Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
- Thread starter Evan Skopp
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Muffleberry
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
I asked my wife, daughter, and mother why they never took up playing electric guitar. They all pretty much said the same thing. "I have other things to worry about."
My daughter says watching me spend so much time, effort, and money on a silly little rock-n-roll fantasy turned her away from it. She doesn't want the disappointment that goes along with it. She's pretty wise for her age. That made me even more proud of her.
I asked my wife, daughter, and mother why they never took up playing electric guitar. They all pretty much said the same thing. "I have other things to worry about."
My daughter says watching me spend so much time, effort, and money on a silly little rock-n-roll fantasy turned her away from it. She doesn't want the disappointment that goes along with it. She's pretty wise for her age. That made me even more proud of her.
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
^^^^^ Good job, diversity does connect to the fact that there are variations and shades and differences in a given topic, such as identity. However, just because some words share a prefix or root does not mean they all carry some sort of negative weight. Try word smithing something else and ttwisting it around.
There's plenty of research out there showing that men and women are taught to pick up and put down certain instruments and academic topics, starting as early as 1st grade.
^^^^^ Good job, diversity does connect to the fact that there are variations and shades and differences in a given topic, such as identity. However, just because some words share a prefix or root does not mean they all carry some sort of negative weight. Try word smithing something else and ttwisting it around.
There's plenty of research out there showing that men and women are taught to pick up and put down certain instruments and academic topics, starting as early as 1st grade.
GilmourD
Burritotoneologist
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
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Finally, somebody that makes sense!
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ImmortalSix
John Mayer's Mankini
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
the only reason "the guitar industry" cares at all is because they stand to open up a new demographic / market
the only reason "the guitar industry" cares at all is because they stand to open up a new demographic / market
DreX
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
This is more interesting for being achievement-level shallow.
That's a sad thing about guitar, it's often looked at as a means to an end, the end being rock stardom rather than as a means of self-actualization. When words can't express how you feel, there's guitar, and no instrument has a bigger vocabulary of expression that the guitar, especially electric guitar, with all it's various tonal colors, whammy bars and other physical modifications, the use of slides, various plectrums, effects, and so on. I think most of us who use a guitar for this purpose now originally got into it hoping to be in a band, but it ended up being fulfilling it's own right.
Here's an idea for you guitar marketing departments, sell guitars as a way to express one's self, and not just as a girl getting rock star fantasy toy, and hey, maybe the fairer gender would even find more appeal in that.
This is more interesting for being achievement-level shallow.
That's a sad thing about guitar, it's often looked at as a means to an end, the end being rock stardom rather than as a means of self-actualization. When words can't express how you feel, there's guitar, and no instrument has a bigger vocabulary of expression that the guitar, especially electric guitar, with all it's various tonal colors, whammy bars and other physical modifications, the use of slides, various plectrums, effects, and so on. I think most of us who use a guitar for this purpose now originally got into it hoping to be in a band, but it ended up being fulfilling it's own right.
Here's an idea for you guitar marketing departments, sell guitars as a way to express one's self, and not just as a girl getting rock star fantasy toy, and hey, maybe the fairer gender would even find more appeal in that.
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
As far as a tool of self-expression, you are right. At least 30 years ago there were guys testing the boundaries of guitar playing. However, now, that doesn't happen as much. To most people, modern guitar playing is distortion + fast shredding(+ or - nostalgia) = expression. There certainly are people who express themselves differently than that formula, but the industry is content with pushing that formula on guys *and* girls. I want more from my artists, but I had to realize long ago that I am not the mainstream.
As far as a tool of self-expression, you are right. At least 30 years ago there were guys testing the boundaries of guitar playing. However, now, that doesn't happen as much. To most people, modern guitar playing is distortion + fast shredding(+ or - nostalgia) = expression. There certainly are people who express themselves differently than that formula, but the industry is content with pushing that formula on guys *and* girls. I want more from my artists, but I had to realize long ago that I am not the mainstream.
JohnnyGuitar
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
This is a gear forum hosted by a commercial company. And besides, even charities look for the 'best presenter'. Besides, there are worse things that people (man and women) can do with their money than buy new guitar gear... and more people getting into playing the electric guitar means a boost in the demand of music where the guitar plays a significant role. Candy for everyone.
This is a gear forum hosted by a commercial company. And besides, even charities look for the 'best presenter'. Besides, there are worse things that people (man and women) can do with their money than buy new guitar gear... and more people getting into playing the electric guitar means a boost in the demand of music where the guitar plays a significant role. Candy for everyone.
DreX
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
i think Evan would have been better off being forthright about the conflict of interest between altruistic intentions and selling more things to more people. For example, the quote
"during the GAMA Membership Meeting on January 21 a considerable amount of time was given over to talking about how to get more females playing guitar"
should genuinely be
"a considerable amount of time was given over to talking about how to get more women as customers"
and there's nothing wrong with this goal, it's the phoniness that people really hate, because the subterfuge suggests they're looking to 'use women'... yet again. On top of that, calling them "females" in this context regards them more as a classification, a "thing", and less like fellow human beings.
i think Evan would have been better off being forthright about the conflict of interest between altruistic intentions and selling more things to more people. For example, the quote
"during the GAMA Membership Meeting on January 21 a considerable amount of time was given over to talking about how to get more females playing guitar"
should genuinely be
"a considerable amount of time was given over to talking about how to get more women as customers"
and there's nothing wrong with this goal, it's the phoniness that people really hate, because the subterfuge suggests they're looking to 'use women'... yet again. On top of that, calling them "females" in this context regards them more as a classification, a "thing", and less like fellow human beings.
Aasinsilta
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
Why are they encouraged to go a certain path? Was it society conspiring against them or did society evolve around the majority interests of the population, which has now become the norm?
Why are they encouraged to go a certain path? Was it society conspiring against them or did society evolve around the majority interests of the population, which has now become the norm?
F
Funkfingers
Guest
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
It is not as if the new intake has to stick at it.
In all areas of music, there is a pyramid of purchasers. Many beginners who did not stick at learning but who have parted with the few hundreds of Dollars for a starter instrument and essential peripherals.
There is a smaller number of persons who graduate to owning more gear. (READ: Spend more money.) There are various life development stages at which music is a lower priority than housing, feeding and clothing one's family.
The top of the pyramid is a pretty small set of people who either make their living from music or can afford to indulge themselves. Individual expenditure may be comparatively high but the number of sales is small.
Commercially speaking, the bottom of this pyramid has always been the most interesting/profittable.
It is not as if the new intake has to stick at it.
In all areas of music, there is a pyramid of purchasers. Many beginners who did not stick at learning but who have parted with the few hundreds of Dollars for a starter instrument and essential peripherals.
There is a smaller number of persons who graduate to owning more gear. (READ: Spend more money.) There are various life development stages at which music is a lower priority than housing, feeding and clothing one's family.
The top of the pyramid is a pretty small set of people who either make their living from music or can afford to indulge themselves. Individual expenditure may be comparatively high but the number of sales is small.
Commercially speaking, the bottom of this pyramid has always been the most interesting/profittable.
LLL
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
+1
And thus, enter Guitar Center with their sights set on this section.
+1
And thus, enter Guitar Center with their sights set on this section.
Aasinsilta
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
Yes, of course society can and will change. However, to imply it's some sexist conspiracy rather than what evolved due to differences is a little naive and short sighted. Notice that no one here (or at least a majority) have no issue with having women play guitar, the issue is that this is essentially luring women into the hobby.
Yes, of course society can and will change. However, to imply it's some sexist conspiracy rather than what evolved due to differences is a little naive and short sighted. Notice that no one here (or at least a majority) have no issue with having women play guitar, the issue is that this is essentially luring women into the hobby.
DreX
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
The awesome thing about playing guitar is that you make any old genre current simply by playing it right now and adding some Feb. 2015 flavor through your own nuanced contribution. Most guitarists can't help but do this anyway, like when you watch a new movie and the actors are supposed to pretend it's 1950's, but everything is all slightly wrong, the manner of speak, the hair styles, you watch a real 1950's movie and it's totally different. Unlike recorded music, playing the guitar is always an expression of the present. Part of the dubious appeal of Joe Bonamassa is that he's the guitar equivalent of a great actor, he can really nail the classic vibes without letting the current zeitgeist slip in to his playing.
The awesome thing about playing guitar is that you make any old genre current simply by playing it right now and adding some Feb. 2015 flavor through your own nuanced contribution. Most guitarists can't help but do this anyway, like when you watch a new movie and the actors are supposed to pretend it's 1950's, but everything is all slightly wrong, the manner of speak, the hair styles, you watch a real 1950's movie and it's totally different. Unlike recorded music, playing the guitar is always an expression of the present. Part of the dubious appeal of Joe Bonamassa is that he's the guitar equivalent of a great actor, he can really nail the classic vibes without letting the current zeitgeist slip in to his playing.
LLL
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
True.
And conversely, the new demographic/market (women in this case) will never open up to the "guitar industry" (for obvious reasons; which have already been pointed out).
And it's not like the guitar is a new invention, so there's been plenty of time for women to jump on the guitar bandwagon en masse.
But they don't.
Overall, it sounds to me that since the economy's been in the ****ter for years and profits have been dwindling, they're (guitar industry) grasping at straws trying to come up with new ways to make a buck.
True.
And conversely, the new demographic/market (women in this case) will never open up to the "guitar industry" (for obvious reasons; which have already been pointed out).
And it's not like the guitar is a new invention, so there's been plenty of time for women to jump on the guitar bandwagon en masse.
But they don't.
Overall, it sounds to me that since the economy's been in the ****ter for years and profits have been dwindling, they're (guitar industry) grasping at straws trying to come up with new ways to make a buck.
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LLL
New member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
Yeah. It's so simplistic and obvious that one would think the rocket scientists out there would easily get it, but they don't.
LLL said:
Yeah. It's so simplistic and obvious that one would think the rocket scientists out there would easily get it, but they don't.
voggin
Well-known member
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
I may have rose coloured glasses on, but I don't think it is some hideous conflict of interest for companies in the guitar industry to encourage women to play the guitar. Yes, they may profit, but that doesn't have to be their sole motive, any more than a saying a farmer contributing to Live Aid is just trying to open up new markets for his grain.
I may be wrong, but I'm guessing that a great number of people in the musical instrument and accessory business have a passion for music. In fact, I'll even go so far as to guess that many people in the marketing and management areas of the guitar buisiness could probably shop their skills to other industries and make more money. But because they don't want to work for the tobacco industry, they would rather live with themselves selling something they believe in.
I do agree that the best angle to market to women is in the "self expression" vein. Making things pink is just offensive. Besides, there's a real pushback from parents on the gender-colour thing: there's no reason why a little girl can't have a little red wagon rather than a hot pink one. After all, red isn't exactly a colour associated with "male-ness".
I also notice my cherry sunburst les paul always gets "oohs" and "aahs" from my wife and other women, so my guess is the general guitar aesthetic is relatively consistent between men and women (pointies and "none more black" shredsticks aside.)
In the last year or so, the guitar that seems to have gotten the most young teenage girl attention that I've seen at a store has been the 2014 Gibson melody makers. I haven't asked the gals, but I'm guessing they speak to a certain indy-rock/punk aesthetic these girls seemed to have; they were relatively inexpesive; and they were lighter and thinner than, say, the Les Paul traditionals and copies.
The young women I see playing most often are in the indie rock scene. So my guess is they are writing their own songs, which is, in my mind, a better form of self-expression than the wheedly-wheedly market the "scantilly clad girls licking a guitar" ads are aimed at.
I may have rose coloured glasses on, but I don't think it is some hideous conflict of interest for companies in the guitar industry to encourage women to play the guitar. Yes, they may profit, but that doesn't have to be their sole motive, any more than a saying a farmer contributing to Live Aid is just trying to open up new markets for his grain.
I may be wrong, but I'm guessing that a great number of people in the musical instrument and accessory business have a passion for music. In fact, I'll even go so far as to guess that many people in the marketing and management areas of the guitar buisiness could probably shop their skills to other industries and make more money. But because they don't want to work for the tobacco industry, they would rather live with themselves selling something they believe in.
I do agree that the best angle to market to women is in the "self expression" vein. Making things pink is just offensive. Besides, there's a real pushback from parents on the gender-colour thing: there's no reason why a little girl can't have a little red wagon rather than a hot pink one. After all, red isn't exactly a colour associated with "male-ness".
I also notice my cherry sunburst les paul always gets "oohs" and "aahs" from my wife and other women, so my guess is the general guitar aesthetic is relatively consistent between men and women (pointies and "none more black" shredsticks aside.)
In the last year or so, the guitar that seems to have gotten the most young teenage girl attention that I've seen at a store has been the 2014 Gibson melody makers. I haven't asked the gals, but I'm guessing they speak to a certain indy-rock/punk aesthetic these girls seemed to have; they were relatively inexpesive; and they were lighter and thinner than, say, the Les Paul traditionals and copies.
The young women I see playing most often are in the indie rock scene. So my guess is they are writing their own songs, which is, in my mind, a better form of self-expression than the wheedly-wheedly market the "scantilly clad girls licking a guitar" ads are aimed at.
Re: Why Aren't there More Female Guitar Players, Especially Electric?
I know quite a few women who play the guitar. And while there are less of them than there are males, I think there are more of them out there than most people realize. But I have noticed that all the ladies I know who play guitar do not get as caught up in gear as I do. While most of my conversations with my male friends who play guitar often end up in a discussion about our gear, I find women are far more interested in actually writing songs and playing them instead of trying to figure out if what pickups gives you the brown sound. I could probably learn a thing or two from them.
So I think my answer is the female guitarists are out there, they just dont spend their money on it like guys do.
I know quite a few women who play the guitar. And while there are less of them than there are males, I think there are more of them out there than most people realize. But I have noticed that all the ladies I know who play guitar do not get as caught up in gear as I do. While most of my conversations with my male friends who play guitar often end up in a discussion about our gear, I find women are far more interested in actually writing songs and playing them instead of trying to figure out if what pickups gives you the brown sound. I could probably learn a thing or two from them.
So I think my answer is the female guitarists are out there, they just dont spend their money on it like guys do.
