Talented anime guitarists are Yoshinobu Gakuganji, Mafuyu Sato, Super Sonico, Haruhi Suzumiya, Ryuusuke Minami, and Masami Iwasawa.
Alright, listen up, fellow anime lovers! We all know that the soundtracks in our favorite shows are top-notch, but let’s get down to the real question.
Who shreds the hardest on guitar? Sure, there are plenty of talented musicians out there, but who among them truly reigns supreme?
Time to put on our rockstar shades and find out!
From Strings to Screams: The Best Guitarists in Anime
Anime and music are a match made in heaven, elevating each other to create a magical experience that entrains viewers. Many anime series centers around aspiring musicians or bands determined to rock out and bring their music to the world.
The result? Epic tunes and electrifying chords instantly become fan favorites.
21Kyoka Jiro – My Hero Academia
Get ready to rock out with Kyoka Jiro, AKA Earphone Jack, from My Hero Academia’s U.A. High School! Despite the rigorous demands of hero training, Kyoka never quit her guitar and rock music passion.
Her dorm room is a veritable treasure trove of musical instruments and gear, much to the surprise of her classmates.
At first, Kyoka was shy about sharing her musical talent, but she soon learned to embrace it fully. Armed with her trusty guitar and microphone, she helped Class 1-A put on an epic concert during the school festival that had everyone talking.
It’s no surprise that music runs in the family; Kyoka’s parents are just as passionate about it as she is.
20Tuesday Simmons – Carole And Tuesday
Step right up, folks! Get ready to dive into the musical universe of Carole and Tuesday, created by the mastermind behind Cowboy Bebop. This heartwarming series follows the journey of two young women in a bustling city on another planet as they pursue their dreams of creating music.
Carole, a kind-hearted and driven girl, finds a kindred spirit in Tuesday, who shares her passion for making beautiful music.
Together, they set out on a quest for fame and fortune. While Carole is confident and determined, Tuesday is a bit more timid and uncertain, especially since it’s her first time alone.
But when she’s got a guitar in her hands, all her worries melt away, and her sweet melodies capture the hearts of anyone who listens.
19Mafuyu Sato – Given
We all know the old saying: the way to a guitarist’s heart is through their trusty six-string. But no one embodies this truth more than Sato Mafuyu.
When the talented Ritsuka Uenoyama takes a moment to help Mafuyu fix his beloved guitar, it’s love at first strum. Obsessed with Ritsuka’s instrument mastery, Mafuyu is soon under his spell.
Their story is a cautionary tale about the dangerous allure of guitars – and the transformative power of music itself. At first, Mafuyu is shy and introverted, but as he learns to express himself through his music, he gains newfound confidence and finally gets to let his sharp, observant self shine.
Get ready to be swept away by music’s magical, transformative power with Sato Mafuyu and Ritsuka Uenoyama!
18Ryusuke Minami – Beck
Musicians who love blues may feel a profound connection with Ryuusuke Minami, better known as Ray by his friends and bandmates in BECK.
Although sometimes perceived as a slacker, Ryusuke Minami, also known as “Ray,” is an immensely talented guitarist. He serves as an inspiration for Koyuki, who begins to learn the guitar after encountering Ray.
When creating great music, Ryuusuke always pours his heart and soul into his beloved Gibson Les Paul, Prudence.
With Ray, it’s a package deal – the good and the bad come together.
17Yukio Tanaka – Beck
Ryuusuke’s most significant impact on the band was inspiring Koyuki (Yukio Tanaka) to learn the guitar and eventually join BECK.
Before meeting Ray, Koyuki was a complete unknown – not only in terms of his popularity but also because he lacked any significant qualities.
However, after picking up the guitar and meeting Ray, Koyuki developed his unique sound and grew in confidence.
He is a source of motivation for his bandmates and aspiring guitarists who seek to express themselves through their music.
16Yoshiyuki Taira – Beck
Ready to rock out? Beck is the anime that set the bar for all others with its incredible story and an unforgettable soundtrack. Follow the journey of an indie rock band, “Mongolian Chop Squad,” made up of delinquents and high schoolers, as they rise to fame.
The band is unstoppable, with three talented guitarists – Ryusuke, Koyuki, and Yoshiyuki.
Though stoic and strong-willed, Yoshiyuki lives and breathes guitar like nobody else. Initially, he only cares about playing and has little interest in his bandmates. But it’s Yoshiyuki who steals the show with his unbridled passion and laser focus on his craft.
But as time passes, they all come together and form an unbreakable bond, culminating in a legendary performance that will cheer you for more.
15Gajeel Redfox – Fairy Tail
Get ready to rock with the wizards of the Fairy Tail guild! While each member has their own unique personality quirks and hobbies – from Mirajane’s barmaid gig to Erza’s love of cake – there’s one member who’s determined to make it big in the music industry: the iron dragon slayer Gajeel Redfox.
With his Mad Max-style guitars and soulful voice, Gajeel is convinced he’s destined for greatness. But unfortunately, the reality is a bit harsher. Let’s say that his singing and guitar skills are more “fingernails on a chalkboard” than “Grammy-worthy.”
Even Gray Fullbuster can’t pretend to enjoy Gajeel’s performances. Will Gajeel ever realize his musical dreams? Only time will tell!
14Masami Iwasawa – Angel Beats!
Ready to rock in the afterlife? Angel Beats! is a short but wildly popular anime series that takes place at a high school like no other – it’s located in purgatory. Meet Masami Iwasawa, the lead guitarist of Girls Dead Monster and one of the colorful characters at Afterlife High School.
Masami had a tough go of it in her previous life, with parents who fought constantly and classmates who bullied her. But through it all, she found solace in music. Now, she can use her incredible talent to inspire and uplift her fellow students in the afterlife.
But as with all things in this surreal world, nothing lasts forever. Will Masami and her bandmates be able to find the peace they seek? Tune in to find out!
13Super Sonico – Super Sonico the Animation
Get ready to meet the ultimate babe with love for music – Super Sonico, Nitroplus’ iconic mascot! From her first appearance as the poster girl for the Nitro Super Sonico live music event, it was clear that she was destined for greatness.
Two things define Super Sonico: her stunning looks and passion for music. As the lead guitarist for the fictional band First Astronomical Velocity, she may be a bit of an airhead, but she’s also a dedicated university student who always gives it her all. And let’s not forget her work as a model – it’s like the anime equivalent of starting an OnlyFans to pay off your student loans.
Get ready to be swept away by Super Sonico’s beauty and talent – she’s a force to be reckoned with!
12Yoshinobu Gakuganji – Jujutsu Kaisen
Don’t let his tough exterior fool you – the elderly principal of Kyoto sorcery school, Yoshinobu Gakuganji, is a total rockstar! Sure, he may come across as a strict traditionalist who wants Yuji dead and isn’t too fond of Satoru Gojo, but there’s more to him than meets the eye.
In fact, Yoshinobu recently unveiled his guitar and amp-based cursed technique during the Kyoto-Tokyo tournament, earning major cool points in the process. Using powerful sound waves, he can blow away enemy curses and rock out at the same time.
According to legend, he’s a master of other instruments as well and is even on the hunt for a drummer to join his band.
11Haru Hanna Haruko – FLCL
You’ll love Haru Haruko – the space pirate hellion who rides a yellow Vespa and wields a Rickenbacker 4001 guitar like a weapon!
In FLCL, a whimsical anime that will have you laughing and cheering, a young middle school boy gets caught up in an intergalactic threat when Haruko chooses him as her unwitting accomplice.
Haruko is a force to be reckoned with, with a personality as big as her antics. She’ll stop at nothing to get what she wants, shaping impressionable minds into eccentric anarchists and causing chaos wherever she goes.
From giant monsters to city-destroying battles, Haruko’s trade is chaos, and she will make a big splash wherever she goes.
10Cyan Hijirikawa – Show By Rock!!
Here’s the smallest and cutest anime guitarist of them all – and that’s saying something, considering we’ve got characters from K-On! in the mix!
This tiny girl has always dreamed of being a rockstar, but her shyness held her back from joining a band…until she stumbled into the fantastical realm of Midi City, where music rules all.
Don’t be fooled by Cyan’s big, bright eyes – she’s got a passion for rock and roll that’s impossible to ignore. And with her signature custom guitar, the Strawberry Heart, she’s ready to take on the world.
Even her Gothic Lolita outfit looks perfect paired with her guitar, making her a true standout in music.
9Nobuo Terashima – Nana
While Nobuo may not be the most technically proficient guitarist in the series, he surpasses all others in his character.
This rising musician cherishes punk music and the lifestyle of a non-conformist. Despite coming from a wealthy background, he chooses not to rely on his family’s support and instead secures a job to sustain himself from a young age.
Nobuo gravitates towards eccentric individuals who share his love for music, which is how he forges a close bond with Nana.
He lives life to the fullest, and his carefree spirit endears him to us.
8Akira Otoishi – JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure
You can expect a dazzling addition to JoJo’s combat system – the electric Red Hot Chili Pepper Stand and its user, Akira Otoishi, in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure’s Diamond is Unbreakable story arc.
This deadly Stand has the power to drag people into power lines and even kill them, making it a formidable opponent.
But that’s not all – Akira is also known to bust out his electric guitar during Stand battles, adding a musical twist to the action. And if you’re a fan of musical references, you’ll love the “AC/DC” cuffs on his outfit.
It’s no secret that Akira dreamed of becoming a rock star, but unfortunately for him, Josuke and Okuyasu had other plans.
7Johannes Krauser II – Detroit Metal City
Surviving as a college student in Tokyo can be a daunting task, as you must cover your rent and living expenses every month. To put food on the table, sometimes you must step outside your comfort zone.
Souichi Negishi understands this challenge all too well. Souichi lacks pop music talent but is a remarkable guitarist who can play with his teeth. Despite his desire to compose pop songs, he performs as the lead singer and guitarist for Detroit Metal City, a death metal band.
His disappointment in failing as a pop artist inspires Krauser’s rage. Despite his calm and easygoing demeanor, Souichi unleashes his inner metal god on stage.
6Azusa Nakano – K-On!
The youngest member of the original Sakuragaoka High Light Music Club, also known as After School Tea Time, is highly favored among fans and a remarkably talented guitarist.
Despite her youth, she is one of the most responsible characters in the series. Upon joining the band, she quickly becomes the driving force that keeps them from idling and settling for perpetual tea parties.
Initially, Azusa seems to have little confidence in herself. However, her experiences with After School Tea Time gradually helped her develop self-assurance.
When the older members graduate from Sakuragaoka, she becomes the leader of their successors.
5Yui Hirasawa – K-On!
Get ready to rock out with the charming high school anime K-On! This musical series follows the formation of the After School Tea Time band, featuring the talented guitarist Yui Hirasawa.
And here’s the impressive part – in just weeks, Yui went from a total novice to a skilled player worthy of any amateur band.
Some might even call her a musical savant with an innate talent for the guitar that shines through in her playing.
Now, Yui can lift the spirits of everyone around her with her wonderful music. Get ready to be amazed by her skill and charmed by her personality in the delightful world of K-On!
4Nana Osaki – Nana
As the lead singer and guitarist of Band Blast, Nana brings a fiery energy to every performance, commanding the stage with her heart and soul. Her signature style is punk and gothic, with leather, combat boots, and bold red lipstick to match her pale skin tone.
But it’s not just her look that makes her a standout – Nana’s songs are deeply personal, expressing the emotions she holds close to her heart. When she takes the stage and pours her soul into her music, her fans are in for a truly special experience.
Follow Nana’s journey in the fantastic anime that bears her name as she navigates the ups and downs of life with her newfound friend.
3Ibuki Mioda – Danganronpa 3 (Despair Arc)
Get ready for a true musical powerhouse – none other than Ibuki Mioda, the Ultimate High School Musician! With a bold and energetic personality to match her incredible talent, Ibuki pours her heart and soul into her music, creating songs that connect with listeners on a deep level.
Unfortunately, Ibuki and her classmates from Class 77-B are brainwashed to seek out despair, leading to catastrophic events in the original Danganronpa. But even amid chaos, Ibuki’s music remains a force to be reckoned with.
In fact, her songs are so powerful that they were used to incite public unrest on a global scale – a testament to her incredible skill as a musician.
2Haruhi Suzumiya – The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya
Welcome, Haruhi Suzumiya – the titular character of the acclaimed anime Haruhi Suzumiya! Not only is Haruhi a powerful goddess who can bend reality to her will, but she’s also a multi-talented individual who excels at many things – including playing the guitar.
Haruhi wowed the crowd at a school festival with a performance that will go down in history.
Her songs, including the beloved hits “God Knows” and “Lost My Music,” have become staples of the anime community, earning her legions of fans worldwide.
Whether using her divine powers or shredding her guitar, Haruhi is a force to be reckoned with.
1Hoshi – Arakawa Under the Bridge
Many believe that fame corrupts musicians and strips them of their artistic magic. In line with this reasoning, one can only remain true to their sound by becoming a recluse and shielding themselves from the world.
That was precisely the path taken by Hoshi. The skilled anime guitarist once enjoyed worldwide recognition as a musician. Still, he abandoned his lucrative career as a rock star to focus on creating authentic music rather than chasing record sales.
By wearing a star-shaped mask, he performs the music he truly desires for anyone willing to listen.