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)
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.
Feature: Talented Female Guitarists from Popular Bands (51–60)
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.
Shangri-LaHashimoto Eriko
The vocalist and guitarist of Chatmonchy.
Her husband is Shoichi Igari from tacica, and she is also a mother.
She used to favor a Telecaster-type guitar, but recently she has been using various types of guitars.
Her charming looks and singing voice, along with her emotional guitar playing, are part of her appeal.
At least for today.Ueno Hane Arane
This band, memorable for its left-handed singer-guitarist, is TETORA, a three-piece girls’ rock band from Kansai.
Above all, what stands out in their songs is the husky voice of Yune Noba, who sings and plays guitar.
Their passionate, piercing lyrics are another key part of their appeal, and together with their pleasantly overdriven, easy-on-the-ears guitar sound, they’re a band I’d recommend not only to rock fans but to anyone.
GIRLYuko
FLiP is a four-piece girls’ band from Okinawa, formed in 2005.
Incorporating a Western-music aesthetic into their sound, they made their major-label debut in 2010.
They gradually gained popularity, contributing theme songs for anime and more.
In 2014, they moved to EMI Records and began exploring pop, danceable tracks featuring synthesizers.
With their 2013 album “LOVE TOXiCiTY,” they self-produced every track, further broadening their musical scope.
They have appeared at many major festivals, including SUMMER SONIC 08 in 2008.
Their energetic live performances are one of their key attractions.
They’re a band we recommend to fans of Western music as well.
Super Groupnaoko
As expected from true veterans, their song is a powerful, punkish track that shows no signs of age.
With distinctive English lyrics and a suitably distorted sound, it feels familiar to our ears today and is an easy, enjoyable listen.
In conclusion
The female guitarists introduced here boast an impressive range of appeal, from delicate expressiveness to powerful performances.
tricot’s shifting time signatures, BAND-MAID’s metal sound, and Tokyo Jihen’s sophisticated songs—each has established a unique musical identity.
Find your favorite artist and enjoy their breathtaking performances at live shows and in music videos.