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a cool guitar-vocal band

When it comes to guitar-vocals, it’s the star role in a rock band, right?

In this article, I’ll introduce bands with cool, recommended guitarists who also serve as the lead vocalist.

Whether you’re looking for bands where the guitarist sings, or you’re searching for songs to cover as a guitar-vocal yourself, this article is for you.

Watching someone sing with a guitar in hand is undeniably cool, but when it’s your turn to perform, you might think, “That seems hard…” and hesitate.

But there are actually songs that are easier than you’d expect!

First, let’s start by listening to a variety of songs from bands with guitar-vocalists.

Cool guitar-vocal bands (21–30)

Melodic Stormsutoreitenaa

STRAIGHTENER is an alternative rock band known to those in the know.

Just like their name, their songs cut straight to the heart—that’s their irresistible charm.

In 2012, their 15th single, “From Noon Till Dawn,” was used as the opening theme for the hugely popular TV drama series “The Hero Yoshihiko and the Key of the Evil Spirit.” The simpler it is, the more it resonates.

They are a band that embodies that idea.

Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video
Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

A landmark in all-girl bands, this female three-piece rock band from Tokushima once enjoyed overwhelming support regardless of gender.

Although drummer Kumiko Takahashi later left the group, they continued as a duo and kept performing live.

Formed in 2000, they disbanded in 2018.

I’m sure the influence they had on later girl bands was enormous.

Take carechou migiude

Genkide – Super Right Hand (Music Video)
Take carechou migiude

Chou-Uwan is a rock band based in Okayama whose dry, thunderous guitars and wistful melodies resonate deep in the chest.

They even have a unique origin story: the band was formed in 2021 at a yakitori restaurant in Okayama City.

Their music follows in the lineage of ’90s alternative, highlighted by powerful twin vocals.

After their 2022 album PEEK-A-BOO, they drew nationwide attention with 2023’s OBAKE IN TSUSHIMA-NAKA.

Their style, which marries a hefty, Dinosaur Jr.-esque sonic heft with tear-jerking, heartfelt melodies, has captivated many fans.

It’s also great how they weave local scenery—like Okayama Station—into their work.

If you love guitar rock where roaring volume and lyricism intertwine, this will strike a deep chord with you.

It’s nothing.makaroni enpitsu

Macaroni Empitsu “It’s Nothing,” MV
It's nothing.makaroni enpitsu

They are known as a highly skilled band composed of members from Senzoku Gakuen College of Music.

Macaroni Empitsu have established a unique style that draws from a wide range of genres, including rock, hard rock, psychedelia, guitar pop, soul, and R&B.

Since forming in 2012, they have released numerous buzzworthy works such as the albums “HB” and “season,” and in November 2020 they made their major-label debut with their 6th mini-album, “Ai o Shirazuni Mahō wa Tsukaenai.” They have been active across many fields, providing theme songs for TV anime and dramas as well as music for commercials.

In December 2021, they won the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist.

Hattori’s emotional vocals, the high-level musicianship befitting conservatory-trained performers, and their diverse musicality have earned them support from a wide audience, from R&B fans to rock enthusiasts.

Bad peopleBLANKEY JET CITY

As one of the defining rock bands of the ’90s, BLANKEY JET CITY established a distinctive garage rock sound.

After winning the Grand Ikaten King title on TBS’s “Miyake Yūji no Ikasu Band Tengoku” in 1990, they made their major-label debut with the album “Red Guitar And The Truth.” Their intense, overwhelming sound drew widespread attention, and they proved their prowess on major stages like Nippon Budokan and Yokohama Arena.

In 1997, they headlined the Fuji Rock Festival, cementing their popularity.

Though they disbanded to much regret after their July 2000 show at Yokohama Arena, their music continues to influence many musicians.

They’re the perfect band for music fans who seek powerful performances and a uniquely imaginative world.

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

A five-member co-ed band that made their major debut in 2007 with the album “GO TO THE FUTURE.” Their charm lies in the enjoyable fusion of a certain nostalgic feel with a sense of newness.

They take on various challenges not only in the auditory aspects of their music but also visually, delighting audiences every time.

The band’s lead vocalist and guitarist is Ichiro Yamaguchi, who writes and composes most of their songs.

His singing may seem understated, but it is in fact distinguished by richly expressive vocals.

Hello Fixer10-FEET

Since their formation, the three-piece rock band 10-FEET has kept running without any member changes.

TAKUMA, who handles guitar and vocals, brings songs to life with rich expression, switching among a variety of vocal tones.

Their tracks, which incorporate a range of genres, are highly engaging, yet their enduring appeal lies in how they still convey a solid rock spirit and warmth throughout.