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! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (71–80)
STARSw.o.d.
With its striking opening guitar riff, “STARS” sweeps listeners into a storm of rock.
As w.o.d.’s debut track, it captivates with a driving tempo and razor-sharp solo work.
Its dynamic sound—aligned with the world of the anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War – The Separation, for which it was used as the opening theme—has generated significant buzz.
Saito Takuya’s searing riff ignites the listener’s heart, stirring an irresistible urge to imitate it.
This song, which delivered a charismatic performance, seems poised to become a long‑loved staple of the Japanese rock scene.
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.
ANOTHER WORLDGACKT
With an electric guitar riff that grabs your heart with its burning pulse, ANOTHER WORLD carries melodies that stir the emotions.
Its unforgettable tune and tension-filled rhythm make a powerful appeal to the listener’s inner self.
The world crafted by the fusion of Gackt’s commanding vocals and the riff draws the audience straight into the song.
Add this energy-charged track to your playlist, and it’s sure to bring a vibrant splash of color to everyday moments.
OutPorukadotto Sutingurei
It’s a rock tune brimming with fiery impulse, marked by a distinctive, crisp guitar riff and a powerful drum beat.
It’s a song by Polkadot Stingray, released in August 2024.
Amid the intensity, you can also feel melodic elements that make it exciting to listen to.
The lyrics, depicting inner conflict and rebellion against society, really hit home.
It’s a track that makes you want to hear it blasting in a live house.
Perfect for when you want to let your feelings out or fire yourself up.
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.
BOXER’S ROADYamaarashi
A song by Yama-Arashi, a seven-member rock band often cited as a leading act in Japanese mixture rock.
Its sound is addictive, with relentless twin vocals intertwining with thick, downtuned guitar riffs.
While many of the guitar riff patterns themselves aren’t particularly difficult, combining them with the other parts creates a sound that is at times intricate and at times massively heavy.
The unconventional tuning—distinct from most other rock bands—yields unforgettable guitar riffs.
It’s a must-listen for rock fans.
STRONGMIYAVI vs KREVA
A track born from the collaboration between guitarist MIYAVI—who is active worldwide and known as the “Samurai Guitarist”—and rapper KREVA, also famous as a member of KICK THE CAN CREW.
It’s a number where you can fully savor MIYAVI’s signature slap-based guitar riffs.
The distinctive groove, unattainable with typical rock guitar techniques, interweaves seamlessly with KREVA’s rap, enhancing each artist’s presence.
This song conveys a tension different from standard rock numbers and suggests new possibilities for guitar riffs.