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)
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This is the 15th single by female singer LiSA, written as the opening theme for a television anime that became a massive hit and social phenomenon.
Boosted by the anime’s popularity, the song became so big that from 2019 to 2020 there was hardly a day you didn’t hear it.
Its powerful guitar riff and driving beat are striking, perfectly capturing the anime’s world.
The lyrics carry a strong, empowering message that gives listeners courage.
Guitarists, why not take on this cool riff yourself?
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.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
There are plenty of iconic phrases in Japanese guitar rock, but the repeating intro riff of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “Tentai Kansoku” is a masterpiece, isn’t it? The impact of that powerful phrase, with all those layered guitars, is huge.
And as a guitarist, it’s something you probably want to try playing at least once! It might be hard to fully recreate that sound with just one guitar, but if you’re feeling ambitious, it could be fun to have about five people play the same phrase together as an ensemble!
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.
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!
Makes You Want to Play It! Japanese Rock with the Coolest Guitar Riffs (21–30)
Sugar Song and Bitter StepUNISON SQUARE GARDEN
UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s “Sugar Song and Bitter Step,” with its energetic riffs, grabs listeners by the heart.
The guitar riff isn’t just accompaniment—it’s a core element that highlights the song’s character.
Meticulously crafted arrangements, truly worthy of professionals, ignite the urge in every guitarist to pick up their instrument.
Don’t just watch the music video or live footage—grab a guitar and experience the joy of playing as an active performer.
A rich musical experience awaits.