Joan Jett may now be known as the Godmother of Punk. However, it was thanks to her chutzpah that the Runaways co-founder, rhythm guitarist, and I Love Rock ’n’ Roll hitmaker got to play electric guitar in the first place – especially after being told by her guitar teacher that she could only play folk music on an acoustic guitar.
“People will call us, just saying you couldn’t do it. Girls can’t play rock and roll,” she tells Kathleen Hannah on the Music Makes Us podcast. “All of it is just a joke, because I’m in school next to girls playing Beethoven and Bach on violins and clarinets, and they’re saying girls can’t play rock and roll.
“No, what they mean is girls aren’t allowed to play rock and roll socially, because rock and roll is sexual by its nature,” she says matter-of-factly.
“I took the one lesson and left and never went back. I got to learn how to play guitar by myself and just played to my records. All those kinds of things, [I] always turned it into, ‘Okay, I’ll show you.’ And then you find other people who can relate, and you have people to fight with.”
Music Makes Us | Kathleen Hanna x Joan Jett on Her Career Progression and more – YouTube
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“I said, ‘I want to play electric guitar. I want to play rock and roll.’ They could hear me playing records – it was a variety of Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, T. Rex, [and] David Bowie. They bought me a guitar for Christmas – one of those Sears Silvertones,” recalls Jett, joining the ranks of guitarists like Paul Gilbert, Steve Cropper, and Bootsy Collins who all began their journey on Sears guitars.
“My mom would drive me to rehearsals, would take us to gigs, pick us up places… She was supportive,” she continues, “and I found out years later, after the fact, that my father would come to shows, Runaways shows – because I thought that he hated the whole thing, and maybe he did, but learned to love it – but he was in the back of the clubs and saw the Runaways shows.
“And I never really got to talk to him about it, but I know he was there,” she concludes.
Jett previously talked about the rejection she faced when she decided to go solo post-Runaways, with “23 rejection letters” from different labels to prove it. She eventually set up her own label, Blackheart Records, alongside collaborator Kenny Laguna, to release her self-titled debut record in the States.
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Joan Jett on Teaching Herself Guitar by Playing Led Zeppelin & Black Sabbath Records
Legendary rock icon Joan Jett once said, “I took the one lesson and left and never went back. I got to learn how to play guitar by myself.” This captivating statement reveals how Joan defied stereotypes around women in rock music and molded her unique sound through sheer determination and self-learning. By playing along to records of rock giants Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath, Joan developed her guitar skills in a way that still inspires countless musicians today.
Breaking Stereotypes: Joan Jett’s Self-Taught Guitar Journey
Joan Jett’s approach challenged the typical learning path many guitarists follow. Though she briefly took one formal lesson, she chose independence over traditional instruction. This decision aligned perfectly with the punk rock ethos she embraced-self-expression, rebellion, and raw authenticity. Her journey is vital as:
- Women in Rock: Joan confronted gender biases prevalent in rock music, proving women could excel as guitarists without conforming to typical music education.
- DIY Attitude: Her example demonstrates that structured classes aren’t the only pathway to mastering guitar.
- Personalized Learning: Learning through records allowed Joan to develop an intimate ear for riffs,rhythm,and tone.
The Role of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath in Joan’s Development
Joan jett selected Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath not only because of their immense popularity but also for their sound that shaped the heavy rock landscape. Their influence helped her grasp complex guitar techniques and styles:
| band | Musical Impact | Guitar Techniques Learned |
|---|---|---|
| Led Zeppelin | Blended blues and hard rock with dynamic riffs |
Fingerpicking, power chords, dynamic rhythm patterns |
| Black Sabbath | Pioneered heavy metal with dark tones and solos |
Distortion, palm muting, riff-driven soloing |
Playing along with these records enhanced Joan’s technical skills and fostered an understanding of tone control and song dynamics in ways that formal lessons sometimes fail to capture.
Benefits of Self-Teaching Guitar by Playing Along to Classic Rock records
Taking inspiration from Joan’s approach, here are some key benefits of learning guitar through playing records of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, or similar bands:
- Ear training: Improves your ability to recognize chords, riffs, and timing by focusing on listening skills.
- rhythm and Timing: Keeps you locked in with real music, enhancing your groove and rhythm sense.
- Improvisation Skills: Encourages experimentation with licks and solos as you try to match or reinterpret lead guitar parts.
- Patience and Persistence: Learning riffs by ear builds resilience and attention to detail.
- Confidence Boost: Mastering songs on your own develops self-belief outside traditional instruction frameworks.
Practical Tips Inspired by Joan Jett’s Learning Method
If you want to emulate Joan Jett’s self-taught guitar journey, consider these actionable tips:
- Choose Iconic Albums: Start with well-recorded albums from Led Zeppelin or Black Sabbath with clear guitar tracks.
- Use Slowdown Software: Tools like Audacity or Transcribe! can slow songs without changing pitch, aiding note-by-note learning.
- Focus on Sections: Break down songs into manageable riffs and practise each repeatedly before moving on.
- Record Yourself: Self-recording helps track progress and identify areas for enhancement.
- Experiment with Gear: Use diffrent guitars and amps to replicate the tone of your favorite classic rock sounds.
Case Study: Joan Jett’s Impact on Punk Rock and Female Guitarists
Joan’s rebellious spirit and self-taught discipline not only fueled her career but also reshaped rock music culture:
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| music Style | raw, gritty, energetic sound that defined punk rock guitar playing. |
| female Empowerment | Broke down gender barriers, inspiring generations of women in rock. |
| DIY Attitude | encouraged independent learning and self-expression among young musicians. |
| Legacy | Influenced countless bands and guitarists who embrace non-traditional learning paths. |
First-Hand Experience: What Joan Jett Says about Learning guitar
Joan openly shares insights from her journey:
“I took the one lesson and left and never went back. I got to learn how to play guitar by myself, playing along to Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath records. It was about making the music my own, understanding it by ear, and breaking free from the idea that you need formal training to be a great guitarist.”
This testament highlights the empowering essence of self-teaching, and why so many aspiring musicians find inspiration in her story.
Why aspiring Guitarists Should Follow Joan Jett’s Example
Adopting Joan Jett’s self-driven learning philosophy brings multiple benefits to new guitar players:
- Adaptability: Learn at your own pace without feeling pressured by rigid lesson structures.
- Creativity: Develop your unique sound by interpreting classic riffs in your style.
- Deeper Musical Connection: Playing along helps internalize music theory naturally and musically.
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Incorporating Joan Jett’s journey into your guitar-learning process can not only enhance your technical skills but also inspire you to challenge stereotypes and embrace your individuality as a musician.
