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 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.
TemptationGLAY
Temptation, with its razor-sharp sound that resonates in the soul, is an unforgettable masterpiece by GLAY.
From the intro, the distinctive riff sears itself into your ears, and any guitarist will feel the irresistible urge to try it at least once.
Amid the heavy playing and driving beat, a delicate yet powerful guitar solo appears, lifting the listener’s spirits.
The exquisite harmony of GLAY’s energetic, intense sound—that’s the true charm of Temptation.
It’s a track you absolutely must check out, and a piece you’ll want to play yourself at least once.
SPARKTHE YELLOW MONKEY
A heavy, fast-paced riff that uses the low strings.
Not just brimming with swagger but also tinged with a certain sensuality, this is an unshakable signature song by THE YELLOW MONKEY.
When it’s performed live, it’s the moment the venue’s energy reaches its absolute peak.
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!
Rolling starYUI
This is YUI’s seventh major single, notable for its exhilarating intro guitar riff.
Released in January 2007, it was chosen as the opening theme for the popular anime BLEACH.
The track features electric guitar-driven sound and uplifting lyrics.
It’s YUI’s first release after moving to STUDIOSEVEN Recordings and it reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
With a simple chord progression that even beginner guitarists can enjoy, it’s an energizing song perfect for spring’s fresh starts and times when you’re ready to take on something new.
EmotionsMAN WITH A MISSION
Beyond the sheer heaviness of the drop-D tuning, the phrasing also imparts a somewhat symphonic impression.
Amid a swirl of diverse sounds—DJ elements, strings, narration—the guitar asserts a powerful presence.
And the final key change is guaranteed to amp up the excitement.
SupernovaELLEGARDEN
Supernova is a song by ELLEGARDEN, a melodic hardcore band that was active in the 2000s.
Every time the intro to this track started, the live venues must have erupted with excitement.
The band is known for its simple guitar playing that makes frequent use of power chords, and the refrain in this song also features a straightforward, repeating melody that’s easy for beginners to play.
That said, it also includes well-placed phrases like arpeggios, making it a track you’ll definitely want to try tackling.