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)
Intersection171
171 is a rock band that has been delivering soul-stirring performances mainly at live houses in the Kansai region, steadily expanding the scope of their activities from there.
They formed in January 2019 in Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.
The trio consists of Harunobu Tamura on guitar and vocals, Kana on bass and vocals, and Morimori on drums.
Their 2023 album, “My Second Car,” earned high praise for its energetic performance and sentimental melodies.
Their musicality has also been lauded by Fukase of SEKAI NO OWARI.
Their music, which blends intensity with melodious elements, hints at new possibilities for alternative rock.
Rough LoveDNA STATION
DNA GAINZ is a four-piece alternative rock band from Shimane Prefecture.
Since forming in March 2022, they’ve delivered a rugged sound paired with emotionally rich vocals.
The lineup features Nagatana Wayasan on vocals and guitar, Tatsuya on guitar, Hada Ibuki on bass, and Hiromu on drums.
In 2023, they produced the mini-album “We’re Good Kids Who’ve Spent Our Belief to the Limit Just to Live.” In November 2024, they released a five-track EP and embarked on a tour across seven cities nationwide.
Their songs, themed around anxiety, inner conflict, and hope, carry powerful messages that resonate deeply.
If you’re searching for meaning in life, give their music a listen.
Cool guitar-vocal bands (31–40)
cheeksayonara poezi
Sayonara Poetry is a rock band from Kobe, Hyogo.
Formed in 2012, they have broadened their activity while establishing a unique style that weaves in emotional elements and post-rock-like developments.
With literary, deeply meaningful lyrics—as heard in songs like “Zensen ni Tsugu” and “Nisoku Sanmon”—and the expressive power to depict everyday anxieties and inner conflicts, they’ve captured the hearts of many listeners.
Their high-energy live performances are another major draw.
If you’re into alternative rock, their music is a must-listen!
The end and the beginningreGretGirl
reGretGirl is a three-piece band based in Osaka.
The band’s name comes from guitarist-vocalist Masahiro Hirabe’s desire to make the girl who dumped him regret it by making a major debut—combining “regret” with “girl.” Their appeal includes the “clingy,” emotionally vulnerable lyrics reflected in that backstory.
Hirabe’s vocals, sung as if shouting those clingy lyrics from the heart, are truly moving.
Gently, swayingDENIMS
DENIMS, a band leading Osaka’s new rock scene, has been forging ahead with a unique worldview since 2012.
Their sound shines with a musicality rooted in funk and blues, while absorbing a wide range of genres including hip-hop, jazz, and punk.
They made their nationwide distribution debut in 2015 with the mini-album “Daily use,” and drew attention with their appearance at the 2016 Fuji Rock Festival.
Their groove-rich sound, where rock and funk fuse, is perfect for those looking to explore new possibilities in music.
huge nuisanceyunikōn
Unicorn is a pioneering rock band hailing from Hiroshima.
Formed in 1986, they made their major-label debut the following year with the album “BOOM.” They established a new band style in which all members write lyrics, compose music, and share vocal duties, and they have cultivated a wide-ranging sound from pop rock to progressive rock.
In 1990, their album “Kedamono no Arashi” won the Album Award at the 32nd Japan Record Awards.
After disbanding in 1993, they reunited in 2009 and have continued to captivate many fans with even greater musical freedom.
Highly recommended for listeners seeking distinctive sounds and a unique lyrical world.
Liars do as they please.Arusuteiku
Arstake, a band from Okayama Prefecture, was formed by guitarist-vocalist Yoshiaki Hidaka during his high school years.
After subsequent member changes, drummer Amu and bassist Non joined, shaping the current Arstake lineup.
Their sound is defined by a solid, low-centered rhythm and distorted, driving guitar—seriously cool.
In 2021, they released their first single, “Usotsuki wa Katte,” exclusively through Tower Records, and in 2022 they put out their first nationally distributed release, the album “A.”
