25 Anime Songs With Epic Riffs & Licks For Guitar (+Tabs)

If you’re a guitarist who loves anime music, it can be quite hard finding the right songs to play, eh? When I first picked up guitar, I was focused on lead. I knew I wanted to play anime songs but I ran into two issues: the song didn’t have much riffs, or they were about my skill level.

Thus, when I was compiling this list, I was considering a variety of things, such as how much fun this would be to play, how much they get to play throughout the song, and if the guitar riff is exciting and memorable.

The songs listed below vary in difficult and speed. Nothing is easy enough for someone who has been played guitar for a month or two, but if your coordination is good and you’re been working on your scales and soloing skills, you’re bound to find a few songs you could cover. I have also included the timing and the tempo on this page so you know what to expect before clicking on the tabs.

If you’re pretty new to guitar tabs, definitely check out My Ultimate Guide To Guitar Tabs where I discuss setup, tunings, techniques, and even things like theory and timing. It’s your all in one resource to understand anything you’ll see when reading guitar tabs 🙂

If you’re looking for tabs for songs to play, please check out 25 Easy Anime Songs For Guitar, 50 Power Chord Anime Songs, 20 Fun & Funky Anime Songs for Rhythm Guitar, 10 Easy Anime Songs To Practice Fingerpicking and 15 Intermediate Anime Songs To Practice Barre Chords. You can also refer to my article with 8 Resources for Anime Chords, Tabs and Tutorials.

And if you love Japanese music and would like to learn and understand it more, please check out My Japanese Music Resources Page. And if you’d like to learn more about Japanese music theory so you can understand and create your own Japanese inspired music, check out The Complete Japanese Music Theory Course!

FLY HIGH!!!

God Knows

Haruhi

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 140

I’m just going to get this song out of the way. The amount of times I’ve seen it recommended is ridiculous, but for you out there who are recommending this to beginners, yall are just cruel! If you have the chops for it, definitely go for this iconic hit, but if you’re not up for it, don’t worry, I got many other songs for you to choose from 🙂

The Rising Fighting Spirit

Naruto

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 130

This is a great instrumental song where you’ll get to play riffs throughout. Gives you that more traditional western rock sound with that traditional asian flare.

Goya no Machiawase

Noragami

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 189

This is a really fun song to listen and play too. With a cool riff in the intro, a funky melodic line in the pre-chorus, and some power chord riffs as well, there’s a lot to practice with this catchy hit! Just note that you may need a guitar with the 22 fret regardless of which guitar you decide to play.

Session

Given

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 135

If you haven’t watched Given, definitely check it out! It’s one of the newest band animes with a sweet story. Yes, it includes gay characters, but many who aren’t into shonen-ai still loved it regardless. This song shows up early on as the band members play ‘something cool’ for the curious new musician. Thus, it’s an instrumental with an odd time signature (5/4) and lots of different licks to challenge you.

Kaikai kitan

Jujitsu Kaisen

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 185

If you want a popular song with a more chilled out lead part, check out this banger. Lots of bends to practice with, and the chorus has about two or three notes per bar, so it’s definitely a song for those who don’t care for speedy licks.

Niwaka Ame Ni Mo MaKezu

Naruto

Tabs | D# Tuning | BPM = 185

The main riff of this song will get in your head, with good reason! It starts with a beautiful melodic lick, and is then followed by some arpeggios, octave riffs, and 7th chords. Definitely a great solo song for an all-rounded guitarist!

Catch The Moment

Sword Art Online

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 192

This is another song where you’ll get to play throughout and work on various skills. The riffs are on the slower side compared to other songs, but it’s a lot more technical. There’s slides, bends, harmonics, vibrato, octaves, palm musing and so on. And hey, it’s a pretty song from a popular series by a super popular anisong singer, so you got nothing to lose from learning this track!

Baton Road

Boruto

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 163

If you’re just looking for a short and funky memorable lick to learn, why not try this song from Naruto’s successor, Boruto? The tabs seem to be missing the full guitar riff from the intro of the song, but don’t worry, it’s the same lick throughout.

Found & Lost

Banana Fish

Tabs | Drop C# Tuning | BPM = 208

If you want a heavier rock song, here’s a cool track with melodic licks to work on your alternate picking and speed. It does change up quite a bit through the song, and there are also some bends and harmonics for you to practice those skills.

Kyouran Hey Kids

Noragami

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 142

I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love this song. The licks are definitely on the faster side, but it’s definitely worth learning. You’ll get to practice your slides and your hammer-ons/pull-offs quite a bit throughout. You also get to take a break with power chords during the chorus 😛

Utauyo MIracle

K-On!!

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 164

There’s a lot of K-On!! songs you can attempt if you want to work on your lead skills. There’s actually a lot of songs that combine rhythm and lead, but they can all be quite hard if you’re a newbie. If you have the chops though, why not put your lead skills to the test with this speedy and hyper opening. It’s definitely a track that requires high finger speed and picking coordination. If you can’t keep up, why not check out Fude Pen Boru Pen, or Go Go Maniac?

Polaris

My Hero Academia

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 95

Don’t let the low BPM fool you. The licks for this song is written in sixteenth and thirteenth notes. If you’re up for it though, you can play this well loved hit and sound very twinkly while doing it.

Rewrite

Fullmetal Alchemist

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 180

Asian Kung-Fu Generation is a great band to cover if you’re in the late beginner/early intermediate section. The riffs blend in well with the song via chords and slower riffs, but they still play a prominent part and are quite memorable. You’ll definitely have fun with this track and bring back nostalgic memories for others!

Vs Lance Theme

Pokemon

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 200

Probably one of the most well known themes in Pokemon, even if no one knew the name for it. The first guitar carries the melody and is on the slower side, while the second guitar carries the harmony and is a great exercise to get those fingers moving.

The Hero

One Punch Man

Tabs | Drop D Tuning | BPM = 130

ONE PUUUUUUUUUUUUNCHH!!! Sorry, I had to 😛 This is a great track for a newer lead guitarist who has hand coordination, but doesn’t have the speed to take on some other hits on this list. It’s quite melodic and allows you to practice incorporating slides. There’s even a small power chord riff at the very end.

In My World

Blue Exorcist

Tabs | Drop C# Tuning | BPM = 95

This is a great guitar-heavy song that is quite well known. You have a few options with this song. The rhythm has a cool and consistent riff, while the lead has more melodic licks in the background throughout. Tapping, arpeggios, there’s a few things you can work on with this song!

Samurai Heart/Some Like It Hot

Gintama

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 113

Here’s a catchy and fun song that I don’t think anyone can hate. You’ll get to play licks throughout the song. The lick during the chorus has quite a few bends and you also get to work on your muting.

Redo

Re:Zero

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 190

This is a very guitar heavy song. For the first half, you’ll be repeating a certain lick, but then it gets more interesting with melodic riffs and some cool rhythm in the chorus. Definitely something to try if you have a solid rhythm and lead foundation and want a song that incorporates both!

Merry Go Round

My Hero Academia

Tabs | Drop C Tuning | BPM = 120

This newer track is a great song for an early intermediate guitarist. It’s on the slower side, which allows you to practice transitioning between chords and riffs throughout the song. There’s a lot of palm muting and hammer-ons/pull-offs, and other sections for you to work on your picking speed.

Ichirin No Hana

Bleach

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 100

Probably one of the most remembered openings of Bleach. It combines beautiful harmonies with some epic screamo. You’ll get a cool solo tapping moment at the beginning of the song, followed by octave riffs and other fun licks. It switches between fast and slow parts, so your hands can get a bit of a break throughout.

Unravel

Tokyo Ghoul

Tabs | D# Tuning | BPM = 134

I don’t think I have to say much for this song. It’s probably one of the most known songs in the community, right up there with God Knows. While you won’t get to play guitar throughout, your moments are epic and memorable!

Thousand Enemies

Angel Beats

Tabs | Standard Tuning | BPM = 164

If you’re looking for a chill and pretty song with melodic licks throughout, check out this hit. You’ll get an opportunity to practice some chords and dyads during the chorus, and then you’ll get a couple fun solos with melodies and bends. Definitely a song if heavy distortion isn’t your cup of tea.

What’s Up, People!

Death Note

Tabs | Drop C Tuning | BPM = 165

If you’re looking for a popular metal song to play along with, this is just up your alley. You’ll get a handful of different licks that repeats during it’s section. You’ll also be stationed on the lower strings throughout…which is my favourite place to play 😛 It’s not too difficult, and it’s an opportunity to practice drop tuning power chords.

No Pain No Gain

BTOOOM!

Tabs | Drop C# Tuning | BPM = 190

Similar to What’s Up People above, this is a song that focuses more on chord riffs, and uses drop tuning.

Rose

Nana

Drop D Tuning | BPM = 172

Last but definitely not least, we got Rose, the opening of Nana, an anime that stars a badass female musician, and this song is a reflection of that. Whichever guitar part you choose to play for this, you’ll be met with stylish chords and embellishments, and power chord riffs. This is a great song for a rhythm guitarist who wants to know what it feels like to be the star of the show for once (I’m saying this as a rhythm guitarist myself haha Love yall! <3)

Conclusion

Hope you find more than a handful of songs you’d like to take on from this list. As mentioned earlier, I have a few other lists of anime songs for guitarists compiled on my Japanese Music Resources page.

And if you’d like to learn more about Japanese music theory so you can understand and create your own Japanese inspired music, check out The Complete Japanese Music Theory Course!

If you’d like to support me and this blog, you can leave me a tip on Ko-Fi! These do take a lot of time to make, but I know it’s worth it to help other learners like yourself ^_^ And if you’d like to connect, just add me on Instagram @key2nostalgia. I would love to see your covers if you post them!