Practice songs for beginner electric bass players
The bass is often described as the unsung hero, and it tends to be seen as a bit understated.
Some of you might have actually picked up an electric bass and gotten bored practicing root notes in an 8-beat pattern over and over.
In this article, we’ve researched songs that are relatively easy even for beginner bassists to play, while also letting you experience how fun and interesting the bass can be.
We’ve focused mainly on Japanese tracks across different eras, with a few classic Western songs included as well.
If you play bass while feeling the groove within a band ensemble, you’ll surely expand your toolkit as a player.
Give it a try!
Practice Songs for Beginner Electric Bass (1–10)
InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band that relaunched under a new structure in 2022 and has released numerous buzzworthy songs.
Their third digital single, Inferno, was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Fire Force.
While the bass lines are largely root-based and don’t feature difficult phrases, the fast tempo and frequent breaks mean beginner bassists should focus on clear dynamics and articulation.
It’s a rock tune that’s especially fun to play as a band, letting you really feel the excitement of ensemble performance.
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika
Yorushika is a two-person rock band consisting of vocalist suis and composer n-buna.
Their third digital download-only single, Hana ni Bourei (Ghost in a Flower), was selected as the theme song for the animated film A Whisker Away.
Because the arrangement uses relatively few notes and there are many sections without bass, even beginner bassists should be able to take it on calmly.
However, the bass line becomes quite active near the end, albeit briefly, making it a recommended pop tune for practice as well.
Don’t say “lazy”Sakurakou Keionbu
Sakuragaoka High School Light Music Club is a four-piece band unit that appears within the TV anime K-ON!.
Their second single, “Don’t say “lazy”,” is also the ending theme for the series.
The bass part is basically root-note playing, but the overall ensemble quality hinges on how cleanly you can cut the notes in the accented unison sections with the other parts.
The interlude features more active phrasing, making it good practice for bassists looking to move beyond the beginner level.
It’s a cool rock tune that’s also very popular among rock fans.
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Formed in a music club at Kanto Gakuin University, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is a four-piece rock band popularly known as “Ajikan.” Their fifth single, Rewrite, was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
The bass part relies largely on root notes, making it approachable for beginner bassists, but there are spots where the phrases move, so be sure to keep your rhythm steady as you play.
As a famous song, it’s a great addition to live setlists—a rock tune with a satisfying sense of speed.
Dear, boyHump Back
Hump Back is a three-piece rock band that has declared—and embodies—the balance between family life and musical activity.
Their song “Haikei, Shounen yo,” their first single in the current lineup, was used as the ending theme for the music program Buzz Rhythm 02 and became a hit with multiple tie-ins.
The bassline, while primarily sticking to root notes, creates a powerful ensemble groove and offers a rewarding challenge for beginner bassists.
It’s a simple yet emotional rock tune, with straightforward vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply.
dancerVaundy
Singer-songwriter Vaundy, who debuted while still attending an art university, captivates fans with his modern sensibilities.
His 13th digital-only single, Odoriko (The Dancer), is a track distinguished by its strikingly simple arrangement.
While the bass takes center stage in the ensemble, the phrases are mostly root notes, making it approachable for beginner bassists.
However, because the groove relies on slides, try to incorporate them consciously if you can.
LOVE ROCKETSThe Birthday
The Birthday was a four-piece rock band formed around Yusuke Chiba, formerly of THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT, which ended its activities in 2023.
Their track “LOVE ROCKETS,” included on the 2022 release Tsukiyo no Zankyo ep, was used as the opening theme for the animated film THE FIRST SLAM DUNK.
The bass line features lots of repeated root notes and not much to memorize, making it approachable for beginner bassists.
It’s a simple yet bass-forward rock tune with a cool, garage band–style ensemble.