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!
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- [J-Pop] A compilation of popular songs with irresistible guitar cutting [2026]
- Supreme guitar riffs from both Japanese and Western music: songs with badass intros
- [Western Music] A Collection of the Coolest, Most Rocking Guitar Riffs [2026]
- A song with cool power chords
- Selected by Arbus’s guitarist! Classic Japanese songs with awesome guitar riffs
- [J-Pop] A Collection of Japanese Songs with Difficult/Technical Guitar Parts [2026]
- A compilation of cool Japanese rock band songs. Recommended tracks for cover bands.
- [2026] Classic Japanese hard rock songs: A roundup of must-listen hits
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- [Challenge] Practice Songs for Beginner Electric Guitar Players
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
Makes You Want to Play It! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (61–70)
ForceSuperfly
When it comes to Japanese rock with a guitar riff that sticks in your head, Superfly’s “Force” is a prime example.
It features a captivating riff that every guitarist will want to try playing at least once.
It also demands dynamic control, making it highly satisfying to play—perfect for those looking to sharpen their technique.
Match Shiho Ochi’s powerful vocals with solid playing, and give it your all.
Experience a new musical journey with “Force”!
INVERSIONSuspended 4th
Suspended 4th, a four-piece rock band known by the abbreviation “Sasfo” and famed for electrifying fans with the high-level musicianship honed through street performances.
Their track “INVERSION,” the title song of their seventh self-produced release, cranks up the energy with a tight ensemble that interlocks with the vocal melody.
The intro—backing parts layered over a single-note riff—creates a destructive, distinctly Suspended 4th-style sonority despite its simplicity.
It’s a modern, stylish rock tune that will make not only guitarists but players of other instruments want to take on the challenge.
HandroidDAITA
A solo track by DAITA, known as a member of SIAM SHADE.
As one of Japan’s foremost technical guitarists, his playing is astonishingly precise.
The piece is centered around tapping, and in the intro you can hear a riff that darts about with dizzying speed.
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.
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.