Roundup of popular female guitarists: introducing guitar players from Japan and around the world.

A Matter of PerceptionNili Brosh

Nili Brosh plays “A Matter of Perception” on EMGtv

Nili Brosh is a guitarist born in 1988 (age 29) from Rishon LeZion, Israel.

A top graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she became the youngest faculty member there, making her an exceptionally accomplished, intellectual artist.

She is a master of the seven-string guitar, delivering virtuosic technique and creating a rich sound with high musicality.

Eyes of DoubtAYUMI

BRIDEAR – Eyes of Doubt [Official music video]

AYUMI, who showcases her exceptional guitar playing in BRIDEAR, a cool five-piece metal band from Fukuoka.

She joined the band in 2019 and captivates listeners with her meticulous solo work and the dazzling harmonies of twin lead guitars.

Since her arrival, the band has established a unique sound that builds on power metal while incorporating modern elements.

Their 2021 European tour drew enthusiastic responses across the continent, and the album “Bloody Bride” received high praise from media both in Japan and abroad.

Influenced by a wide range of music, from Nothing’s Carved In Stone to MUSE, her playing shines with expressive versatility—from heavy, hard-hitting riffs to delicate arpeggios.

IrisKAOЯI

PARADOXX 'Iris' Official Music Video

I am the leader of PARADOXX, a band that makes a striking impression in Tokyo’s girls’ metal scene.

I started playing guitar at the age of nine, and after my activities with GEL, I formed PARADOXX in February 2021 as a new project to embody my own vision.

In June of the same year, we released our first single and have been performing actively since our debut show at Meguro LIVE STATION.

With the exquisite harmony of twin guitars and technical playing, we paint a world of melodic heavy metal.

I’m also known as a motorcycle enthusiast and have appeared in motorcycle magazines, showcasing a wide range of appeal.

Our music, which combines power and delicacy, is sure to capture the hearts of listeners who seek a heavy sound paired with refined melodies.

Still BurningMOE

BRIDEAR – Still Burning [Official music video]

Centered on power metal while incorporating metalcore and progressive elements, BRIDEAR has crafted a unique sound—bolstered in 2022 by the addition of MOE as their new guitarist.

Her exceptional guitar technique has breathed new life into the band.

Supported by ESP Guitars, she captivates with a performance style that is both delicate and dynamic—a talent not to be missed.

Together with AYUMI in a twin-guitar lineup, they paint a vast soundscape, and BRIDEAR’s live shows have earned high praise overseas.

Highly recommended for music fans drawn to the fusion of fiery metal and grand, sweeping melodies.

Day’s eyeMaiko

PARADOXX – Day’s eye［Official Music Video］

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.

We AreToki

Aldious / We Are (Full Version) [HD]

With the addition of Toky, a genius guitarist from Higashi-Osaka in Osaka Prefecture, the musicality of the all-female metal band ALDIOUS blossomed dramatically.

Since joining in January 2009, her energetic guitar work and exceptional musicianship have brought a fresh breeze to the power metal scene.

She began playing guitar at 15 and is known as an avid ESP Guitars user, having participated in the company’s 40th anniversary event among other vigorous activities.

Their album Deep Exceed topped the indie charts, and the 2013 album District Zero reached No.

7 on the Oricon Weekly Albums Chart, marking steady growth.

While she excels at heavy guitar riffs, she can also deliver gentle, ballad-like tones; her playing is recommended for all music fans who are captivated by powerful sounds.

Limit LoversIgaraishi Miki

SHOW-YA – Limit Lovers (from the DVD “Great Revival Festival”)

Miki Igarashi, known as the guitarist of SHOW-YA, is an indispensable figure in the history of Japanese all-female rock bands.

Making their major debut in 1985 with Toshiba EMI, SHOW-YA drew attention as a full-fledged hard rock band composed entirely of women—rare at the time.

Igarashi’s heavy guitar riffs and outstanding solo work have continued to influence countless musicians.

Although the band went on hiatus in 1998, they reunited in 2005.

Since then, they have remained highly active, appearing at rock festivals in Japan and abroad, with their presence showing no signs of fading.

Igarashi’s playing style, which combines power and delicacy, enjoys overwhelming support from hard rock and heavy metal fans, making her a musician highly recommended for all music lovers captivated by the guitar.