The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
The guitar as an instrument originated in Spain around the 16th century.
Since then, and all the way up to the present day, countless masterpieces for guitar have continued to be created around the world.
Today, it may be strongly associated with “rock band instruments,” but there are also many works classified as classical music.
I hope this article conveys, even a little, the guitar’s diversity, its charm, and the wonderful music that springs from it!
It’s also recommended for hobbyist guitarists who are looking for new pieces to tackle.
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- [J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
- Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs
- [2026] A roundup of classic Western songs with awesome guitar solos
- A song with cool power chords
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Japanese Songs with Difficult/Technical Guitar Parts [2026]
- [Western Music] A Collection of the Coolest, Most Rocking Guitar Riffs [2026]
- [All Genres] Introducing Masterpieces of Guitar Instrumentals!
- Songs I'd love to hear on acoustic guitar! Reiwa-era masterpieces perfect for sing-alongs
- Supreme guitar riffs from both Japanese and Western music: songs with badass intros
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- Level up over summer break! Practice songs recommended for guitarists
- [2026] Recommended for guitar-vocal performance! A collection of Reiwa J‑POP ballads
The depth of guitar sounds. A collection of cool songs featuring guitar (21–30)
BATTLE WITHOUT HONOR OR HUMANITYHotei Tomoyasu
One of the most famous guitarists in Japan, Tomoyasu Hotei, is known for this signature song—just hearing the intro is enough to overwhelm you with his fiery world.
The sense of simmering tension before the chorus hits, and the explosive power when it does, are second to none; surely many people have tried covering this track.
There are various arrangements, but as you’d expect, it’s packed with phrases that stir a guitarist’s soul—truly a classic.
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD
A Hi-STANDARD track defined by exhilarating guitar sounds and a driving, fast-paced melody.
Included on the album “MAKING THE ROAD,” released in June 1999, this song is cherished by many fans as a landmark of melodic hardcore.
Its lyrics, which reflect on lost dreams and memories of youth, leave a strong impression and deliver a deeply resonant message.
The powerful yet delicate guitar riffs are beautifully balanced, encapsulating the band’s appeal in a single track.
It’s recommended not only for punk rock fans but also for anyone who wants to revel in memories of their youth.
Erosion -lose control-L’Arc〜en〜Ciel
L’Arc~en~Ciel’s 12th single, also known as an insert song in the film GODZILLA.
Opening with an unsettling guitar arpeggio, this track delivers a dark, striking sound themed around self-destructive emotions and a fierce attachment to what one cannot bear to lose.
Released on July 8, 1998, it generated major buzz alongside the simultaneously released HONEY and Kasou.
Highlights include an ensemble that incorporates irregular time signatures and vocals that showcase hyde’s wide range from low to high.
It’s a song that resonates not only with guitar enthusiasts but also when you’re in an introspective mood.
GastronjerElefanto Kashimashi
The sharp, cutting guitar riff really gets me pumped.
It’s a song by Elephant Kashimashi, the four-piece rock band known for hits like “Koyoi no Tsuki no Yō ni.” It was released in 1999 as their 22nd single.
The way the introspective lyrics mesh with the overflowing energy of the sound is incredible.
It gives you the strength to live.
The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT
When it comes to Japanese garage rock, this is the one.
It’s Thee Michelle Gun Elephant’s debut and signature song, released in 1996.
The unadorned, rugged, and cool guitar riffs really hit home.
I’m sure many people started bands because they wanted to be like them.
sailing dayBUMP OF CHICKEN
A song by the four-piece rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN, who continue to influence many musicians in the modern rock scene.
It opens with the momentum and impact of a true rock tune, where a spacious, delay-laden guitar sound intertwines with tight riffs.
The track is packed with guitar-only expressions—like the phrases that enter alongside the feedback in the first verse—that are real highlights.
The guitars assert their presence while elevating the catchy, fast-paced vocals, making this a song you should definitely try listening to with full attention on the guitar.
Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana
A signature song by Nirvana, led by Kurt Cobain, who sparked a worldwide boom in the 1990s with the genre known as grunge.
This track proves that to express raw emotion, it isn’t about flashy technique—it’s about a guitar overflowing with primal energy.
As reflected in their intense live performances, you can hear a truly soul-charged guitar that conveys their convictions and way of life.