Courtney Cox

Arguably, there’s no-one on this list more able to induce some serious air guitar action in the astute listener than the Iron Maidens guitarist. In 2008, having already performed with established acts like George Lynch (Dokken) and Jon Anderson (Yes), Cox was invited to join The Iron Maidens as a guest performer, where she then drew more recognition for her electrifying stage presence and her wild solos.

When she’s not putting her all into her Iron Maidens “Adriana Smith” persona (channelling her inner Adrian Smith, original Iron Maiden guitarist), or performing with The Starbreakers and Femme Fatale, Cox is known to execute solos and improvisations on tour, at conventions and in guest spots, with a very distinct pull on classic blues licks merged with some heavy metal vehemence.

Cox boasts a small flight pedal, useful for her short and sharp touring runs with The Iron Maidens (short, but still plentiful mind you), with a preference for Friedman for the gain and punch their pedals offer. And when she’s talked of her technique, tone is often a focal point for the American axewoman.

In April 2018, Caparison announced the new Courtney Cox Signature Horus-M3 CC electric guitar – an impressive model suited for an equally impressive performer. Cox is a chick who definitely helped shape the sound of the ‘00s. She’s a guitarist worthy of the Wayne’s World chant, “We’re not worthy!”