Feature on skilled female guitarists from popular bands
Japanese female guitarists, captivating audiences with delicate yet bold techniques, are making a strong mark on the music scene.
From tricot’s shape-shifting odd meters to Polkadot Stingray’s cool cutting rhythms and BAND-MAID’s thunderous hard rock, a host of bands are dazzling with a wide range of musical styles.
As master guitarists, each shines with a unique personality, etching a new chapter in the rock scene’s history.
Alongside audio samples, we present the allure of these powerhouse female guitarists.
- Roundup of popular female guitarists: introducing guitar players from Japan and around the world.
- Japanese shred guitarist
- Cute songs by girls’ bands [popular and classic tracks]
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- Classic Japanese rock songs recommended for women
- A guitarist who masters the SG model—a guitar with a distinctive look and sound.
- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
- [For Beginners] Recommended Songs for Female Vocal Bands: Great for Choosing Your Setlist! [2026]
- Guitarists who use PRS
- [2026] A roundup of Japanese female music groups: from idols to vocal groups
- From cute to cool: iconic and recommended songs from uniquely individual girl bands
- A special feature on girls' band tracks and female-vocal study songs that help you focus
Feature on Skilled Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (1–10)
Halfway, and beyondTOMO-ZO
TOMO-ZO, the guitarist of the girls’ band Gacharic Spin, is known for delivering rock performances in flashy outfits that leave a strong impression.
While the band has continued its activities through multiple lineup changes, she provides technically skilled guitar playing that underpins their songs.
Her go-to guitar is a PRS Custom 24, whose excellent note definition and thick tone convey elements of rock and metal.
She is an artist who adds a vivid flair to their music, which blends elements from a wide range of genres.
DiamondsNakayama Kanako
Kanako Nakayama, guitarist of PRINCESS PRINCESS—the legendary band that has led Japan’s girls’ band scene—made her major-label debut in 1986 with the mini-album “Kiss de Hanzai.” In 1989, they became the first all-female band to perform at Nippon Budokan, leaving a major mark on the music world.
Influenced by Joan Jett, Nakayama combines powerful guitar playing with strong songwriting talent.
After PRINCESS PRINCESS disbanded, she pursued solo work, including the album “HOWLING,” and performs with the rock band VooDoo Hawaiians.
In November 2024, she successfully held a 60th-birthday commemorative live show, proving her rock spirit remains as fierce as ever.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the essence of powerful female rock.
Sea and Bouquetā-chan
Kinoko Teikoku is a rock band that delivers a richly layered sound influenced by shoegaze and indie rock.
The band’s guitarist, A-chan, is known for a distinctive, floating feel in their performances.
From aggressive guitar solos to warm arpeggios, they showcase guitar work that closely complements each song.
In live shows, they often play Fender guitars and use the BIG MUFF—renowned as a classic fuzz pedal—and the RV-3 for delay effects.
Despite the thunderous resonance, their guitar playing captivates with a three-dimensional tonal character.
Feature: Skilled Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (11–20)
99.974℃Kidamotifo
Tricot is a band that delivers pop melodies atop a unique rock sound built on odd meters and irregular rhythms.
Handling guitar for the group—whose math rock–evoking performances have garnered international attention—is Motif Kida.
Her gear of choice is a custom model from Altero Custom Guitars, which shapes the edgy lead tones and crisp rhythmic cutting in her playing.
She is an artist who delivers a one-of-a-kind guitar sound that feels solid yet somehow warm.
Time lagmari
They’re a girls’ punk unit known for their powerful songs.
Among them, this track stands out with its distinctive lyrics, rhythm, and melody, making it highly addictive.
Active overseas as well, their music is fun, punkish, and also has a cute charm.
You and the summer music festivalMiyazaki Asako
Asako Miyazaki, who serves as the vocalist and guitarist of SHISHAMO, also writes and composes most of their songs.
She often plays a Telecaster-type guitar.
True to her singing voice, she loves “pink, dolls, and sweets,” making her a girly and charming guitar-playing woman.
CharonShioda Mizuki
The powerful, distinctive synth phrase in the intro is striking, but it’s a song whose standout feature is an appealing guitar phrase that seems influenced by Sonic Youth.
The guitarist, Mizuki Shoda, is a music nerd and appears to be influenced by music from overseas.