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)
asking for the moonKANA-BOON
A song by the rock band KANA-BOON, formed in their high school light music club.
Released in April 2013, it’s one of their signature works and is included on their first mini-album “Boku ga CD wo Dashitara” (“If I Released a CD”).
Centered on the theme of romantic miscommunication, the lyrics vividly capture youthful conflict and desire.
It’s a fast-paced track that blends an uptempo rock sound with a catchy melodic line, creating a driving feel; the guitar work combines airy phrases with tight riffs for a striking impact.
It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser live, and it’s recommended not only for those in love but also for anyone feeling nostalgic about their youth.
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.
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.
Adam’s appleSeikima II
“Adam’s Apples” is a single released in 1986 by the demon army led by His Excellency Demon Kogure, Seikima-II.
In the music video’s mass, His Excellency looks adorable (lol) as he holds an apple high to the congregation before launching into the song! Pay special attention to the technical guitar solo section.
MOVEB’z
Speaking of Takahiro Matsumoto, he’s surely one of Japan’s greatest guitarists, someone we can proudly present to the world! His guitar playing and phrases are like a treasure chest of timeless masterpieces, and the intro of “MOVE” is another track where you can hear an absolutely killer guitar riff.
Just hearing that heavy, powerful guitar tone instantly makes you think, “That’s B’z,” and it’s moving.
And of course, the fiery melody and dazzling fingerwork—every aspect of his playing is irresistibly captivating.
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.