Recommended for beginner bassists! A roundup of popular songs that are fun to play!
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!
Recommended for beginner bassists! A roundup of popular songs that are fun to play! (1–10)
Blue JeansNEW!HANA
HANA’s second single “Blue Jeans,” produced by Chanmina, marks her debut.
Since its phrasing differs from straightforward rock numbers, even experienced players—as well as beginner bassists—will likely discover something new as they play it.
It’s approachable thanks to the absence of difficult passages and the relatively few notes overall, but precisely because of that, be mindful of note length; if you don’t, the tightness that the bass is meant to create can fade.
It’s a work that will likely spark even more enjoyment in playing your instrument.
SolaninNEW!ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Soranin, the 14th single by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION and the theme song for the film of the same name.
The bass uses few notes yet has a solid presence, creating a core for the song within the band’s airy ensemble.
Since it’s mainly root-note playing, it’s approachable for beginner bassists; however, because the pitch range is wide, be careful to fret accurately when shifting positions.
It’s a classic you’ll want to play with friends, with each part offering a relatively comfortable performance experience.
together; along with; bothNEW!WANIMA
One of WANIMA’s signature songs, Tomoni, which has also been used in commercials and as walk-up music for baseball players.
The bass lines are simple—perhaps because the vocalist also plays bass—so it’s easy for beginner bassists to play.
However, since it’s a high-tempo melodic hardcore track, focus on keeping your rhythm steady.
It’s packed with the fun of locking in a rock number as a band, so once you get used to it, you may start to appreciate the thrill of layering sounds rather than just playing the notes.
Make sure you can play it comfortably well before the live show!
KINGNEW!Kanaria
The Vocaloid track “KING” that put Kanaria on the map.
Since the phrases can be played entirely on the lower frets, it’s easy for beginner bassists, but you need to be careful: if you don’t aim for a tight performance with attention to rests and offbeats, you’ll lose the song’s vibe.
If your bandmates like Vocaloid, this is a great first challenge.
It’s a highly polished song that’s fun to play and a recommended number for beginner bands.
05410-(n)NEW!RADWIMPS
The track “05410-(n),” whose title is read as “Okoshite,” is included on RADWIMPS 4: Okazu no Gohan.
The tempo is relaxed, and it’s fun to play because the bass gets lots of tasty moments, like the catchy phrases in the A section and the parts played in unison.
There’s a section where the tempo doubles midway, but since the bass’s note density and approach don’t change, just stay calm and handle it steadily.
The bass line is simple, but the guitar and drums feature many complex arrangements, so once you pull it off, it’s a song that can make a beginner feel like they’ve tackled a challenging full-band performance.
secretNEW!UNFAIR RULE
“Naisho,” the closing track on UNFAIR RULE’s album “Hitorigoto,” from the Okayama-born three-piece band.
Packed with phrases that make you want to pick up your instrument—like the A section that moves in unison with the guitar and the melodic B section.
With sparse notes and a relaxed tempo, it’s sure to be enjoyable for beginner bassists, too.
You’ll likely also discover the fun of playing bass while listening to the other parts.
CHAINSAW BLOODNEW!Vaundy
The digital-only single “CHAINSAW BLOOD,” written as the ending theme for episode 1 of the TV anime Chainsaw Man.
Its heavy, dark arrangement meshes with the world of the series and really pulls you in.
The bass is kept simple throughout, yet it maintains a solid presence even with the minimal notes.
In particular, the phrases that intertwine with the guitar in the A section capture the fun of band ensemble playing, making it something both beginners and experienced band members will want to play.