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)
Beyond this speedmiyamoto natsuko
There is a guitarist who is greatly influenced by Hisako Tabuchi of NUMBER GIRL.
The appeal of their songs can be described as catchy yet edgy tracks that fuse guitar rock with pop songs.
SPICE!ASAKA
ASAKA, the guitarist active in the girls’ rock band TRiDENT.
Until 2020, she performed under the name Girls Rock Band Kakumei, but upon restarting after a hiatus, the band changed its name.
Though she has a cute look, once she steps on stage she transforms into an artist who delivers passionate guitar playing and vocals.
She brings a thick, Les Paul-driven tone that shapes the band’s hard rock sound.
With powerful singing and outstanding guitar skills, she captivates audiences with her performance and radiates a commanding presence.
Feature: Accomplished Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (31–40)
The Last RevengeYU-KI
D_Drive is an instrumental hard rock band formed by members connected to a music vocational school.
Yuki handles the twin-guitar duties in the band, known for passionate and highly technical performances.
She specializes in rapid picking and sweep picking, and it’s striking how flawlessly she plays songs that incorporate rock and metal elements.
She also works as an instructor in guitar instructional DVDs, providing clear explanations of techniques such as tapping and harmonics.
A virtuosic player with a multifaceted career, she was even selected as an image character for a Sony smartphone commercial.
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.
Coelacanth Dancekiila
This song is built on rhythms and melodies typical of recent Japanese rock, yet it stands out thanks to a unique vocal style reminiscent of Makoto Kawamoto.
The line at the end of the chorus, “Coelacanth, dance♪,” gives it a highly addictive quality that makes you want to hum along.
drop lidMion Ota
This is a two-piece guitar unit formed by Honai Ikoka, the drummer of Gesu no Kiwami Otome.
Despite being just two members, their hallmark is a rich, full sound, and their highly flexible songs—possible precisely because they’re a duo—have captivated countless fans.
Also noteworthy is Honai Ikoka’s powerful, hard-hitting drumming, a side not seen in Gesu no Kiwami Otome.
Day’s eyeMaiko
Maiko has been drawing attention as a technical player who skillfully wields a 35-fret guitar.
As the guitarist for the all-girl metal band PARADOXX, formed in February 2021, she delivers a powerful twin-guitar sound.
She began playing guitar in elementary school after a teacher introduced her to BOØWY, and she developed a performance style heavily influenced by Gino Roth and John Sykes.
Since their debut single in June 2021, the band has steadily gained fans with their melodic hard rock sound.
Maiko’s commanding playing captivates music lovers who are passionate about hard rock and heavy metal.