[J-Pop] A Collection of Japanese Songs with Difficult/Technical Guitar Parts [2026]
Guitarists who breeze through technical playing… so cool, right?
If you’ve found your way to this article, chances are you’ve been blown away by jaw-dropping tapping, cutting, or sweeping at some point.
This time, we’ve put together a list of Japanese songs with seriously challenging guitar parts.
From power-packed tunes by rock bands to acoustic numbers by solo guitarists, we’ve picked a wide range!
Will you discover that one track that hits you right in the heart?
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[J-Pop] A Collection of Japanese Songs with Difficult/Technical Guitar Parts [2026] (1–10)
Triagesuichuu supika
A signature work by Suichu Supica, a four-piece band from Kyoto that simultaneously delivers two-handed tapping and melodious vocals.
The tapping technique woven by guitarist-vocalist Chiai is built from shifting rhythms and chains of intricate phrases; while it bears elements of post-rock and math rock, its memorable melodies leave a strong impression.
Taketoshi Noguchi’s guitar answers Chiai’s playing with beautiful harmonies that captivate the listener.
Featured on their April 2021 album “mEq,” the track also drew attention for its music video filmed at the Nariwa Museum in Takahashi City.
The band has earned high acclaim at home and abroad, performing a tour in Korea and appearing at FUJI ROCK’s ROOKIE A GO-GO in 2023.
It’s a must-listen not only for guitar enthusiasts fascinated by technical performances, but also for listeners seeking a sound that’s both delicate and dynamic.
LonerNEK
A shocking piece that showcases the high-technological guitar work of NEK!, a girls’ rock band drawing buzz online.
It opens with melodious chord strokes, then unfolds into guitar riffs that fuse speed and melody alongside wistful lyrics.
In the chorus, dazzling techniques like blinding tapping and sweeping come in succession, delivering technical performances that set them apart from the typical image of a dainty women’s rock band.
Known as one of the most technical tracks on the EP “TR!CK TAK!NG,” it was released in March 2025.
The playing by Natsu—whose overwhelming musicianship forms the band’s backbone—conveys her sincere commitment to guitar expression.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who wants to revel in a performance that expands the possibilities of the guitar.
frecklesJUDY AND MARY
Known by abbreviations like JudyMariu or JAM, this is the ninth single by the four-piece rock band JUDY AND MARY, who have maintained a devoted fanbase even after disbanding in 2001.
It was used as the first opening theme for the TV anime Rurouni Kenshin -Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story-, and with the band’s momentum boosted by the anime’s popularity, it became a huge hit that sold over a million copies.
The song showcases technically impressive guitar work, from the eccentric intro riff to the oblique lines that assert their presence while highlighting the vocals.
With jazzy phrases appearing midway through, it’s a quintessentially JUDY AND MARY track whose richly varied structure is truly outstanding.
[J-Pop/J-Rock] A Collection of Japanese Songs with Difficult/Technical Guitar Parts [2026] (11–20)
THE REASON WE FIGHTGALNERYUS
Known for their dramatic sound and stunning high-tone vocals, GALNERYUS included this track on their album “THE STARS WILL LIGHT THE WAY,” released in September 2024.
From neoclassical guitar riffs to high-speed tapping and sweep picking, the song is packed throughout with guitarist SYU’s technical playing at its peak.
Even within its melodious phrases, the piece features numerous challenging sections that employ arpeggios and legato techniques, making it a work that truly embodies the essence of GALNERYUS.
Featured as the opening track of their 20th-anniversary album, it’s a must-listen not only for heavy metal fans but also for musicians pursuing technical guitar playing.
absolute zeronatori
Natori’s opening theme for the TV anime “WIND BREAKER” delivers a sense of breakneck speed through fierce guitar technique and a driving rock sound.
Despite its ultra-fast BPM of 221, it blends highly sophisticated rhythm guitar—packed with intricate cutting phrases and heavy muting—with lead parts that make extensive use of octave playing, all in exquisite balance.
The production features Jin—also known as a Vocaloid producer—on arrangement and guitar.
With its modern chord progression moving from a IV major to a III7 and then to a vi minor, the track is a bona fide guitarist’s nightmare in terms of difficulty.
It was released digitally in April 2024, followed by an 8cm CD release in May.
Highly recommended not only for guitar-savvy listeners but for all music fans who are captivated by technical playing.
Start Our JourneyHAGANE
HAGANE delivers epic melodic speed metal that captivates with overwhelming performance skills and meticulous arrangements.
Guitarist Sakura’s jaw-dropping virtuosity will leave viewers stunned.
Her blistering playing—deploying every technique from sweep picking and tapping to string skipping—reaches truly godlike levels.
Featured on the album “TOP OF THE TOWER,” this piece was released in December 2024 as a passionately crafted track.
Sakura, who also appeared as a guitarist in Suntory’s Craft Boss commercial, goes beyond sheer technical display; her performance deeply enhances the song’s emotional expression.
A must-listen not only for metal fans but for any music lover fascinated by guitar technique.
everKrackGLAY
A work by GLAY, the four-piece rock band that has set numerous milestones—such as CD sales and concert attendance—and continues to lead the J-POP scene at the forefront.
It’s the opening track of their 43rd single, “G4・II -THE RED MOON-,” and it drew attention for being an A-side single composed by a member other than TAKURO, who had been the main composer since their debut.
With effects-laden, noisy backing and a brief yet impactful fast solo, the track showcases a depth to GLAY as a band that isn’t typically associated with a technical image.
It’s a number that differs from their pop and melodious songs, and one that really fires up the crowd live.