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 (1–10)
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN is a band with an appealing poppy, refreshing sound.
Their signature song “Sugar Song and Bitter Step” constantly shifts its groove, keeping listeners in the palm of its hand—it’s a really fun track.
The bassist is also known for moving around a lot on stage.
Even while darting about, he plays solid bass and nails the harmonies.
The new powerhouse of UNISON SQUARE GARDEN might just be their bassist.
That gentle girlsupittsu
You can tell it’s Spitz the moment you hear even a snippet of the vocals.
They’ve brought so many refreshing, gentle masterpieces into the world.
In fact, before their debut, they were a punk band like THE BLUE HEARTS.
Around the time “Be Kind to People” was released, they became discouraged about making it as a punk band, and after many twists and turns, they became the Spitz we know today.
Songs like “Robinson” and “Cherry” are timeless classics.
Just their very existence is something to be thankful for.
blinkback number
back number is a band that captivates many with sweet love songs and their vocals.
When it comes to singing about the ache of being in love, no one does it better than they do! They put subtle emotional shifts into just the right words and melodies.
Their signature tracks include bittersweet unrequited-love songs like “HAPPY BIRTHDAY,” as well as songs that’ll make you chuckle a little, like “Neanderthal.”
Moon-Colored Horizon[Alexandros]
![Moon-Colored Horizon[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z58NJIjdp8c/sddefault.jpg)
[ALEXANDROS] is a band with high-tone vocals and fast-paced songs that impress indie rock fans.
They previously performed under the name [Champagne].
Their catchy tracks, which stick with you after just one listen, are frequently used in commercials and continue to win new fans each time.
One of their key charms—the groove in their music—owes much to the talent of their drummer, Satoshi Shomura.
Tokyokururi
Quruli is a monster band with a long career that keeps shocking listeners as their musical style changes dramatically from era to era.
Their song “Tokyo,” from their debut period, pairs a simple, unadorned band sound with emotional lyrics that pierce the heart.
Later, in 2016, they delivered a startling rap performance on “Amber City, Morning of Shanghai Crab.” The vocalist, Shigeru Kishida, is currently a specially appointed professor at a university in Kyoto.
For people who make music, this is a band from whom there is especially much to learn.
rayBUMP OF CHICKEN
Known by the abbreviation “Bump,” BUMP OF CHICKEN is a Japanese rock band with a huge cult following.
They’ve released numerous classics like ‘Tentai Kansoku’ and ‘Karma.’ They have many strengths—catchy melodies and a clear, translucent vocal tone—but what’s especially captivating are the lyrics he writes.
Their songs pierce the heart with pure, straightforward words that make you think, “This must be what it’s like when a child has real writing talent.”
copy lightTK from RIN TO SHITE SIGURE
TK, known as the vocalist and guitarist of Ling tosite sigure.
“TK from Ling tosite sigure” is his solo moniker.
He possesses a one-of-a-kind high tone vocal that combines translucence with sharpness.
If you know his signature song “unravel,” you’ll understand—his range is incredibly high, yet his delivery remains deeply emotional.
He’s the only vocalist I find to have a “beautiful death growl,” handling both intense tracks and gentle ballads with unwavering control, leaving you with a feeling that your heart’s been cleansed.
He’s also highly regarded as a singing guitarist: he sings while executing intricate fast runs, odd time signatures, and complex arpeggios—something very few can imitate.
Be sure to check that out, too!
