RAG MusicGuitar for Beginners
A web magazine to enjoy the guitar even more

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.

The depth of guitar sounds. A collection of cool guitar tracks (41–50)

Discommunication9mm Parabellum Bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet – Discommunication
Discommunication9mm Parabellum Bullet

Is this what you’d call a “Japanese rock guitar riff”? It’s a track by 9mm Parabellum Bullet, a rock band known for their intense sound and melodic vocal work, included on their 2007 EP “Discommunication e.p.” Once you hear the riff, it’ll get stuck in your head—it’s insanely cool! If you enjoy playing guitar as a hobby, you’ll probably want to try playing it yourself.

And don’t miss the chaotic development in the outro—give it a listen!

The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar (51–60)

Entre dos aguasPaco de Lucia

Paco de Lucia – Entre dos aguas (1976) full video
Entre dos aguasPaco de Lucia

A piece by flamenco guitarist Paco de Lucía, born in Spain—the sacred land of flamenco guitar—and who passed away in Mexico, the mecca of the guitar.

The guitar playing, performed alongside güiro and bongos, is nothing short of passionate, and its flowing technique conjures images of women dancing flamenco.

Prepare to sigh at the beauty of his left-hand fingering.

Europa of MelancholySantana

Even if you don’t know the title, many people will surely recognize the opening of this song.

As its Japanese title “Aishū no Europe” (Europa of Melancholy) suggests, it overflows with wistfulness—the very epitome of the so-called “weeping” guitar.

Flashy rhythms and flurries of notes tend to grab attention, but I suspect many listeners fall for the restrained, mature guitar work leading up to the chorus in this track.

It’s a supreme guitar piece you could listen to forever.

INVERSIONSuspended 4th

Suspended 4th, a four-piece rock band known by the abbreviation “Sasfo” and famed for electrifying fans with the high-level musicianship honed through street performances.

Their track “INVERSION,” the title song of their seventh self-produced release, cranks up the energy with a tight ensemble that interlocks with the vocal melody.

The intro—backing parts layered over a single-note riff—creates a destructive, distinctly Suspended 4th-style sonority despite its simplicity.

It’s a modern, stylish rock tune that will make not only guitarists but players of other instruments want to take on the challenge.

HEADHUNTOKAMOTO’S

OKAMOTO’S 『HEADHUNT』
HEADHUNTOKAMOTO'S

The uplifting, straight-ahead sound pairs perfectly with the solid, full-bodied guitar tone.

It’s the sixth single by the four-piece rock band OKAMOTO’S, released in 2015.

It drew attention for being used as the opening theme for the anime Durarara!!×2 Shō.

The nimble guitar solo is irresistible, too.

crimsonX JAPAN

It’s a path—or perhaps a song—that every guitarist goes through.

It’s the major-label debut single by the rock band X JAPAN, and it’s also included on the album BLUE BLOOD.

It’s characterized by blisteringly fast guitar phrases and a solo that really fires you up.

Countless people started mastering speed picking because of this track.

galaxyFujifaburikku

Fujifabric – Galaxy (Ginga)
galaxyFujifaburikku

From the intro, Fujifabric’s uptempo 16-beat number “Ginga” launches straight into a wildly intricate yet incredibly satisfying refrain.

The wah-guitar rhythm is superb, and the blisteringly fast comping cuts are another highlight.

The guitar solo is both fiendishly complex and catchy.

It’s a beautiful track that could be called the perfected form of a guitar rock band.