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 Songs with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (11–20)
wiredROACH
A ROACH track that combines overwhelming power with emotional lyricism.
From the intro, heavy guitar riffs infused with metalcore elements explode and draw the listener in.
Despite its loudness, the melodious arrangement is another highlight.
Centered on themes of bonds with comrades and the importance of fighting together, the lyrics carry a powerful, heartfelt message.
It’s a powerful and emotional song that resonates even more when experienced live.
sharkAmano Tsukiko
A song by Tsukiko Amano that opens with a striking, guitar-driven intro.
Distinguished by its dark atmosphere and weighty musicality, the piece features lyrics that evoke loneliness and emotional voids.
Released in July 2003, it reflects Amano’s distinctive musical style, deftly blending elements of alternative rock and J-pop.
Despite its relatively long runtime of over five minutes, its unfolding structure keeps listeners engaged.
It’s recommended not only for guitar enthusiasts but also for those who resonate with introspective lyrics.
BREAK OUT!Aikawa Nanase
A track that radiates the powerful presence of a female rocker, driven by a thunderous guitar sound.
Blending Nanase Aikawa’s overwhelming vocal prowess with Tetsurō Oda’s production, this work was released in June 1996 and sold over 300,000 copies.
The lyrics carry a message of understanding and tolerance in human relationships, resonating deeply with listeners.
Their forward-looking spirit—affirming that any hardship can be overcome—makes the song perfect for moments of setback or when you’re ready to take on a new challenge.
Hearing Nanase Aikawa’s voice, like a cry from the soul, will surely give you courage.
Rusty NailX JAPAN
X JAPAN’s 1994 song “Rusty Nail” features a cool intro where a synthesizer phrase repeats as electric guitar and drums interweave on top.
The transparent, sparkling tone seems to amplify the appeal of vocalist Toshi’s voice even more.
Above all, in a live setting, the moment that phrase starts and the crowd goes, “It’s that song!”—that’s the true thrill of a riff.
Pink Spiderhide with Spread Beaver
Pink Spider is a solo project track by X JAPAN guitarist hide.
It’s not just the cool sound—the depth of the lyrics, the fashion, and the message also make this song compelling.
Since its 1994 release, many musicians have covered it, and it remains widely loved to this day.
As you’d expect from a guitarist’s composition, the guitar work is outstanding: the refrains underneath the vocal melody and the nuanced playing that shifts with the beat changes are masterful.
distress (at sea/in the mountains); being lost; stranded; a disaster situationToukyou Jihen
“Sounan” (Distress) is Tokyo Jihen’s second single, released in 2004.
Its smoothly flowing melodic line and dynamically vibrant performance are irresistibly captivating.
The heavily resonant guitar sound is particularly overpowering to the listener.
Among Tokyo Jihen’s works, this track is especially highly regarded.
Makes You Want to Play It! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (21–30)
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK
A rock track with an incredibly cool, energetic guitar riff.
It’s a song by ONE OK ROCK, a rock band immensely popular especially among teens and people in their twenties.
It was released on February 3, 2010 as their fourth single.
Imbued with a strong will to keep moving forward—“carving out the future with instinctive ideas rather than logic”—the song makes powerful use of diverse guitar techniques such as octave playing, power chords, alternate picking, staccato, and harmonized bending to elevate the track.
It’s a captivating masterpiece that draws listeners in.
Give it a listen when you’re feeling down or facing a challenge—it’s sure to lift your spirits!