From her teenage beginnings in The Runaways to her steadfast run with her solo project, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, which spawned hits such as I Love Rock ’n’ Roll and I Hate Myself for Loving You, The Godmother of Punk – Joan Jett – has proven to be a trailblazer in every sense of the word.
However, when Jett first wielded a Gibson back in the ’70s, girls were still told that electric guitars, coupled with rock, weren’t for them.
“It would have been okay if I had an acoustic guitar, but it was the fact the electricity made it like ‘you’re not allowed,’” Jett tells RNZ. “And it’s like, what do you mean I’m not allowed?
“You’re saying I can’t play it, but I have girls in my class next to me playing Beethoven and Bach on violin and different instruments, so you’re not saying I’m not capable of it; what you’re saying is I’m not allowed to.”
Like Fanny and The Liverbirds before them, The Runaways faced an uphill battle – and when Jett went solo, even more so.
“We have 23 rejection letters to prove it,” Jett recalls. “We sent them five hits, we sent them five hits, right? All songs that became hits here in the States, and they sent us a variety of rejection letters from uninterested with no reason, to ‘lose the guitar’, to my favorite, ‘you need a song search’.”
Five decades on, Jett is a bona fide legend – but doesn’t shy away from relating her experiences and addressing the bigger issue.
“It felt to me that we were on the cusp of the girls breaking out,” she said in a 2017 Guitar World interview. “We were one hit away from opening the door for everybody else. But there was always resistance from radio. Like, only one girl gets to be played at a time.”
Earlier this year, Lita Ford, Jett’s former bandmate in the Runaways, spoke about the challenges the band faced in carving their own path and cracking the glass ceiling for women in rock.
“It Would Have Been okay If I Had an Acoustic Guitar, But the Electricity Made It Like ‘Your Not Allowed'”: Joan jett on Her Battles to Become a Rock Guitar Icon
Joan Jett, one of rock’s most iconic guitarists, has frequently enough spoken candidly about the uphill battles she faced breaking into a male-dominated music industry. Her famous quote, “It would have been okay if I had an acoustic guitar, but the electricity made it like ’you’re not allowed’,” captures the essence of the gender biases and cultural barriers she overcame to revolutionize rock guitar and inspire generations of musicians.
The Early Struggles of Joan Jett in Rock Music
Joan Jett’s path to becoming a rock guitar legend was anything but smooth. In the 1970s and 80s, rock scenes were overwhelmingly male-centric and often outright hostile to female guitarists, especially those wielding electric guitars. Jett felt the sting of rejection not just from audiences, but also industry gatekeepers who viewed women on electric guitar as an anomaly or threat.
- Industry Sexism: Electric guitar was often seen as a “boys only” arena.Jett was frequently told she didn’t fit the mold, and her talent was underestimated as of her gender.
- Limited Access to Equipment and Gigs: Beyond social attitudes, female musicians struggled to access proper instruments and professional performance opportunities. Jett’s quote reflects how the “electricity” itself symbolized a barrier she had to overcome.
- Genre Stereotyping: The assumption that a woman should play acoustic or softer styles limited Jett,who was resolute to deliver hard-hitting rock music with her electric guitar.
“The Electricity” – More Than Just Sound
Jett’s phrase, “the electricity made it like ’you’re not allowed,'” goes beyond the literal electric guitar – it symbolizes the energy, rebellion, and sonic power that the electric guitar represents in rock music. For many, it was a symbol of masculinity and dominance on stage, making Joan’s pursuit doubly tough.
How Joan Jett Broke Barriers to Become a Rock guitar Icon
Despite these challenges, Joan Jett did not let the limitations define her. Instead, she took strategic and passionate steps to redefine what it meant to be a female guitarist in rock music.
Key Factors in Joan Jett’s Rise
| Factor | Impact | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Raw Talent & persistence | Mastered electric guitar with fierce dedication | Earned respect from peers and fans alike |
| Formation of The Runaways | Put female rock musicians on the map | Provided a platform to challenge norms |
| Solo Career & Self-reliant Spirit | Founded Blackheart Records | Maintained creative control and broke industry barriers |
| Hit Songs & Media Presence | Released iconic tracks like “I Love rock ‘n’ Roll” | Solidified legacy as a rock guitar icon |
Joan Jett’s Advice for Aspiring Female Guitarists
If you’re inspired by Joan Jett’s story and want to follow her footsteps, here are practical tips drawn from her experience and attitude towards breaking barriers:
- Embrace Your Sound: Don’t shy away from the electric guitar as of stereotypes. Own the sonic power and develop your personal style.
- Build Resilience: Expect rejection and keep pushing forward. Persistence is key in a challenging industry.
- Create Your Own Opportunities: Like Joan formed her own record label to bypass industry roadblocks,seek alternative paths.
- Network with Like-minded Musicians: surround yourself with collaborators who support breaking the mold.
- Keep Your Passion Visible: Joan’s stage persona and energy helped change perceptions – showcase your passion boldly.
Case Study: Joan Jett’s Iconic Guitar Style and Impact
Joan Jett’s guitar style is characterized by its raw energy, gritty tone, and straightforward rock riffs that propelled her to legendary status. Let’s analyze her impact with a simple breakdown:
| Aspect | Description | Legacy |
|---|---|---|
| Sound | Distorted, aggressive, and melodic | Defined hard rock guitar identity for women |
| Technique | Simple power chords, rhythmic precision | Accessible style inspiring beginner and pro guitarists |
| Performance | Charismatic stage presence with rebellious attitude | Empowered female rock performers worldwide |
Frist-Hand Experience: Overcoming the “Electric” Barrier
Joan Jett has openly talked about moments when her electric guitar was met with skepticism or outright hostility. Here’s an excerpt paraphrasing her perspective:
“If I had walked in holding an acoustic guitar,nobody would have batted an eye. But the minute I pulled out an electric, it was as if I was breaking an invisible rule. The power of that electric guitar was threatening to everyone who thought girls should only play ‘soft’ music. It was a battle not just for the sound,but the right to express that sound loud and proud.”
This firsthand insight frames the struggle as cultural and personal, not merely musical. Joan’s journey teaches us that rebellion through music is as much about fighting societal expectations as mastering an instrument.
Benefits of Joan Jett’s Trailblazing Path
- Expanded Opportunities: Joan’s success opened doors for more female guitarists in rock and metal genres.
- Challenged Gender Norms: her electric guitar mastery helped shatter long-held stereotypes.
- Inspired New Generations: Musicians worldwide cite Joan Jett as a major influence and role model.
- Empowered Women in Music Industry: Set precedent for female artists to control their artistry and business.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Rock Guitarists Inspired by joan Jett
- Develop Your Unique Guitar Tone: Experiment with distortion pedals and amp settings to find your voice.
- Commit to Consistent Practice: Master basic power chords and incorporate rhythmic patterns like Joan’s.
- Perform with Confidence: Channel passion into stage presence; music is as much performance as sound.
- stay True to Your Vision: Don’t conform to industry pressures; authenticity resonates with audiences.
- Build Your Network: Collaborate with other musicians and industry professionals who support your goals.
