Orianthi

The Story of Orianthi

Orianthi could not have known when she picked up a guitar at the age of 6 that her life would never be the same. Her instant affinity for the instrument quickly grew into a full-blown love affair. Born into a Greek family in the southern Australian town of Adelaide, she grew up surrounded by music and began playing piano at the age of 3. The day she was introduced to an acoustic guitar was the day she knew her life’s passion.

Few people discover their destiny so early and stay on that same path. Orianthi demonstrated extraordinary focus and determination for someone so young. She scoured her father’s extensive record collection, which included legends like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, Santana, and BB King, immersing herself in their mastery.

At the age of 11, her father took her to see Carlos Santana perform, and she was in awe of his playing.

“That show really affected me,” she recounts. “I asked my dad for a Paul Reed Smith guitar so I could be like Carlos. And that was it—no more acoustic!”

She idolized Santana and spent hours learning his solos note-for-note until her tapes wore out. By 15, Orianthi began homeschooling to focus entirely on her passion and played in local cover bands in Adelaide. She opened for Steve Vai, who became a guitar idol and mentor. Soon after, she opened for ZZ Top at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, remaining in close contact with Billy Gibbons.

At just 14, Orianthi recorded her first CD, Under the Influence, at home. Four years later, when Santana performed in Adelaide, he invited her to his soundcheck and then on stage that night, in front of her hometown audience. Carlos Santana shared this footage with Paul Reed Smith, leading to her invitation to perform at NAMM in California in 2004.

Rising Star

By 20, Orianthi honed her songwriting skills, encouraged by Steve Vai and some of Australia’s finest songwriters. In 2005, she recorded her second independent CD, Violet Journey, where she played lead guitar, keyboards, bass guitar, and drums on most tracks. Her talent caught the attention of Universal Records at the 2006 NAMM show, landing her a major record deal with Geffen and relocating to the U.S. later that year.

A Turning Point

Her performance with Carrie Underwood at the 2009 Grammy Awards proved life-changing. Footage of that performance caught the attention of Michael Jackson, who invited her to audition for his This Is It concert series. She succeeded, joining the ranks of legendary guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Slash, and Jennifer Batten.

“Working with Michael was a life-changing experience,” she reflects. “One I will never forget. I learned so much from him.”

Although the tour was tragically canceled, Orianthi attended all rehearsals, further cementing her place among musical icons.

Chart-Topping Success

In late 2009, Orianthi released her major-label debut, Believe, featuring the platinum single “According To You,” a worldwide hit. After her success, Orianthi joined Alice Cooper’s band in 2011.

“I loved working with Alice. I admire his longevity as an artist and he gives 110% every night,” Orianthi said.
Alice himself praised her:
“Orianthi killed it every night—twenty-eight solos and standing ovations. She is one of the best female rock guitarists in the world.”

Collaborations and Versatility

Orianthi has worked with an impressive list of artists, including Steve Vai, Carlos Santana, Michael Jackson, ZZ Top, Adam Lambert, Carrie Underwood, Prince, and Richie Sambora. She continues to defy industry expectations, blending rock, blues, pop, and even country influences into her work.

In 2013, she collaborated with producer Dave Stewart on Heaven in This Hell, which featured a mix of melodic, riff-heavy rock and energetic blues.

“We recorded with musicians I respect, creatively exchanging ideas and playing live in the studio,” said Orianthi.

Recent Work and Future Plans

In 2020, Orianthi released O, a stunning 11-track album showcasing her bluesy guitar influences and timeless rock sound. Produced by Marti Frederiksen, the album was written and recorded in just 28 days.

“I want this record to make people feel good and get them going. I’d like to reach a whole new audience with this record.”

In 2022, she recorded a new album at the iconic Sunset Sound studio in Los Angeles, featuring guest appearances by Emmy-nominated Michael Bearden and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Bunton.

Looking ahead, Orianthi is ready to take her music, along with her PRS and Gibson signature guitars, on tour around the world.

Guitar Planet Magazine describes her as:
“A staggeringly dexterous player, capable of mastering next to any style and outshredding anyone.”

Orianthi is a force of nature in the music industry, and her journey is only just beginning!