6. Chantel McGregor

Style: Blues rock

Influenced by: Joe Bonamassa

Gear: Music Man John Petrucci, Fret-King Super S and Super T models, Rivera amplifiers

Find out more:www.chantelmcgregor.com

Much has been made of the fact that British blues sensation Chantel McGregor is a girl that can, you know, actually play guitar an’ that. In fact, an A&R man once told her that she should change her style as her guitar playing might intimidate the boys!

What really matters is that the 23 year old kicks ass on guitar. Although Chantel’s live set is predominantly made up of covers at the moment she has written some original material including the ballad Not Here With Me and blues rocker Freefalling (see audio below).

Speaking of covers, Chantel has also blasted her way through smoking versions of Jimi Hendrix’ Red House and Voodoo Child (Slight Return) and Stevie Ray Vaughan’s Lenny.

Chantel has yet to release an album but you’d be well advised to watch this space…

Listen: Chantel McGregor - Freefalling (live at the Morecombe Dome, Feb 2010)