Tone Timeline
Lita Ford — Tone Evolution
Lita Ford was the Runaways' lead guitarist and subsequently a successful solo artist in the glam metal era. Her Gibson Flying V and Les Paul through a Marshall gave her a hard-driving tone; her lead playing on "Kiss Me Deadly" and "Back to the Cave" established her as a genuine rock guitar force.
1975–1979: The Runaways
The Runaways' lead guitarist from the start, Ford's aggressive style was the counterpart to Jett's rhythm approach. Her early influences were Glenn Tipton (Judas Priest) and other NWOBHM players — fast, aggressive, heavy. A Gibson guitar through a Marshall was her consistent approach in the Runaways context.
Signal Chain
1983–present: Dancin' on the Edge / Kiss Me Deadly
↑ "Kiss Me Deadly" peak showed Ford's guitar-forward identity within commercial glam metal format.
Dancin' on the Edge (1984) and Lita (1988, featuring "Kiss Me Deadly" and "Close My Eyes Forever" with Ozzy Osbourne) were commercial high points. Ford's guitar work on these records is competent and direct — Gibson or Kramer through Marshall, hair-metal production values but genuine rock foundation.
Signal Chain