Australian-born guitarist, singer, and songwriter Orianthi Panagaris. Catapulted to global fame as the chosen lead guitarist for Michael Jackson’s “This Is It” tour, Orianthi has since proven herself to be a formidable force in her own right, blending fiery technique with pop sensibility and standing tall as one of the most visible and inspiring female guitar heroes of her generation.
Forging a Sound: Shred, Soul, and Pop Appeal
Orianthi’s musical style is a high-energy fusion of blues-based hard rock, sophisticated pop, and virtuosic shred. Her playing is rooted in the classic rock vocabulary of players like Carlos Santana and Steve Vai, but it’s delivered with a modern edge and a distinct melodic flair. She possesses breathtaking technical facility, capable of unleashing rapid-fire alternate picking runs, fluid legato passages, and intricate tapping sequences. Yet, she never sacrifices musicality for the sake of speed. Her solos are expertly crafted, often telling a story with vocal-like phrasing, expressive string bends, and a vibrato that can range from a subtle shimmer to a powerful roar. This ability to shred with conviction while still serving the song has made her a sought-after collaborator for artists ranging from Alice Cooper to Carrie Underwood.
The Arsenal of a Rock Virtuoso: Gear and Technique
To achieve her signature powerful and articulate tone, Orianthi has long been associated with Paul Reed Smith (PRS) guitars. She has several signature models, including the SE Orianthi and the high-end Private Stock, which are designed to facilitate her demanding playing style with features like comfortable neck profiles and versatile pickup configurations (typically humbuckers). Her guitars provide the perfect platform for her aggressive right-hand attack and precise fretting work. She is a master of various techniques, including sweep picking and using the whammy bar for both subtle colour and dramatic dive bombs.
When it comes to amplification, Orianthi has used a variety of high-gain amps throughout her career to achieve her punchy, saturated lead tone, including models from EVH, Orange, and Marshall. Her pedalboard setup is built for rock versatility. A wah pedal (often a Dunlop Cry Baby) is essential for her expressive, vocal-style lead work. She also incorporates various overdrive and distortion pedals to shape her gain stages, along with modulation effects like chorus and phasers for texture, and delay to add space and dimension to her solos. Her rig is a carefully curated arsenal designed to deliver maximum impact, whether in the studio or on the world’s biggest stages.
Essential Orianthi: The Tracks to Hear
Orianthi’s career is highlighted by chart-topping hits and jaw-dropping performances. To get a full appreciation of her skill and songwriting prowess, these tracks are the perfect place to start your deep dive.
“According to You”
“Highly Strung (feat. Steve Vai)”
“Heaven in This Hell”
Orianthi stands as a powerful inspiration, proving that technical mastery and mainstream success can go hand-in-hand. Her dynamic presence, incredible skill, and memorable songwriting have solidified her status as a modern guitar icon. She continues to carry the torch for rock guitar, inspiring countless players around the world to pick up the instrument and play with fire and passion.
Cover Photo Credit “RSO (Richie Sambora + Orianthi) 01/19/2017 #12” by jus10h is licensed under CC BY 2.0
