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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- The quintessential shapely guitar: guitarists who favor the Flying V type
- [Chosen by a jazz guitarist] 10 guitarists recommended by Katsuhide Wakui
- The depth of guitar sound. A collection of songs with cool guitar.
- A high-energy band number! A hype, crowd-pleasing track with male vocals.
Japanese fast-playing guitarists (31–40)
fateTerauchi Takeshi
When you think of Takeshi Terauchi, many people probably picture the gentle tones of Group Sounds bands like the Blue Jeans and the Bunnys.
Precisely within that surf-music-like sound, Terauchi’s fast picking really stands out.
He incorporates speedy phrases that keep the listener engaged without breaking the overall mood of the piece.
His fast-playing style is also distinctive—the forcefully strummed chords evoke the feel of Tsugaru shamisen.
Rather than taking center stage as a solo, his rapid passages serve as accents that firmly enhance the music.
DESIRERyoji（GYZE）
A track by GYZE, a melodic death metal band led by next-generation guitar hero Ryoji.
They’re often hailed as the Japanese counterpart to Children of Bodom.
The endlessly weeping-and-screaming guitar—sometimes shreddy, sometimes melodic—and the masterful way it switches between the two are standout points worth noting.
Malice againstCazqui（NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST）
Cazqui, the guitarist who primarily composed songs for the visual kei band NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST.
Inspired by Eric Clapton, he began playing guitar and later developed an interest in the HR/HM genre.
After NOCTURNAL BLOODLUST formed, he crafted a sound based on metal and loud rock, creating songs with a unique worldview.
A signature model from Caparison Guitars, themed around the seven-string guitars he uses, has also been released.
He is an artist known for heavy yet technical performances, showcasing fast playing that leverages down-tuning and legato techniques.
Dear My ”blue forest”YUI（CYNTIA）
This is YUI, the guitarist of the girls’ rock band Cyntia.
She’s great at fast playing, of course, but when she plays the main themes, the atmosphere she creates feels unusual for a female guitarist—cool and really badass.
Also, seeing her perform with a Flying V gives off that quintessential guitarist vibe and looks awesome.
Dark DaysHashimoto Takahiro (INHALE)
A metalcore band from Osaka led by Takahiro Hashimoto.
A single released in 2013.
Pay attention to the tone that only those rooted in HR/HM can produce and the overwhelming picking skills.
Not only the guitar solo but also the riff work shows meticulous attention to detail, making it high-quality not just as a guitarist but as a band as well.
Japanese shred guitarists (41–50)
Rhapsody of TemptationYOSHIHIRO( girudo )
YOSHIHIRO, the guitarist of Guild and a junior to Golden Bomber.
His sound incorporates clean, rapid picking reminiscent of DAITA, and it’s extremely cool.
His performances on a Sago-made triple-neck guitar are also highly captivating.
Red JadeTSUYOSHI（Unveil Raze）
Included on their first full-length album released in 2017.
A modern heavy metal band from Nagoya.
TSUYOSHI’s precisely targeted, spot-on lead playing is a must-see, and the twin-guitar work with his partner TOKIYA is another highlight.