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.
- Charm overload! A roundup of Japanese three-piece bands (perfect for cover bands, too!)
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- High School Students’ Favorite Band Songs Ranking [2026]
- Popular Band Songs Ranking [2026]
- Full of charm like attractive voices and high notes! A roundup of recommended male singers
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- Recommended Japanese punk bands: the punks who represent Japan.
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
- Ranking of Japanese Bands Popular Among Men [2026]
- Popular female vocal band [2026]
- Easy-to-sing songs recommended for teenage boys with low voices | Songs you can sing even during voice change!
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
Cool guitar-vocal bands (21–30)
Gather round! Party people!Yabai T-shatsu Yasan
What a name! Any Kansai native would probably feel compelled to crack a joke about it—a band name with real personality.
And their songs are just as distinctive, irresistibly grabbing your heart and not letting go—Yaba-T is captivating! The lead guitar and vocals are handled by Koyama Takuya from Kyoto Prefecture, and bassist Shibata Aribobo also shares vocal duties.
They’ve got an all-out, high-energy vibe that instantly electrifies the atmosphere; just listening will blow your worries away.
You’ll be drawn in before you know it!
red-yellow fragrant olive (Osmanthus fragrans)Fujifaburikku
A band formed in 2000 and debuted in 2004.
After Masahiko Shimura, who served as the guitarist and vocalist at the time, passed away in 2009 at the young age of 29, Soichiro Yamauchi—who had previously handled only guitar—took on the role of guitarist-vocalist.
Although Yamauchi becoming the guitarist-vocalist was prompted by a sad event, it might be nice for those who have only played instruments to occasionally try switching parts and challenge themselves as a guitarist-vocalist.
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
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
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.
The world calls it love.Sambomasutā
Armed with passionate messages and a powerful sound, Sambomaster has secured a firm place in Japan’s rock scene.
Formed in 2000, this three-piece rock band is known for an energetic, emotional rock style.
They made their major debut in 2003, and their song used as the ending theme for the drama Densha Otoko became a big hit.
In 2011, they created a support song for the Great East Japan Earthquake recovery efforts, and they’ve continued to captivate audiences at numerous festivals and live shows.
In 2023, their achievements in the music world were recognized with the Miura Jun Award.
Takashi Yamaguchi’s distinctive vocals and powerful stage performances are must-see, and their lyrics—often centered on life and love—resonate with many.
They’re highly recommended for anyone looking to experience music brimming with energy and intensity.