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.
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Cool guitar-vocal bands (21–30)
Maximum the Hormone II ~Let’s Talk About Firm, Rich Noodles from Here On~Ryo-kun (Maximum the Hormone)
He’s the vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter of Maximum the Hormone—the core of the band who goes by the title “Vocals, 6-strings, and Younger Brother.” Ryo-kun’s standout strengths are his overwhelming vocal power and razor-sharp shouts.
Even within the loud rock scene, his sound pressure is top-tier.
His weapon is a “controlled shout” that isn’t just screaming: it has pitch, precise rhythm, and never collapses into strain.
He also switches between a variety of vocal techniques, brilliantly balancing metal-style delivery with pop melodies.
The vibe of his voice changes so much you’ll find yourself wondering, “Is this really the same person singing?” Definitely check him out!
kaleido proud fiestaSaitō Kōsuke (UNISON SQUARE GARDEN)
Hailing from Scarsdale, New York, Kousuke Saito is the guitarist-vocalist of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN.
Their signature songs include “Trace of Orion (Orion wo Nazoru)” and “Sugar Song and Bitter Step.” On the official UNISON site, his vocals are described as “overflowing with transparency yet possessing a distinctive edge.” In fact, Saito underwent vocal cord polyp surgery in 2014, and it’s said that it helped improve the stability of his high notes.
His singing is cool and sleek, with a truly beautiful extension into high registers that can be challenging even for many female singers.
As a singing guitarist, his performance level is outstanding—he plays highly complex guitar phrases while singing, delivering a wall of sound you wouldn’t expect from a three-piece band.
He also collaborated with Leo Ieiri in 2025, and their vocals were absolutely overwhelming.
Be sure to check it out!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
