Japanese shred guitarist
If you’re into rock, metal, or simply love guitarists and guitar tones, chances are you also enjoy lightning-fast soloing.
As a guitarist, almost everyone has probably wanted to master a fast-picking phrase at least once, right? In this article, we’ll introduce captivating fast-playing guitarists, focusing on musicians active in Japan.
While “shredding” might make you think of the metal scene, we’ll be spotlighting not only metal but also highly regarded technicians from jazz and fusion.
Now, let’s dive in and listen to some blazing speed that’s gone in the blink of an eye!
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Japanese Speed Guitarists (11–20)
What’s My Name?MIYAVI
A globally active guitarist known as the “Samurai Guitarist.” In his teens, he joined the visual kei band Dué le quartz under the name Miyavi (雅～miyavi～), already demonstrating remarkable musicality by handling most of the songwriting, composition, and arrangement.
After the band disbanded, he began performing as a solo artist and made his major debut in 2004.
Since then, he has pursued a wide range of activities, including seven world tours.
Distinguished by a playing style centered on slap technique—rare for guitar—his sound has been honed to a truly one-of-a-kind level, setting him apart from other fast-playing guitarists.
UnicornWatanabe Kazumi
A guitarist who made his debut at the tender age of 17 and was hailed at the time as the arrival of a genius guitarist.
He’s a virtuoso player known for performing with major artists both in Japan and abroad, including joining YMO’s world tour as a supporting guitarist.
While speed picking often brings to mind metal-style guitar playing, Kazumi Watanabe weaves precise fast phrases into genres like jazz and fusion, delivering tones that feel completely natural to the ear.
His rapid passages, often played with a near-clean tone, reveal a different kind of guitar appeal than the flashy, high-gain distortion style of shredding.
Between Life And DeathShima Toshifumi (Concerto Moon)
This is Norifumi Shima, the central figure of the heavy metal band Concerto Moon.
He is from Amagasaki, Hyogo Prefecture, and began playing guitar at age 13 under the influence of world-renowned guitarist Ritchie Blackmore.
Concerto Moon was formed in 1996 and has produced numerous classics such as “CHANGE MY HEART.” He is also active as a guitar instructor.
Some of you may know him from the magazine YOUNG GUITAR.
He excels at so-called classic neoclassical fast-playing techniques, as well as sweep picking.
FrontierLeda（ex.DELUHI）
Guitarist Leda, who led DELUHI—the rock band that captivated listeners with a heavy sound incorporating elements of heavy metal and progressive rock.
Hailing from Mie Prefecture, he discovered music through the acoustic guitar and, influenced by bands like Metallica, set out on the path of heavy metal.
From his high school days, he was actively involved in bands, serving as a core member of GALNERYUS, the group that preceded DELUHI.
His aggressive, distortion-driven fast picking and high-gain performances add depth to the band’s sound.
In 2018, Swedish instrument maker Strandberg released his signature model—the first for a Japanese artist—cementing his global recognition as a guitarist.
MarionetteSAKI（Mary’s Blood）
Guitarist of the girls’ band Mary’s Blood, formed in 2009.
She’s a player known for her trademark blisteringly fast picking that can hold its own against the band’s thunderous metal sound.
Beyond standard shred, she showcases a wide range of techniques—from flashy tapping and whammy-bar work to melodious, ear-catching phrases—delivering expressive guitar performances that captivate listeners.
In 2015, she also served as a support guitarist for ANIMETAL THE SECOND, making her a noteworthy guitarist expanding her activities beyond her own band.
Cast In The AirKajiyama Akira (GOLDBRICK)
Akira Kajiyama, the guitarist renowned for his work with the musical unit GOLDBRICK, is an artist from Yamaguchi Prefecture known for his exceptional technique and powerful live performances.
He picked up the guitar in childhood and, influenced by a wide range of musical genres, forged a style all his own.
As a guitarist, he has worked across diverse fields, including contributing to a tribute album for the world-famous rock band Deep Purple.
He also performed as the guitarist for the rock band Precious, showcasing a sound rooted in melodic metal and hard rock.
Harnessing passionate and highly technical skills such as sweeping and tapping, he collaborates with vocalists both in Japan and abroad on a variety of musical projects.
Japanese shred guitarists (21–30)
JET FINGERYokozeki Atsushi
A Japanese guitar virtuoso nicknamed “Jet Finger.” From left-hand fingering to right-hand picking, his blistering speed playing packs in everything from the ’80s guitar-hero era—utterly overwhelming.
His tone, which powerfully evokes the heyday of LA metal, is equally breathtaking.