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[Rapid Progress Over Winter Break] A roundup of recommended practice songs for acoustic guitar beginners!

Many people are probably thinking they want to set aside solid practice time over winter break and make huge progress on guitar.

It’s also the season for year-end and New Year parties, so some of you might be performing a song-and-guitar number as entertainment.

That raises the question: “So what songs should I actually practice?” In this article, we’ve gathered a bunch of Japanese songs we’d love for acoustic guitar beginners to try! We’ll introduce lots of easy-to-play picks, so be sure to check them out.

[Rapid Progress Over Winter Break] A Collection of Recommended Practice Songs for Acoustic Guitar Beginners! (41–50)

Thank youikimonogakari

Arigatou – Ikimono-gakari (Full)
Thank youikimonogakari

We’ll pick ‘Arigatou’ by Ikimono-gakari, a music group from Kanagawa.

They originally performed mainly as street musicians, and their talent drew attention—now they’ve become extremely popular artists.

It was the theme song for the NHK drama ‘Gegege no Nyobo.’

Island SongTHE BOOM

The Boom - Shima Uta (Live)
Island SongTHE BOOM

It’s a song that sings of Okinawa’s nature and the sorrows of war, resonating deeply in people’s hearts.

Released by THE BOOM in 1992, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.5 million copies.

Characterized by its unique sound that fuses the Ryukyuan scale with Western scales, it conveys a profound message not only to the people of Okinawa but to people throughout Japan.

It also achieved international success, even serving as the official support song for Argentina’s national team at the World Cup.

It’s an easy piece for beginner guitarists to play, so give it a try.

To the Lightmiwa

It’s one of Miwa’s signature songs, notable for its catchy chorus.

The intro repeats the same chords, and then the scenery opens up all at once in the chorus.

If you’re doing a solo vocal-and-guitar performance, it might work well to slow the tempo just a bit.

In the chorus, play energetically so you don’t get overshadowed by the strength of your vocals—it will really bring out the vibe!

Somebody Else NowAbe Mao

Mao Abe – Somebody Else Now [Official Music Video]
Somebody Else NowAbe Mao

Released in August 2024 as the lead track from the album “NOW,” this is one of the works commemorating Mao Abe’s 15th anniversary.

It premiered on FM802’s radio program and quickly became a hot topic among fans.

With a lively rhythm and simple arrangement, Abe’s powerful vocals stir emotions deep within.

If you’ve recently experienced changes in relationships or personal growth, you’ll likely relate to it even more.

Give it a try as a practice piece over the winter break.

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

It’s the kind of song you want to listen to at the end of summer.

Since it uses a lot of seventh chords, it will sound really beautiful if you play with an emphasis on those accents.

Arpeggios bring out the vibe, so I recommend them! There are a few slightly tricky parts, but if you can play them cleanly, it will sound really stylish.