The 5 best female drummers

1. Cindy Blackman
2. Moe Tucker
3. Sheila E.
4. Terri Lyne Carrington
5. Bobbye Hall

The best female drummers (the full list)

1. Cindy Blackman

Taking the number one spot is Cindy Blackman. She’s a versatile drummer acclaimed for her work specifically in jazz and rock and first gained widespread recognition as the drummer for Lenny Kravitz, playing with him from 1993 to 2004. She’s also played with jazz greats such as Pharoah Sanders and Ron Carter.

Cindy is well-known for her powerful yet precise drumming and ability to cross genres effortlessly.

She’s also released a signature range of Istanbul cymbals; the Istanbul Agop 15” Hi-Hat Cymbal, Cindy Blackman OM Series really defines her style with mellow, washy tones and an immediate stick response you just have to feel for yourself.

2. Moe Tucker

Moe Tucker, the drummer for the Velvet Underground, has a minimalist and innovative drumming style. Joining the band in 1965, she contributed to the group’s distinctive sound with her unconventional use of mallets and a stand-up drum kit.

Tucker’s drumming often prioritised rhythm over technicality, and she played a key role in shaping the experimental rock genre. Her unique approach and the influential music of the Velvet Underground have secured her place as one of the best female drummers in history.

3. Sheila E.

Renowned percussionist and singer Sheila E. is best known for her work with Prince and her successful solo career. She first gained fame in the 1980s with hits like “The Glamorous Life”. Her exceptional talent spans genres including pop, R&B, and Latin music, and you can see how versatile she is just by looking at the other artists she’s collaborated with; Ringo Starr, Beyoncé, and Lionel Richie, to name a few!

Sheila E. is as inspirational as she is influential; her groundbreaking contributions to the industry are mirrored in younger generations of drummers following in her footsteps.

4. Terri Lyne Carrington

Terri Lyne Carrington started her career with the likes of Dizzy Gillespie and Stan Getz, but she has since gone on to lead her own successful projects and is now a highly acclaimed jazz drummer.

Carrington has won multiple Grammy Awards, including a historic win for Best Jazz Instrumental Album.

Her pioneering work, both as a performer and an educator, cements her reputation as one of the best female drummers in jazz and of all time.

5. Bobbye Hall

With no better word to describe her, Bobbye Hall is a legendary percussionist best known for her extensive session work across various genres, including rock, soul, and pop. Beginning her career in the 1960s, she has played with iconic artists such as Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, and Carole King to name a few.

Hall is renowned for her versatile percussion skills and ability to enhance any track with her rhythmic expertise. Her contributions to countless classic albums have earned her a long-lasting legacy in the music industry.

6. Nikki Glaspie

Nikki Glaspie is a dynamic drummer known for her work with Beyoncé, Dumpstaphunk, and her own band, The Nth Power. Starting her career with Dumpstaphunk, she quickly gained recognition for her powerful and versatile drumming.

Glaspie’s style spans funk, R&B, and rock; her drumming is technically brilliant and has a deep groove. She’s also known for being extremely energetic on stage and connecting with audiences.

7. Meg White

Co-creator of one of the most recognisable songs in history, Meg White is best known as the drummer for The White Stripes. Her minimalist and raw drumming style became a defining characteristic of the band’s sound, which eventually led their hit single “Seven Nation Army” to become one of the most popular rock songs ever.

White’s straightforward approach and emphasis on rhythm over complexity perfectly complemented the band’s blues and punk influences.

She used the Paiste 22’’ 2002 Ride during her prime to easily achieve the classic rock sound The White Stripes were renowned for.

8. Jen Ledger

Jen Ledger is the drummer and co-vocalist for the Christian rock band Skillet. Joining the band in 2008 at just 18, she brought fresh energy to their sound and, due to her powerful drumming and vocal abilities, Ledger has helped Skillet achieve major success in the rock and Christian music scenes.

Ledger’s dynamic performances and technical skills have earned her recognition as one of the top drummers in contemporary rock.

9. Karen Carpenter

Next on our list is Karen Carpenter, drummer and singer of the famed band, The Carpenters. Beginning her career in the late 1960s, she quickly became known for her smooth, warm voice – and though she is remembered primarily as a singer, she was also a very talented drummer, noted for her impeccable timing and technical proficiency.

It was her work which helped define the soft rock genre, and her dual talents have made her very inspirational to future musicians.

10. Jody Linscott

Jody Linscott is another drummer who has become one of the best due to her ability to jump from genre to genre, including rock, pop, and world music genres. Starting her career in the 1970s, she has performed with legendary artists like Elton John and Paul McCartney, gaining her undeniable legendary status.

Linscott can seamlessly blend various percussion instruments into any musical setting, enhancing the sound with her rhythmic creativity. Her extensive session work, live performances, and adaptability have made her a sought-after musician.

11. Stella Mozgawa

Australian drummer for indie rock band Warpaint, Stella Mozgawa has a distinctive drumming style characterised by intricate rhythms and a deep, meaningful groove that helped shape her successful band.

Mozgawa has also collaborated with artists like Kurt Vile and the XX, showcasing her versatility across indie and alternative rock genres. Known for her technical proficiency and innovative approach, she brings a unique energy to every single performance.

12. Anika Nilles

Our list of the best female drummers wouldn’t be complete without German drummer Anika Nilles. She is renowned for her work as a solo artist and her presence on YouTube, where she shares her drumming skills and original compositions.

She gained prominence in the 2010s with her unique blend of pop, rock, and progressive genres and is known for how technically skilled she is, her complex rhythms, and her dynamic playing style.

Nilles has also developed her own practice pad, the Meinl 12″ Anika Nilles Split Tone Practice Pad, which offers a unique way to practise your rudiments thanks to the three different practice areas, each with a different stick response and tone.

13. Camille Bigeault

Camille Bigeault is a French drummer known for her remarkable polyrhythmic skills and versatility across various genres, including jazz, metal, and fusion. She gained attention through her impressive YouTube videos which have had millions of views worldwide. Plus, she’s performed with several bands such as Xxelles and Breathing Method, demonstrating her ability to adapt to different musical styles.

Her deep understanding of rhythm and creativity set her apart in the drumming community from an early age whilst her exceptional skill and pioneering approach make her extremely influential.

14. Sandy West

Powerhouse drummer for the pioneering all-female rock band The Runaways, Sandy West quickly gained recognition as one of the very best in the industry. She co-founded The Runaways in 1975 and became known for her hard-hitting style and energetic performances.

West played a crucial role in the band’s raw, rebellious sound as the band grew to be influential in the development of punk rock and paved the way for future female musicians. Going beyond the music, it was also West’s fierce drumming and stage presence that made her a standout musician in the male-dominated rock scene.

15. Samantha Maloney

Samantha Maloney is a versatile drummer known for her work with several prominent rock and metal bands. She gained recognition as the drummer for Hole from 1998 to 2000 and later joined Mötley Crüe for their 2000 tour, it was this step in her career that really catapulted her to stardom.

Maloney has also played with Eagles of Death Metal and Peaches. She is well-known for her powerful drumming, eye-catching stage presence, and ability to seamlessly integrate into various band dynamics.

16. Gina Schock

Up next is another iconic drummer in an all-female band – Gina Schock, who drummed for The Go-Go’s after joining them in 1979. Her energetic and precise drumming style was integral to the band’s success in the early 1980s, helping to define their pop-punk sound.

The Go-Go’s became the first all-female band to top the Billboard charts by writing their own songs and, without a doubt, Schock’s drumming driving the band forward.

17. Janet Weiss

Respected for her work with indie-rock band Sleater-Kinney, Janet Weiss took the female drumming scene by storm in 1996. Since then, she has also played with bands like Quasi, Wild Flag, and The Jicks. But what makes Weiss stand out is her powerful, precise abilities around the kit and how she drives a song’s energy and emotion without fail.

Janet Weiss’s contributions to the indie and alternative rock scenes have been extremely influential to millions of drummers worldwide.

18. Viola Smith

Another pioneering drummer worthy of a spot on this list is Viola Smith, famous for her work in swing and big band music. Starting her career in the 1930s, she played with several notable bands, including The Coquettes – an all-female orchestra Smith co-founded.

Viola Smith was recognised for her exceptional speed and ability to handle complex rhythms that were extremely innovative for that era. Additionally, she gained fame for her energetic performances and was one of the first female drummers to achieve national recognition.

19. Honey Lantree

Honey Lantree was the drummer for the Honeycombs, a 1960s British beat band. It was Lantree who broke new ground as one of the few female drummers in a prominent rock band during that era.

Lantree’s precise and energetic drumming was central to the band’s hit “Have I the Right?” which topped the charts in 1964. Her ability to hold her own in a male-dominated industry made her a true trailblazer.

20. Hannah Welton

Adding more talent to the list, Hannah Welton is one of the best drummers to drum for Prince. If this wasn’t enough to showcase her immense drumming skill, she also performed with her own band 3RDEYEGIRL, formed in 2013. Welton began her career in jazz and gospel before eventually moving onto heavier genres such as rock, demonstrating first-hand her versatility behind the kit.

In particular, Hannah’s work with Prince on albums such as PLECTRUMELECTRUM highlighted her ability to seamlessly blend rock, funk, and pop into one super sound.

21. Wiktoria Bialic

The ultra-achieving drummer from Poland, Wiktoria Bialic started with classical music before she ventured onto jazz and rock and very quickly became successful. In 2021, Wiktoria won the “Hit Like a Girl” contest, won the “Rock for People contest”, and was a finalist for other contests like the “New Drums Generation Poland”.

Bialic also recorded the single Dark Dark Days with Ash Soan and has recorded with award-winning producer Kartik Shah.

22. Bianca Richardson

Bianca Richardson is an accomplished drummer known for her work with Beyoncé and Janelle Monáe. Starting her career in the gospel genre, she quickly expanded her repertoire to include R&B, pop, and funk.

Richardson is celebrated for her powerful and precise drumming as well as her ability to bring energy and groove to any performance – making her one of the best session drummers around.

She has gained recognition for her technical skill and dynamic stage presence, loved by millions. To this day, Bianca Richardson’s perseverance and exceptional talent continue to make her one of the greats.

23. Taylor Gordon

Taylor Gordon, also known as “The Pocket Queen”, is a highly skilled drummer who gained prominence through her viral drumming videos on social media, showcasing her talent in genres like R&B, pop, and gospel.

Gordon has performed with artists such as Beyoncé and Fifth Harmony and is known for her deep-pocket playing and dynamic performances.

24. Cora Coleman Dunham

Accomplished drummer and entrepreneur Cora Coleman Dunham has achieved huge success within the drumming industry founding The VIVO Club in 2013 which provides educational opportunities for girls aged 8 to 18.

If this wasn’t enough, Dunham has also performed with multiple artists such as Prince, Roger Nelson, and Beyonce over the years, demonstrating the extent her talent truly goes. With Cora’s drumming being precise, powerful, and dynamic, her ability to blend complex rhythms with musicality truly set her apart in the drumming scene.

25. Sarah Thawer

Another stand-out drummer on our list is Sarah Thawer. She is well-recognised for her work across various genres, from jazz to fusion and world music.

From Toronto, Sarah started drumming at a very young age – her first performance was when she was just five years old, setting herself up for an extremely extensive career. Thawer has since collaborated with huge names such as Steve Vai and Jon Batiste and has even recorded drums with composer Ludwig Göransson for the 2022 Disney Pixar movie, “Turning Red”.

She’s also endorsed by the likes of Yamaha and Istanbul Cymbals.

26. Emmanuelle Caplette

Emmanuelle Caplette is a renowned Canadian drummer known for her work in pop, jazz, and fusion genres. She began her drumming career at the age of nine and quickly gained recognition for her technical proficiency and energetic playing style. Caplette has performed with numerous artists and on various television shows.

She is known for her intricate rhythms and energetic performances. Emmanuelle Caplette’s dedication to her craft and her exceptional talent make her one of the best female drummers in the contemporary music scene.

Emmanuelle typically plays a Sonor Vintage series kit such as the Sonor Vintage 20” 3pc Shell Pack – a kit that is more than capable of capturing her unique style and rhythmic abilities.

27. Chaka Khan

You may be confused with this one, but yes, the queen of funk can also lay down a beat or two on the kit, and rather well, actually.

Though it may not come as a surprise due to her natural ability to keep rhythm and sensational grooves through her vocals, Chaka Khan’s drumming is one of the best, as seen in her spicy drum battle with Rosie O’Donnell.

FAQs

Who is the best female drummer of all time?

The best female drummer of all time is widely considered to be Cindy Blackman. Renowned for her powerful technique and dynamic performances, Cindy Blackman has made significant contributions to jazz and rock. Her work with Lenny Kravitz and solo projects highlight her exceptional talent.

Who is the fastest female drummer?

The fastest female drummer is recognised as Anika Nilles. Known for her technical prowess and speed, Anika Nilles has some very impressive drumming abilities. Her performances showcase her exceptional speed and precision, setting her apart in the drumming community.

What British group had a female drummer?

Many British groups have female drummers, but one of the most prominent is The Honeycombs. The Honeycombs featured Honey Lantree on drums, who was a pioneering figure in the 1960s rock scene. Her role in the band broke new ground for women in rock music, making The Honeycombs a notable group in music history.

Final thoughts

We hope our list of the best female drummers has been eye-opening and highlighted some incredible talent! These drummers have found success through their own bands, companies, or session drumming projects, and they’ve built a legacy for future generations of female drummers to follow.

Want to discover more drummers? Check out our guides to the best jazz drummers of all time and our favourite metal drummers!