RAG MusicBass Basics
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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)

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.

bad fool logicUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN “Ikkenai Fool Logic” MV
bad fool logicUNISON SQUARE GARDEN

UNISON SQUARE GARDEN’s “Ikenai fool logic” is striking for its bouncing sense of vitality, with the bass sitting at the heart of that lively rhythm.

The sound is constantly moving without ever breaking, giving a busy impression, so it’s best to practice at a slower tempo and gradually speed up as you get used to it.

The note movement isn’t arbitrary either—it follows the chords—so this could be a good opportunity to learn the underlying chord theory.

It’s a fast and challenging piece, but thanks to its overall energy, it’s the kind of song that becomes really fun to play.

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

Bikini Sports PonchinMakishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone 'Bikini Sports Ponchin' Music Video
Bikini Sports PonchinMakishimamu Za Horumon

Maximum the Hormone’s “Bikini Sports Ponchin” is a track notable for its power and sharpness, with captivating rhythmic changes.

Ue-chan, the bassist, is strongly associated with slap technique, and you can hear solid slap playing throughout this song as well.

That said, the slapping here isn’t overly complex; the same note is repeated to create an eerie vibe.

Check each note carefully and work on mastering a better slap tone.

To heighten the sense of drive, it’s recommended to practice with a conscious focus on how you mute and stop the notes.

mild daysHitsuji Bungaku

Hitsujibungaku – mild days (Official Music Video) [TV Anime “Silent Witch: The Magical Record of a Silenced Wizard” Ending Theme Song]
mild daysHitsuji Bungaku

Sheep Literature’s “mild days,” released in 2025, is a gentle track built around an acoustic sound.

Because the guitar is acoustic, the bass supports it with a relaxed rhythm, and its tone conveys a sense of depth.

Since it’s not a song with dramatic scale movement, it’s important to focus on articulating each individual note with care.

Even within such simple scales, creating a solid groove is key, and using rests to add crisp accents is an important point.

hydrangearikon densetsu

Rikon Densetsu – Hydrangea (Official Music Video)
hydrangearikon densetsu

Rikon Densetsu’s “Ajisai” is a song with a wistful mood that feels like looking back on the life you’ve walked so far.

The sound palette has a sense of depth that evokes distant thoughts, and the interplay of each instrument creates a floating sensation.

The bass line moves decisively through different pitches, giving a busy impression; it’s best to slow down the tempo when practicing until you get used to it.

It’s also important to nail the timing of the stops as the notes move, and to keep in mind how to bring out a sense of dynamism as you work on it.

Cherry blossom seasonFujifaburikku

Fujifabric’s “Sakura no Kisetsu” is a captivating track whose sound conveys not only drive but also a distinctive tension.

Because the overall structure maintains a steady, pulsing rhythm, that sense of urgency and buoyancy feels even more pronounced.

While the guitar provides a light, cutting-based rhythm, the bass carries a heavier, more grounded groove with fewer notes, so be mindful of keeping the rhythm steady and controlling dynamics as you play.

It may be important to focus on firmly supporting the entire song with a weighty tone.