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

Level up your bass technique over summer break! Why not challenge yourself to master one full song? We’ve selected tunes that intermediate players, in particular, will enjoy.

The lineup ranges from the latest tracks and classic hits to songs often played in jam sessions.

We’ve carefully curated a mix of Japanese and Western music.

Try finding something that matches your skill level! And if you’ve been relying on tabs until now, this could be the perfect time to try learning by ear.

Master One Song Over Summer! Recommended Practice Tunes to Level Up Your Bass (1–10)

Dancer in the NightSakanakushon

Sakanaction / Yoru no Odoriko -Music Video-
Dancer in the NightSakanakushon

Blending programmed beats with a full-band sound, “Yoru no Odoriko” is a track where you can feel Sakanaction’s distinctive groove.

The bass—arguably the linchpin of the band’s rhythmic performance—repeats a steady pattern that gives the song a sense of weightlessness.

The key is having the stamina to lock in the same phrase consistently and the focus to keep impeccable timing.

There aren’t many notes, but it’s crucial to be mindful of rests and note lengths.

It’s a great practice piece for bassists over spring break who want to sharpen their sense of rhythm.

9mm Parabellum Bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet – Black Market Blues
9mm Parabellum Bullet

This is a track by 9mm Parabellum Bullet featuring a powerful sound and a bouncy rhythm that leaves a strong impression.

The key point is its danceable groove despite the tension, with the bass exhibiting a crisp attack that locks in with the drums.

Although the sound is constantly driving, being mindful of how notes are cut off enhances the overall sense of groove.

The arrangement alternates between sections that align with the guitar and sections that align with the drums, so playing in a way that highlights how the other instruments are voiced is crucial.

RookiesConton Candy

Conton Candy – Rookies [Official Video] | TV Anime “Medalist” Season 2 Ending Theme – “Medalist” Season 2 Ending Theme
RookiesConton Candy

This is a track by Conton Candy featuring a refreshing, youth-evoking melody that leaves a strong impression.

A key point is that it’s a three-piece guitar-vocal band, and instead of guitar lines played simultaneously with the vocals, the bass phrases create the groove of the song.

Be mindful of the contrasts between sustained and staccato parts, pay attention to how it overlaps with the other parts, and bring out the song’s sense of fun.

Precisely because it’s a small ensemble, figuring out how each part stands out is an especially important point.

Master one song over summer break! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass (11–20)

magnet04 Limited Sazabys

04 Limited Sazabys「magnet」(Official Music Video)
magnet04 Limited Sazabys

04 Limited Sazabys’ “magnet” is a song that showcases the band’s signature sense of speed and emotional intensity.

Because the track as a whole leaves a strong impression with its tempo, every instrument drives forward with playing that emphasizes momentum.

The bass should also prioritize energy—while firmly maintaining the rhythm, it’s important to make each note ring out with strength.

Until you get used to the song’s speed, your timing may feel unstable, so when practicing, it’s recommended to start slower than the original and gradually increase the tempo.

hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake | Hundreds of Millions of Light-Years [Official Music Video]
hundreds of millions of light-yearsOmoinotake

Omoinotake’s “Hundreds of Millions of Light Years” is a grand yet warm-sounding track that became a hit after being selected as a TV drama’s theme song.

The keyboard timbre and vocals give the piece its sense of expansiveness, so it may be important for the drums and bass to focus on firmly supporting the foundation.

The bass lines also change between the A verse, B verse, and chorus, so it’s recommended to practice each section separately and then combine them.

To support the song while bringing groove to the whole, sharp note releases with attention to rests and dynamic contrast for a sense of motion are key.

gazeSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER “Gaze” MV (Theme song for the film ‘Kaneko Sashiireten’)
gazeSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER’s “Manazashi” is a track that fully showcases the band’s strengths, with an energetic sound layered with emotionally charged vocals.

The bass playing accentuates the overall drive, delivering a powerful, steady rhythm.

While it primarily proceeds with a consistent groove to keep the tempo, the addition of small accented phrases injects a sense of dynamism.

It’s recommended to first master rhythmic stability, then gradually incorporate more detailed phrasing movements.

Crystal of LightThe Back Horn

THE BACK HORN “Crystal of Light” MUSIC VIDEO
Crystal of LightThe Back Horn

THE BACK HORN’s “Hikari no Kesshō” is a captivating track with a sound that feels like it’s charging straight forward.

The bass lays down a powerful rhythmic pulse as its foundation, and the insertion of accent-like phrases further highlights the sense of momentum.

Because it moves quickly from the rhythm-keeping position, how firmly you press the strings becomes important.

It may be useful to practice keeping your plucking fingers moving evenly and pressing each fret securely with its own finger.