Elizabeth Cotten
The "Cotten Picking" method is thanks to this acoustic genius. It's an alternating-bass method that she first picked up when she was just learning the guitar. She flipped her brother's left-handed banjo upside down so she could hold it properly. Her notable instrument once her career picked up speed was a Martin 000-18.
Ani DeFranco
DiFranco loves open tunings and taping picks to the fingers on her right hand. She's known for her aggressive and percussive sound. She plays more like a bassist than a guitarist, though her notable instrument is an Alvarez Yairi WY1 Bob Weir Signature.