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: Skilled Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (21–30)
Telecaster StripeShizuku
The distinctive name Polkadot Stingray is taken from a real species of ray.
It has all the makings of a killer tune, including four-on-the-floor cutting guitar and striking riff phrases.
The distinctive vocals are reminiscent of Sheena Ringo.
GliderKitazawa Yūho
A three-member girls’ unit that plays breezy guitar pop.
Their musical prowess is so impressive that even the artist Yoshitomo Nara has praised them.
And with all three members being stunningly beautiful, there’s no doubt their popularity is about to skyrocket.
avocadoUshimaru Arisa
While the song is notable for its distinctive lyrics—breaking up after throwing an avocado at a lover—the sound itself is remarkably robust, rooted in UK rock and carrying a faintly nostalgic air.
It’s a track defined by the striking contrast between its lyrics and its music.
UkifuneAkko
Their robust guitar rock is influenced by Blankey Jet City.
The melodies and guitar phrases characteristically use Japanese scales, and the vocals also have a certain punch that feels distinctly Japanese.
They have since disbanded.
machineYū
This band newly formed by the guitarist-vocalist of GO!GO!7188 delivers a track full of exhilarating drive.
The spotlight is on a song that’s more powerful and even more refreshing.
The vocals and melody retain that distinctly Japanese quality, much like the previous band.
summer festivalHarukawa Reiko
While the song is famous for being covered by Whiteberry, it was originally their track.
The sound from the hollow-body guitar features distinctly emotive, quintessentially Japanese phrases.
I think they’re a band that resonates naturally with Japanese ears.
Ultramarine DaysShiina Ringo
Composed by H ZETT M.
This is the legendary band that Ringo Sheena, who is also thriving as a singer-songwriter, once belonged to.
Beyond the obvious quality of the songs, it can be called a killer tune in which the individuality of both the rhythm section and the instrumentalists continues to shine throughout.