Guitar Trail Blazers

The legacies of Elizabeth Cotten, Memphis Minnie, Ida Presti, Charo, Maybelle Carter, and Sister Rosetta Tharpe are monumental in the world of music. These six women not only carved out spaces for themselves in genres dominated by men but also brought innovative techniques and sounds that have left an indelible mark on our musical heritage.

Sue Foley’s “Guitar Trail Blazers” delivers an in-depth exploration of the styles, histories, and cultural impacts of these six trailblazing women. Sue examines and demonstrates the nuances of each guitarist's technique to deepen your guitar skills and connect you with the rich, diverse history of blues guitar and the extraordinary women who have shaped its evolution.

”I am deeply inspired by the female pioneers of guitar who made timeless contributions to blues music and its history. These trailblazing women weren't just playing the guitar, they were living it, pouring their souls into every note. Their stories are not just about music but about overcoming barriers, setting new standards, and inspiring generations of players.

I’ll share some of the things that inspired me about each of them: their technique, their energy, their style — and then I’ll play a performance study to illustrate those qualities in a musical context.”

Sue Foley stands out in the music world for her exceptional artistry, deep knowledge of music history, and remarkable talent as a guitarist and singer-songwriter. Her passion for the blues and roots music is evident in her soulful performances and intricate guitar work, which seamlessly blend tradition with innovation.

You’ll have TrueFire’s interactive learning tools at your fingertips to personalize your workspace and learn at your own pace.

The demonstrations and performances are tabbed, notated, and synced to the video with controls for looping, slow motion, fretboard animation, and other tools designed to accelerate your learning progress.

You’ll also get tab and standard notation files to print out, plus Guitar Pro files and backing tracks to practice with.

Grab your guitar, and let’s dig in with Sue Foley!