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Makes you want to play it! Japanese rock with the coolest guitar riffs

Music writer / guitarist / Certified web writing practitionerHoshino Takashi
Drawing on over 30 years of experience with guitars and bands since my high school days, I specialize in music-related articles and have handled many feature pieces to date. While my tastes lean toward genres like hard rock and heavy metal since I first picked up the guitar, I make a point of listening to a wide range of styles, both Japanese and Western, on a daily basis. I began working as a freelance writer in 2018. I hold a Web Writing Practical Certification, and in addition to writing, I’m also studying video editing. In my private life, I’m raising an elementary school child and stay active while supporting their extracurriculars, such as parkour and dance.
A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

Makes You Want to Play! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (71–80)

STRONGMIYAVI vs KREVA

MIYAVI vs KREVA – STRONG

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.

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Hoshino Takashi

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a bunch of songs with killer guitar riffs all at once.

If you’re a guitarist, I bet there were plenty of phrases that made you want to pick up your instrument and try them out.

Of course, even if you don’t play guitar, those unforgettable riffs instantly get your energy up the moment you hear them! Feel free to enjoy the songs we featured in this article—whether you just listen or try playing them yourself!