From Adelaide to Global Guitar Stardom

Born Orianthi Panagaris on January 22, 1985, in Adelaide, Australia, Orianthi is a world-renowned guitarist, singer, and songwriter who has made a significant impact in the realms of rock, pop, and blues. Known for her fiery guitar solos, powerful stage presence, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music, Orianthi has earned a reputation as one of the most talented and versatile guitarists of her generation.

A Career Marked by High-Profile Collaborations and Solo Success

Orianthi’s career took off when she was invited to play lead guitar for Michael Jackson’s This Is It concert series in 2009, a role that brought her into the global spotlight. Although the tour was canceled due to Jackson’s untimely death, the experience solidified Orianthi’s place in the music industry. She soon became known for her work with artists like Alice Cooper, where she served as the lead guitarist for several years, and her collaborations with other legends such as Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, and Prince.

In addition to her work as a session and touring musician, Orianthi has enjoyed a successful solo career. Her debut album Believe (2009) featured the hit single “According to You,” which showcased her impressive guitar skills and catchy songwriting, earning her mainstream success. She has since released several solo albums, blending rock, pop, and blues influences with her virtuosic guitar playing. Hearing her songs clearly reveals the influence and lessons she has learned from both pop and rock legends with whom she has collaborated. Some argue that although she’s a fine singer, her vocal-oriented music tends to overshadow her playing, aiming more at a more mainstream audience than fellow guitar aficionados. 

Iconic Tracks: Blending Pop, Rock, and Guitar Heroics

Orianthi’s discography is filled with tracks that highlight her blend of technical skill and pop sensibility:

1. “According to You” – Her breakthrough hit from the album Believe, this song features a memorable guitar solo that demonstrated her ability to merge pop hooks with rock guitar virtuosity.
2. “Highly Strung” – A collaboration with Steve Vai, this instrumental track is a showcase of both guitarists’ technical prowess and creative chemistry, blending intricate melodies with high-energy riffs.
3. “Shut Up & Kiss Me” – A single from her album Believe, this song highlights Orianthi’s ability to combine catchy pop-rock songwriting with her signature guitar work.
4. “Courage” – Featuring Lacey Sturm of Flyleaf, this powerful ballad from the album Believe demonstrates Orianthi’s versatility as a songwriter and her ability to craft emotionally resonant music.

Gear and Technique: The Art of Shredding with Style

Orianthi is known for her preference for PRS (Paul Reed Smith) guitars, which she uses to deliver her powerful and melodic playing. Her setup often includes a range of effects pedals, such as overdrive, delay, and wah, which she uses to create the expressive tones that define her style. Orianthi’s playing technique is a blend of fast, fluid legato lines, precise alternate picking, and soaring bends, all delivered with a strong sense of melody and emotion. She effortlessly transitions between blazing solos and soulful blues licks, showcasing her versatility and deep musicality. Along with PRS, Orange presented the Oriverb, Orianthi’s signature amp. This amp produces a signature Orianthi sound that is as versatile as her playing.

Influence and Impact

Orianthi’s influence on the guitar world is significant, particularly as one of the few women to achieve mainstream success as a lead guitarist in rock and pop music. Her ability to combine technical virtuosity with pop appeal has inspired a new generation of guitarists, both male and female. Orianthi’s work has also helped to break down barriers in a traditionally male-dominated industry, paving the way for more women to pursue careers in rock and guitar music.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Legacy of Orianthi

Orianthi continues to be a powerful force in the music industry, celebrated for her exceptional guitar skills, captivating stage presence, and contributions to both rock and pop music. Her ability to blend genres and push the boundaries of what can be done with the guitar ensures that her influence will continue to grow. As she continues to evolve as an artist, Orianthi’s legacy as one of the leading guitarists of her generation is firmly established.

Bonus Track: 10 Facts About Orianthi

1. Early Start: Began playing guitar at the age of six, inspired by her father’s record collection, which included artists like Jimi Hendrix and Carlos Santana.
2. First Big Break: At 24, she was chosen to be Michael Jackson’s lead guitarist for the This Is It tour, which would have been her first major tour.
3. Carlos Santana Connection: Met her idol Carlos Santana at the age of 18, and he later praised her as one of the most talented guitarists he had ever seen.
4. Chart Success: Her single “According to You” became a top 10 hit in multiple countries, including the United States, Australia, and Japan.
5. Alice Cooper Collaboration: Served as the lead guitarist for Alice Cooper’s band from 2011 to 2014, adding her flair to his legendary stage shows.
6. Signature Guitar: PRS released the Orianthi SE Signature Model, designed to her specifications and used extensively in her performances.
7. Film Appearances: Featured in the Michael Jackson documentary This Is It, where her rehearsals and interactions with Jackson are showcased.
8. Award Recognition: Named Breakthrough Guitarist of the Year by Guitar International magazine in 2010.
9. Genre-Blending Artist: Known for blending rock, pop, blues, and even metal influences in her music, appealing to a wide range of listeners.
10. Collaborative Spirit: Has worked with a diverse array of artists across genres, from Carrie Underwood to Richie Sambora, demonstrating her versatility and collaborative nature.

Listen to Orianthi on this Spotify playlist.