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: Talented Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (41–50)
P.S. I LOVE YOUSuzuki Takako
Takako Suzuki, the guitarist of PINK SAPPHIRE who kept delivering brilliant guitar sounds.
Since their major debut in July 1990, her solid, hard rock–based guitar work became the cornerstone of the band’s musical identity.
Achieving the remarkable feat of four consecutive Top 10 hits, including a tie-in with a Fuji TV drama, the band drew attention as pioneers among female rock groups.
In 1992, they also won the Grand Prix at the Japan Junior Chamber’s “Song to Cheer the Earth.” Suzuki went on to pursue diverse musical activities, including tour support for MAX and Hiroko Anzai, and performing with Yoshio Nomura’s FUNK ROCKET.
With powerful yet delicate guitar playing, she broadened the possibilities for female guitarists and left a significant mark on the rock scene as a trailblazer.
SWEETMisaki
Misaki is the guitarist and vocalist for the band SpecialThanks.
Her charming voice—cute without being overly sweet—adds flair to their bursting melodic punk sound.
Her long hair and adorably feminine look are also popular.
papapanozo
Contrary to their quirky band name, they’re known for powerful, emotional songs, drawing on foreign guitar rock to create music with a solid backbone.
Their guitar chops are top-notch and have been praised by numerous musicians.
welcome to nightSasakawa Maika
It’s a girls’ band with the distinctive lineup of bass and vocals.
The quality of their songs is so high that Pierre Nakano from Ling Tosite Sigure has praised them.
Their lyrics and music are highly psychedelic and exude a sense of sensuality, which is very appealing.
DOUNARUNO!?Misaki
This high-energy track is built on solid, melodic-hardcore-influenced guitars and drums.
The lyrics, which feel like they’re asking us “What’s going to happen?”, are startling in the best way.
This is a band I highly recommend right now.
Sunny-side upYaginuma Kana
It’s a rare band with vocals reminiscent of Etsuko Yakushimaru from Soutaiseiriron, backed by a distinctive cutting-style guitar influenced by funk music.
Even so, the way they’ve polished it into something genuinely pop really shows their skill.
Cassette Tape and Utility KnifeIjuin Kaori
While they play a standard kind of guitar rock reminiscent of ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, their lyrics are remarkably distinctive—socially conscious yet dealing with very familiar, everyday themes.
Let’s check out their talent, which Daisuke Tsuda has also praised highly.