There’s no question that anime has something for everyone. If you love guitars, there are plenty of great anime out there with storylines and characters revolving around the instrument. In this list, we’re going to take a look at some of the best guitar anime ever made! Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced player, we’re sure you’ll find something to enjoy in these anime!
Though it is often stereotyped as simply an “angry young man’s instrument,” the guitar has had a profound influence on music across genres and cultures. In recent years, the guitar has even made its way into the world of anime.
A number of anime series have featured characters who are talented guitarists, and the music in these series often captures the energy and passion of rock music. If you’re looking for some inspiration during a break from your own guitar practice, check out one of these musical anime series.
From the light-hearted antics of “Beck” to the high-stakes battles of “Your Lie in April,” these shows will definitely get your fingers itching to pick up your axe and start playing again.
There’s just something about watching someone play the guitar that is both mesmerizing and inspiring. If you’re a fan of the instrument, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. And, if you’re also a fan of anime, then you’re in for a real treat. That’s because there are quite a few series out there that feature guitars prominently.
From electric to acoustic guitars, each of these anime below features different kinds of guitars and styles. So, whether you’re a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, pop, or heavy metal, there’s bound to be something on this list for you. Here are the best guitar anime you’re guaranteed to love if you are a guitar enthusiast!
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad is an anime series that follows a group of friends from high school who form a rock band and rise to fame. For Yukio “Koyuki” Tanaka, a 14-year old boy who leads a dispirited and aimless life before meeting a rock ‘n’ roll guitarist and becoming a rock star by chance, nothing will ever be the same.
As the group achieves worldwide success, the group members have to deal with different types of struggles. These might include creative differences, financial problems, or simply the stresses of being in the public eye. However, the bond between the members of Beck is strong, and they always manage to pull through for each other in the end.
Ryusuke Minami’s Gibson Les Paul guitar has a central and special role in the story, which might be exciting for guitarist anime fans! The instrument seems to have a life of its own, and it’s clear that Ryusuke has a deep connection to it. Throughout the series, we see the characters grow and change as they learn to deal with success, failure, and everything in between. Beck is an inspiring story about following your dreams and celebrates the power of music to bring people together.
Given
If you’re looking for an anime that’s musical, heartwarming, and funny, then you’ll want to check out Given. The story follows Ritsuka Uenoyama, a high schooler who loves playing the guitar. One day, he meets Mafuyu Sato, another student who is struggling to learn how to play the instrument. Ritsuka agree to teach Mafuyu, and the two eventually start playing in the same band.
As they prepare for their first music festival, the other members of the band also start to develop romantic relationships. This complicates things for Ritsuka and Mafuyu, who are both harboring feelings for each other. Given is a wonderful anime that features great rock music, gay romance, and characters that you’ll quickly come to love.
K-On!
K-On! is a heartwarming and hilarious anime that follows the journey of five high school girls as they try to revive their school’s music club.
The story begins with the group’s leader, Ritsu, recruiting new members in order to avoid the club’s disbandment. She roped in her childhood friend Mio, who is an excellent bass player, and together they recruited the shy guitarist Tsumugi and the enthusiastic drummer Kitauji.
Finally, after much convincing, they managed to get Yui – a girl who knows nothing about music – to join them. The series follows the girls as they struggle to practice and perform, both in school and at competitions.
While the focus is largely on the comedic moments, there are also touching moments that showcase the bonds of friendship between the girls. K-On! is a must-watch for any fan of slice-of-life anime.
Detroit Metal City
Detroit Metal City is an anime that is not only funny, but also pokes fun at the stereotypes about metal music. The story is about a shy and soft-spoken boy who has to perform with a death metal band as the lead singer and guitarist to make ends meet.
While the band’s dedicated and fanatic fans celebrate his demonic, dark, and extravagant style, he secretly enjoys Swedish pop and dreams of becoming a pop star.
The anime features death metal, pop music, comedy, and guitars, while parodying the stereotypes about metal music.
Some of the stereotypes that are lampooned include the idea that all metal fans are Satanists, that metal music is always loud and aggressive, and that metal musicians are all arrogant and self-centered. However, despite all of the poking fun at metal music, the anime still manages to be incredibly funny. If you’re looking for a good laugh, then definitely check out Detroit Metal City.
Nana
Nana is a music anime that follows the lives of two girls with the same name who meet by chance and end up becoming roommates and close friends.
Nana Komatsu is chasing after her boyfriend who has gone to art school in Tokyo, while Nana Osaki is planning to become a professional punk singer. As they get to know each other, the two girls form a deep bond andsupport each other through the ups and downs of their lives.
The anime is set against the backdrop of the rock music scene in Tokyo, and features an excellent soundtrack. It’s a must-watch for fans of music anime, and is sure to please viewers of all ages.
White Album 2
White Album 2 is a Japanese visual novel developed by Aquamarine. It was released for the Microsoft Windows on March 26, 2010.
The story follows Haruki Kitahara, the last member of his school’s light music club, which is about to be disbanded due to a lack of members.
Haruki has dreamed of performing at the school festival for two years, but he faces the reality that his dream will not be realized.
However, he soon meets two girls who join the club and help him realize his dream. The story then follows the love triangle that develops between the three characters. White Album 2 is a well-written and engaging story that will keep you hooked until the very end.
Show By Rock
Cyan Hijirikawa’s life changed the day she discovered Midi City. A hidden world where music controls everything, Midi City is a vibrant and exciting place that is full of possibilities.
However, it is also a dangerous place, as Cyan quickly learns when she is faced with the task of defeating the evil musical monsters. With her trusty guitar by her side, Cyan sets out to save the city from the dark forces that seek to control it.
Along the way, she discovers her own inner magic power and learns to believe in herself. Show By Rock is an imaginative and inspiring story that will capture the hearts of readers of all ages.
I actually find the guitar anime Show By Rock quite fun, also its visuals are really cute and adorable. The great thing is that it has only 12 episodes, so I highly recommend giving it a try if a guitar and rock music-focused anime with a short and sweet story sounds enjoyable to you!
Legend Of Black Heaven
Few things in life are as satisfying as a good legend. And the Legend of Black Heaven is one of the best.
The story follows Oji Tanaka, a man who seems to have it all–a beautiful wife, an adorable child, and a stable job. But 15 years ago, things were different for Oji. He was the lead guitarist of Black Heaven, a heavy metal band that was influential but short-lived.
Things changed for Oji when he met a beautiful and mysterious woman who convinced him to pick up his guitar again–but this time, not for rock ‘n’ roll, but to save outer space.
The Legend of Black Heaven is an engaging and exciting story that will keep you hooked from beginning to end.
Conclusion
Whether you’re a guitarist, have yet to become one, or just someone interested in guitars, we hope that you enjoyed this list of the best anime about guitar. Each of these anime offer something unique and special that is sure to appeal to viewers of all ages.
So what are you waiting for? Pick your favorite and start watching!