Master one song over summer break! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass

My Past Life, Many Lifetimes AgoRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Zenzenzense (movie ver.) [Official Music Video]

This is another song that was a huge hit in 2016.

The whole track is based on an 8-beat, so I think the phrases are playable even for beginners.

If the fast tempo makes it hard to keep your notes even, try relaxing your hands and focusing on maintaining clean form.

For phrases that move widely across the fretboard, it helps to play while being mindful of your landing points.

Don’t say “lazy”Hōkago Tī Taimu

Don’t say “lazy”

A song by the in-story music unit Ho-kago Tea Time, used as the ending theme for the TV anime K-ON!.

Its fast-paced, aggressive rock sound feels cool enough to transcend the boundaries of typical anime songs.

While it features a lot of root-note playing, the tempo is quick, so focus on keeping your note attacks consistent without slipping out of the groove.

Also, the bass line in the interlude involves fairly large position jumps; practice it thoroughly so you can play it cleanly and bring out the song’s natural drive.

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Hoshino Takashi

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migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)

A song that could be called their signature.

This bass line is perfect for anyone wanting to practice 16-beat.

Since the kick drum keeps a steady four-on-the-floor, it should be easier to maintain the rhythm.

But for that very reason, it’s also a track that tests the bassist’s groove.

A 3-3-2 subdivision of sixteenth notes runs throughout the entire song, so make sure you handle that smoothly.

ToyLop Abuse On Somebody

Lop Abuse On Somebody-“Toy”music video

A track with an ultra-cool technical riff right from the start, and killer timing and fills in the band’s tight, punctuated sections.

It also features expansive, soaring phrases, giving the song strong dynamics overall, so from a bass-playing perspective, it should offer a variety of practice opportunities.

Master of PuppetsPrimus

primus master of puppets master of puppets live @ woodstock 99 metallica cover

Les Claypool, the bassist of Primus, boldly covered Metallica’s iconic “Master of Puppets” riff on bass—and did the entire thing with slap technique.

If you can pull this off, no one can say a word against you.

Aim to become a true metalhead!

You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “You and the Summer Festival”

Summer vacation.

Summer festivals.

That’s right—let’s play SHISHAMO.

It’s not too difficult, so even beginners can totally handle it.

If you’re starting an instrument this summer and want to finish your first song, it’s perfect for you.

And then, let’s head to a summer festival.

Isn’t She LovelyStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder-Isn’t She Lovely Lyrics

It’s a very famous song and also a jam-session standard.

Copying the original as-is is good practice, but it’s also very important to listen to various sessions and study them.

At events like the NAMM Show, top bassists enjoy performing in many different ways, so you’ll find plenty to learn from.