For guitar players diving into the world of anime, or anime fans who are also musicians, a fun detail to notice is the guitars that characters wield. While some older anime might feature guitars with less attention to detail, many series draw inspiration from real-world instruments, sometimes even modeling them meticulously.
This guide compiles a list of notable anime characters and the guitars they play, based on careful observation and research. In cases where the model isn’t explicitly named in the anime, educated guesses have been made based on visual similarities and common guitar knowledge. Some anime feature generic or very basic guitar designs, and these have been omitted to focus on more recognizable and specific models.
This list will be updated with new musical anime discoveries. If you know of other anime featuring identifiable guitar brands or models, feel free to share in the comments!
K-ON!!
Yui Hirasawa
Gibson Pre-’08 Les Paul Standard in Heritage Cherry Sunburst
Yui Hirasawa's Gibson Les Paul Standard in Heritage Cherry Sunburst, a classic electric guitar from K-ON!!
Yui Hirasawa, the lead guitarist of K-ON!’s Ho-kago Tea Time, is famously seen playing a Gibson Les Paul Standard. Her guitar, finished in the iconic Heritage Cherry Sunburst, is a staple in rock music and a recognizable symbol for guitar enthusiasts. This model is known for its warm tone and sustain, perfect for Yui’s energetic playing.
Azusa Nakano
Fender Japan ’69 Reissue Mustang in Candy Apple Red (Matching headstock colour)
Azusa Nakano, the rhythm guitarist of Ho-kago Tea Time, is depicted with a Fender Mustang. Her model is a Japanese ’69 Reissue in a striking Candy Apple Red with a matching headstock. The Fender Mustang is known for its shorter scale length and comfortable playability, often favored by students and players with smaller hands, fitting Azusa’s character as the junior member of the band.
Sawako Yamanaka
Electric Guitar Epiphone “1958” Korina Flying V
Sawako Yamanaka, the faculty advisor and initially reluctant band coach in K-ON!!, plays an Epiphone “1958” Korina Flying V. This guitar, in Alpine White, is a visually striking and powerful instrument. The Flying V shape is synonymous with rock and metal, a contrast to Sawako’s usual gentle demeanor, hinting at her past as a metal musician.
BANG DREAM
Kasumi Toyama
Signature ESP Random Star – Grassroots G AC-45 (live; red with custom star inlays)
Kasumi Toyama's Signature ESP Random Star, a vibrant electric guitar from BanG Dream!
Kasumi Toyama, the energetic lead vocalist and guitarist of Poppin’Party in BanG Dream!, plays a striking ESP Random Star. Her signature model, part of the Grassroots series (G AC-45), is red with custom star inlays, matching her bright and star-themed image. ESP guitars are known for their quality and are popular in rock and metal genres.
Tae Hanazono
ESP Snapper
Tae Hanazono's ESP Snapper, a versatile electric guitar from BanG Dream!
Tae Hanazono, the lead guitarist of Poppin’Party, is seen playing an ESP Snapper. The ESP Snapper is a versatile S-style guitar known for its comfortable playability and wide range of tones, making it suitable for various musical styles within Poppin’Party’s repertoire.
Sayo Hikawa
ESP M-II
Sayo Hikawa's ESP M-II, a powerful electric guitar from BanG Dream!
Sayo Hikawa, the guitarist of Roselia in BanG Dream!, plays an ESP M-II. The ESP M-II is a high-performance, Superstrat-style guitar popular in metal and hard rock. This model is known for its aggressive tone and fast playability, reflecting Roselia’s more intense and technically demanding music.
GIVEN
Mafuyu Sato
Red Gibson ES-330
Mafuyu Sato's Red Gibson ES-330, a semi-hollow electric guitar with a soulful sound in Given.
Mafuyu Sato, the vocalist and guitarist in Given, is depicted with a red Gibson ES-330. The ES-330 is a fully hollow or semi-hollow body guitar, known for its warm, resonant tone, often favored in jazz, blues, and indie music. The choice of a Gibson ES-330 for Mafuyu adds depth to his character and musical style, suggesting a more introspective and emotional musical expression.
Ritsuka Uenoyama
Fender Classic Series ’72 Telecaster Custom Electric Guitar
Ritsuka Uenoyama's Fender Classic Series '72 Telecaster Custom, a versatile electric guitar in Given.
Ritsuka Uenoyama, the guitarist and songwriter in Given, plays a Fender Telecaster Custom from the Classic Series ’72. The Telecaster Custom, with its humbucker in the neck position, offers a blend of Telecaster twang and a warmer, thicker tone from the humbucker. This makes it a versatile guitar suitable for the diverse sounds of Given’s music.
Beck
Yukio “Koyuki” Tanaka
Gibson L48 Acoustic
Yukio “Koyuki” Tanaka, the central character in Beck, starts his guitar journey on a Gibson L-48 acoustic guitar. The Gibson L-48 is an archtop acoustic guitar, a vintage model that was popular in the mid-20th century. Archtop guitars are known for their focused sound and are often associated with jazz and blues, representing Koyuki’s initial musical explorations.
Gretsch White Falcon
Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka's Gretsch White Falcon, an iconic hollow-body electric guitar from Beck.
Later in Beck, Koyuki becomes associated with the iconic Gretsch White Falcon. The White Falcon is a visually stunning and sonically rich hollow-body electric guitar. It’s a symbol of rock and roll extravagance and success, representing Koyuki’s and Beck’s rise in the music scene.
Super Sonico
Super Sonico
Heritage Cherry Red Gibson SG (with a batwing pickguard)
Super Sonico's Heritage Cherry Red Gibson SG, a rock-solid electric guitar for the mascot character.
Super Sonico, the mascot character, is frequently seen with a Heritage Cherry Red Gibson SG. The Gibson SG is a rock and roll workhorse, known for its lightweight body, fast neck, and powerful sound. The SG’s association with rock music fits Super Sonico’s image as a musician and character.
Danganronpa 3
Ibuki Mioda
Vox Phantom VI
Ibuki Mioda from Danganronpa 3 is known for her flamboyant personality and equally striking Vox Phantom VI guitar. The Vox Phantom VI is a uniquely shaped electric guitar from the 1960s, known for its distinctive silhouette and jangly tones. Its unusual design perfectly complements Ibuki’s eccentric and energetic stage presence.
Red Stratocaster (Unknown which brand/model)
Ibuki Mioda's Red Stratocaster, a classic electric guitar shape in Danganronpa 3.
Ibuki also uses a red Stratocaster, though the specific brand and model are not clearly defined in the anime. The Stratocaster shape itself is globally recognized and iconic, representing versatility and classic electric guitar tones.
The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Haruhi Suzumiya
Italia Mondial Classic 2 Tone Sunburst
Haruhi Suzumiya's Italia Mondial Classic in 2 Tone Sunburst, a retro-styled electric guitar.
Haruhi Suzumiya is seen playing an Italia Mondial Classic in 2 Tone Sunburst. Italia guitars are known for their retro-inspired designs, and the Mondial Classic with its unique shape and finish makes a visual statement, fitting Haruhi’s desire to stand out and be extraordinary.
Yuki Nagato
Epiphone USA SG 1966 G400 Electric Guitar (White)
Yuki Nagato, the quiet and enigmatic character from Haruhi Suzumiya, is associated with an Epiphone USA SG 1966 G400 in white. The white SG provides a stark and clean visual, mirroring Yuki’s minimalist and reserved personality. The SG itself, even in white, still maintains its rock and roll edge.
Angel Beats
Masami Iwasawa
Fender Rarities Flame Ash Top Stratocaster (with a white pickguard)
Masami Iwasawa's Fender Rarities Flame Ash Top Stratocaster, a boutique-style electric guitar in Angel Beats.
Masami Iwasawa from Angel Beats! plays a Fender Rarities Flame Ash Top Stratocaster. This Stratocaster model, with its flame ash top and white pickguard, is a more boutique and visually striking take on the classic Stratocaster design. It suggests a level of refinement and perhaps a higher value instrument, befitting Iwasawa’s role as a serious musician.
Yui
Heritage Cherry Red Gibson SG (with a batwing pickguard)
Super Sonico's Heritage Cherry Red Gibson SG, a rock-solid electric guitar for the mascot character.
Yui from Angel Beats! also plays a Heritage Cherry Red Gibson SG, similar to Super Sonico. The SG’s energetic and rock-oriented nature aligns well with Yui’s lively and spirited personality within the anime.
Bocchi The Rock!
Bocchi Gotoh
Gibson Les Paul 1960(?) Black Beauty
Bocchi Gotoh, the socially anxious but incredibly talented guitarist from Bocchi the Rock!, is associated with a Gibson Les Paul “Black Beauty,” likely modeled after a 1960 version. The Les Paul Black Beauty is a prestigious and elegant version of the Les Paul, often associated with professional musicians and a more sophisticated style, a contrast to Bocchi’s personality but reflective of her hidden talent.
Yamaha Pacifca PAC600 Series
Bocchi is also seen with a Yamaha Pacifica PAC600 series. The Yamaha Pacifica is known for being a high-quality and versatile S-style guitar, often recommended for its excellent value and playability. This choice might reflect a more practical side to Bocchi, or perhaps represents a more accessible instrument compared to the Les Paul.
Ikuyo Kita
Gibson Les Paul Special Beato’s Signature Guitar Double Cut
Ikuyo Kita's Gibson Les Paul Special Beato’s Signature Guitar Double Cut in Blue Mist, a stylish electric guitar in Bocchi the Rock!
Ikuyo Kita, the outgoing and charismatic guitarist of Kessoku Band in Bocchi the Rock!, plays a Gibson Les Paul Special Beato’s Signature Guitar Double Cut in a Blue Mist finish. The Les Paul Special Double Cut is a more streamlined and edgy version of the Les Paul, and Ikuyo’s signature model in Blue Mist adds a touch of individuality and flair, matching her vibrant personality.
Carole & Tuesday
Tuesday Simmons
Gibson 125th Anniversary Hummingbird Acoustic Guitar Autumn Burst
Tuesday Simmons from Carole & Tuesday is seen playing a Gibson 125th Anniversary Hummingbird Acoustic Guitar in Autumn Burst. The Gibson Hummingbird is a classic flat-top acoustic guitar known for its warm tone and distinctive visual appointments, including the hummingbird pickguard. The choice of a Hummingbird reflects Tuesday’s acoustic-driven songwriting and soulful musical style.
Girls Band Cry
Nina Iseri
G&L Tribute Series ASAT Classic in Butterscotch Blond finish
Nina Iseri's G&L Tribute Series ASAT Classic in Butterscotch Blonde, a Telecaster-style electric guitar in Girls Band Cry.
Nina Iseri from Girls Band Cry plays a G&L Tribute Series ASAT Classic in Butterscotch Blonde. The G&L ASAT Classic is Leo Fender’s refined take on the Telecaster design, known for its clear and articulate tones. Choosing a G&L ASAT suggests a preference for quality and classic guitar sounds.
Momoka Kawaragi
Psychederhythm Psychomaster 2 in Blue Ciel finish
Momoka Kawaragi in Girls Band Cry is seen with a Psychederhythm Psychomaster 2 in Blue Ciel finish. Psychederhythm is a Japanese boutique guitar brand known for its unique designs and high-quality craftsmanship. The Psychomaster 2, with its Jazzmaster-inspired shape and custom finish, is a distinctive and stylish choice, fitting Momoka’s sophisticated character design.
Hina
ESP Original Horizon-I – Deep Candy Apple Red with Hot Rails
Hina from Girls Band Cry plays an ESP Original Horizon-I in Deep Candy Apple Red with Hot Rails pickups. The ESP Horizon-I is a high-performance guitar, and the Hot Rails pickups suggest a preference for a hotter, more aggressive tone suitable for rock and potentially heavier music styles within the band.
Rin
Fernandes NTG-LTD STP in Purple finish
Rin in Girls Band Cry is seen playing a Fernandes NTG-LTD STP in Purple finish. Fernandes guitars are well-known in Japan, and the NTG-LTD STP model likely offers a blend of playability and a modern rock sound. The purple finish adds a touch of visual flair, making it stand out.
