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Practice songs for beginner electric bass players

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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 Bassists (101–110)

sick rocksthe telephones

the telephones – 「sick rocks」 (PV)

sick rocksthe telephones

“Sick Rocks,” known as one of The telephones’ signature songs since their formation in 2005, is a perfect rock number for beginner bassists to practice.

For the most part, it features many single-note lines that follow the song’s rhythm, so you can play it well simply by memorizing the phrases.

In the chorus, there’s a section that calls for continuous picking, so keep a steady rhythm on the bass while riding the expansive rock sound.

It’s a track where you can showcase a heavy bass line that elevates the groove of the song together with the drums.

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silhouetteKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Silhouette” Music Video

silhouetteKANA-BOON

When people talk about Japanese rock bands that represent the 2010s, many will surely name KANA-BOON.

Since their major debut in 2013, they’ve produced many hit and fan-favorite songs.

Although they have faced a string of member departures, they now continue to work energetically as a duo.

Their upbeat tracks, which often feature a four-on-the-floor rhythm, are festival favorites, and there are surely many beginner bassists who want to cover them with their bands.

The song we’re introducing this time, “Silhouette,” is a smash hit with over 100 million views on YouTube.

Released in 2014, it was also used as a theme song for the hugely popular anime Naruto Shippuden.

The bass part is basically simple root-note playing; while briefly melodic phrases appear in the pre-chorus and chorus, overall it’s well within reach for beginner bassists.

It’s recommended for those who want to get used to fast tempos over BPM 180.

In the middle section, there’s a phrase where the rest falls on the downbeat of the bar, which may make the rhythm feel a bit tricky, but the only way is to practice repeatedly until you can play it smoothly!

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In conclusion

The bass is an instrument that, while taking on the role of steadily supporting a song’s foundation with root notes, can also assert itself boldly by unleashing melodious phrases when the moment calls for it. The more you play, the more you realize its profound appeal. If this article helps beginner bassists grow even more fond of the bass, I couldn’t be happier!