Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs
For guitarists, the spotlight—the very face of a song—is the guitar riff.
Songs with riffs that symbolize the track really stick in your memory, and many classic hits in the rock scene come hand in hand with amazing riffs!
In this article, we’ve rounded up a bunch of songs with killer guitar riffs.
Just listening to cool riffs is enough to get your blood pumping, but if you’re a guitarist, why not pick up your guitar and try playing along?
There aren’t just single-note phrases—there are riffs built around power chords and octaves too, so try tackling all kinds of riffs from different songs!
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Makes You Want to Play It! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (61–70)
RE-BIRTHSPYAIR
It’s a SPYAIR track marked by powerful guitar tones and emotional vocals.
The song carries a message of renewal, as if recalling past dreams and hopes while facing yourself.
Listening to it gives you courage and makes you feel ready to move forward.
The guitar riff is dynamic and catchy—a phrase you won’t forget after one listen and guaranteed to fire up a live crowd.
Give it a try!
ONE SHOTRIZE
A song by the three-piece alternative rock band RIZE, led by JESSE, whose father is the world-renowned guitarist Char.
The slide-powered power-chord riff that recurs throughout the track is technically simple yet epitomizes the commanding presence of true rock guitar.
The song is packed with simple, catchy guitar parts that form the basics of rock guitar and make everyone want to imitate them—from backing patterns locked in with the bass and drum rhythms to obligato lines that effectively support the vocals.
Please, Time MachineSadisutikku Mika Bando
Sadistic Mika Band, produced by Chris Thomas, who was a hit-making producer in the 1970s.
For a Japanese band of the time, they had an exceptionally modern sensibility, and in reference to their album title Kurofune (Black Ship), Western media dubbed them the “arrival of the Black Ships.” Even today, Time Machine ni Onegai doesn’t sound dated.
The frontman was Kazuhiko Kato.
Yoko of the Port, Yokohama, YokosukaDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
A hit song by the Down Town Boogie Woogie Band that sparked a huge boom in 1975.
The line “Who are you to that girl, anyway?” even became a popular catchphrase.
The opening guitar riff remains striking even today.
When it was first released, this track was actually the B-side to ‘Kakkomann Boogie’ on the A-side.
HIT IN THE USABEAT CRUSADERS
Known for its exhilarating guitar sound and catchy melodies, BEAT CRUSADERS’ “HIT IN THE USA” continues to be loved by many music fans long after its release.
Its simple yet memorable riff makes it an easy challenge for beginner players.
Feel the drive, lock into the rhythm, and play with energy! This song, enjoyable for a wide range of listeners, will remind you just how great a well-crafted guitar riff can be.
todayyyyy[Alexandros]
![todayyyyy[Alexandros]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/OHbhyul0G5g/sddefault.jpg)
The emotional guitar riff leaves a strong impression.
It’s a song by the four-piece rock band [Alexandros].
Yohei Kawakami’s expansive vocals and the melodious sound make it a truly pleasant track.
Released in December 2023, it drew attention as a collaboration with the popular game Monster Strike.
The lyrics, which depict everyday life and the hope of chasing dreams, feel as if they’re speaking directly to you.
It’s a perfect feel-good anthem to blow away the blues and lift your spirits.
Be sure to play it with all you’ve got!
CHAINSAW BLOODVaundy
Vaundy’s signature track “CHAINSAW BLOOD,” driven by percussive guitar strokes, features an aggressive riff that leaves an unforgettable impact after a single listen.
Chosen as an ending theme for the anime Chainsaw Man, it became a hot topic.
The dynamic soundscape built within the song overwhelms the listener and draws them into a downbeat journey.
It’s sure to capture the hearts of both music lovers and anime fans alike.