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

You Go RunningJessica Dobson

Deep Sea Diver – You Go Running (Live on KEXP)

Jessica Dobson is a female artist from Los Angeles, USA, a singer and guitarist who has performed with Beck’s band, The Shins, and Deep Sea Diver.

In addition to guitar, she also plays bass guitar, drums, and piano, and her delicate, intelligent performances are captivating.

Shake ‘Em On DownSamantha Fish

SAMANTHA FISH BAND “Shake ‘Em On Down” 3/22/13

Samantha Fish is a guitarist and singer from Missouri, USA, born in 1989 (age 28).

Her outstanding, talent-filled performance at Chicago’s Rosa’s Lounge caught the attention of music industry professionals, leading to her being scouted and making her record debut.

She was selected for the 2012 Blues Music Award for Best New Artist and is currently considered the number one young blues guitar artist.

absolute valueNakajima Yumi (Chirinuruwo Waka)

“Absolute Value” ChirinuRuWoWaka

Former guitarist and vocalist of GO!GO!7188.

Currently active as the guitarist and vocalist of Chirinuruwowaka.

Her stage name is “Yuu.” Although she is left-handed, she uses a right-handed guitar.

She is known for her piercing high-pitched vocals and the appeal of her guitar work that delivers straight-ahead rock.

Blues For HerbEmily Remler

Emily Remler plays “Blues For Herb”

Emily Remler was a jazz guitarist born in New York in 1957.

She created delicate, beautiful tones and, while effortlessly handling ultra-advanced techniques such as rapid arpeggios, consistently produced a warm sound.

You can feel the brilliance of her guitar technique and the kindness in her sound on “Blues For Herb.”

All My RageLaura Marling

Laura Marling – All My Rage

Laura Beatrice Marling is a singer-songwriter from Berkshire, England, born in 1990.

She learned guitar from a young age and released her debut album, “Alas, I Cannot Swim,” in 2008 at the age of 18.

In 2011, she won a Brit Award and, by the age of 27, had been nominated for the UK’s Mercury Prize three times, making her, in both name and reality, the queen of the English folk scene.

DiamondsNakayama Kanako

Princess Princess “Diamonds <Diamond>” The Last Live (2023 Digital Remaster Version)

Kanako Nakayama, guitarist of PRINCESS PRINCESS—the legendary band that has led Japan’s girls’ band scene—made her major-label debut in 1986 with the mini-album “Kiss de Hanzai.” In 1989, they became the first all-female band to perform at Nippon Budokan, leaving a major mark on the music world.

Influenced by Joan Jett, Nakayama combines powerful guitar playing with strong songwriting talent.

After PRINCESS PRINCESS disbanded, she pursued solo work, including the album “HOWLING,” and performs with the rock band VooDoo Hawaiians.

In November 2024, she successfully held a 60th-birthday commemorative live show, proving her rock spirit remains as fierce as ever.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience the essence of powerful female rock.

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.