receives award at 2013 NAMM Trade Show

Right now one of the hottest, rockin-est female guitar players on the music scene has to be Orianthi.

 

Photo courtesy of Dave Stewart

 

If you are not familiar with this guitar goddess feel free to view this tasty video of Ori trading licks with Steve Vai in “Highly Strung.” I'm sure you will be impressed.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7b-_YcACuQ&feature=share&list=UUlFyN-SOQEK5QK9wodHQFeg

Orianthi (Panagaris) born was in Australia in 1985 and grew up in a home filled with music. She learned to play the acoustic guitar at 6 and moved to the electric guitar at around 9 years old. She was playing with bands at 14 and had the incredible experience of playing for Steve Vai at 15. Orianthi became interested in Carlos Santana's music and bought all his videos. She studied them over and over till the tapes were worn out and her dedication paid off. When Orianthi was 18 she got the opportunity to jam with Carlos and later he invited her up on stage where she played for about a half-hour.

Later, Carlos Santana brought her to the attention of Paul Reed Smith and she signed an endorsement agreement with his guitar brand. In 2006 she signed with Geffen Records. She has played at Eric Clapton's Crossroads and opened for Steve Vai. Orianthi was the lead guitar player for Carrie Underwood at the 51^st Grammy performance of “Last Name.” That performance caught the attention of Michael Jackson who hired her to be his guitarist for the This Is It tour which never took place due to his passing

In 2005 she released her first album Violet Journey.  On the album, Orianthi wrote all the music and lyrics, plus contributed guitar, drums and vocal tracks as well as doing the mixing in her home studio.
In 2009 she released the album Believe with the hit “According to You” which she performed in March 2010 on American Idol.

Right now Orianthi is tearing it up on tour with Alice Cooper. She has the honor of being the first female member of Alice Cooper's band. In a quote about her debut performance with Alice Cooper's band, a fan said “she gave a blistering performance....she's worthy, she's worthy.”

At this year's National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) trade show Orianthi will be receiving the “She Rocks” award from the Women's International Music Network.

On March 12^th her new album Heaven in this Hell will be issued. Check her out as she performs the single “Frozen” on Fox News. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1cLZSn4B7uQ&feature=youtu.be
 

In a quote from the website "Weekly," Orianthi says, ”I hope to inspire a lot more female guitar players. Just pick it up and keep on going. Even though it's a guy thing, it'll be really cool to see more girls out there kicking butt and rocking out”

And since INSPIRATION is what GuitarChics is all about, let Orianthi's story inspire you to be dedicated to YOUR passion, whether it's guitar playing or basketball or ballet. Become committed to your personal interests and maybe you will be blessed with good luck and great opportunities.

But you'll never get there if you don't put in the effort!