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 shred guitarists (1–10)
ANGEL OF SALVATIONSyu（GALNERYUS）
The guitarist of the metal band GALNERYUS, which features vocalist Masatoshi Ono, who took the era by storm in the 1990s.
He excels at precise, fluid shred playing and is also well known as the guitarist for Animetal.
Having experienced various instruments from a young age—piano, violin, drums, and more—before choosing the guitar, he possesses broad knowledge and insight not only in performance but across music as a whole.
While his title as a metal band guitarist gives a strong impression of speed playing, he also delivers deeply emotional, lyrical lines, making him well worth a listen even for those who aren’t necessarily metal fans.
CRAZY DOCTORTakasaki Akira (LOUDNESS)
The guitarist of LOUDNESS, a metal band that broke into overseas markets in the 1980s and achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the first Japanese act to perform on the stage of Madison Square Garden.
Even in high school, he was rumored to be “the incredible guitarist at that school” thanks to his remarkable technique, and he’s a player surrounded by legends—among them the anecdote that Metallica, often said to be the most successful metal band in the world, once tried to recruit him.
His playing style includes not only standard high-speed picking but is especially known for blisteringly fast tapping, which is his trademark.
Paul Gilbert of the American rock band Mr.
Big has openly stated that he was influenced by Akira Takasaki, and Takasaki continues to inspire countless guitarists both in Japan and abroad.
Fujioka Mikio (Kari BAND)
A guitarist who passed away suddenly in 2018 at the young age of 36.
He mastered a wide range of genres, including rock, jazz, and fusion, and was active as a music instructor and session musician.
From 2013, he joined BABYMETAL’s supporting “Kami Band,” where his academic, precise yet fiercely metal guitar playing drew attention.
With his high level of performance skill and strong command of music theory, he influenced many guitarists.
KARATEOmura Takayoshi (BABYMETAL no sapoto)
This is Takayoshi Ohmura, a guitarist also known as a member of the backing band for the hugely popular idol group BABYMETAL, the Kami Band.
Born in Osaka Prefecture, he debuted in 2004 after graduating from a music vocational school.
He has been active both in bands and as an instructor at music schools.
His participation in Marty Friedman’s tour also attests to his high level of skill.
He has been part of the Kami Band since 2013 and is active as one of Japan’s top guitarists.
A hallmark of his playing is his mastery of a technique called circle picking, in which the wrist is kept fixed and the strings are picked using movements of the fingertips.
EL DORADORūku Takamura (CANTA, ex. Seikima II)
He is a guitarist who serves as the vocalist and guitarist for CANTA, a band he formed with bassist MASAKI—former member of Seikima-II who is known as the “Japanese Billy Sheehan”—and Seikima-II’s drummer Raiden Yuzawa.
Known for Seikima-II’s signature demon makeup and his flowing shred phrases, he’s a guitarist whose trademark is speedy, fluid playing.
Surprisingly, however, he originally started guitar because his older sister forced him to play as a child, and at the time he was actually a folk guitar kid.
Beyond his image as a shred guitarist, he is active in multiple roles, including vocalist and producer.
Like a thunder godTakamizawa Toshihiko (THE ALFEE)
The guitarist of the three-piece rock band THE ALFEE, which made its major debut in 1974.
Among the trio’s distinct looks and playing styles, Toshihiko Takamizawa stands out in particular, and true to his appearance, his trademark is a rock-oriented, metal-influenced fast-picking style.
You might think that a metal-style guitar wouldn’t fit since one member plays folk guitar, but Takamizawa’s guitar work meshes well with the band’s songs—so much so that his presence feels indispensable.
He’s also famous for owning many flashy, uniquely shaped guitars, and his showy yet tasteful, speed-focused playing adds vivid color to the music, making him a truly charismatic guitarist.
impulseMatsumoto Takahiro (B’z)
The guitarist of B’z, one of Japan’s most iconic rock units.
With a distinctive guitar sound that lets you recognize Takahiro Matsumoto’s playing at first listen, and unparalleled techniques ranging from rapid-fire shredding to soulful, emotive leads, he is a player who combines individuality and prowess at the highest level.
Having originally started his career as a session guitarist and worked as a support guitarist for the legendary unit TM Network, his precise, mistake-free playing has earned global acclaim.
Beyond rock, he is a versatile musician capable of creating songs that transcend genres, incorporating blues and jazz influences as well as oriental melodies.