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.
Cherry BombYoshida Sumire
A cute song that symbolizes how all the members started as reader models is its standout feature.
The lyrics make you want to hum along to “Cherry Cherry Bomb,” which is wonderful.
Listening to this track, you can’t help but feel like you’re falling in love with them.
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.
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.
Raitei (Thunderbolt)hazuki
Hazuki commands a seven-string guitar as if it were an extension of her own body, unleashing a thunderous metal sound.
She launched her full-fledged career in 2019 as the guitarist of NEMOPHILA, showcasing a wide range of styles from heavy metal to nu metal and metalcore.
Their December 2021 album “REVIVE” hit No.
1 on the iTunes rock chart and No.
5 on the Oricon weekly ranking.
In February 2024, they successfully headlined at the Nippon Budokan, continuing their rapid ascent.
A graduate of MI Japan Nagoya, she studied under Mikio Fujioka—renowned guitarist of BABYMETAL’s Kami Band—and her exceptional technique and delicate expressiveness captivate fans of hard rock and metal alike.
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.
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.