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)
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.
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.
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.
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.