RAG MusicBass Basics
A web magazine for enjoying the bass even more

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 break! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass (11–20)

Whole of FlowerSuchmos

Suchmos’s “Whole of flower” is a track that maintains a calm atmosphere while creating a sense of vitality with a buoyant, bouncing performance.

The bass feels like it’s trading phrases with the vocals and piano, and there are busy little lines scattered throughout—this is where you should bring out a light touch.

A challenging aspect is the structure of inserting phrases while building the groove, so it may help to practice keeping the rhythm and the phrases separately at first, then combine them once you’re comfortable.

Also, locking everything perfectly to the grid can sometimes kill the soft groove, so it’s important to think carefully about exactly when each note should land.

DALMATIANPEOPLE 1

PEOPLE 1 “DALMATIAN” (Official Video)
DALMATIANPEOPLE 1

PEOPLE 1’s “DALMATIAN” leaves an impression with its distinctive sense of weightlessness—a tense yet light sound that brings the vocals to the forefront.

The bass line is constructed to move around actively, using intricate phrases that enhance the overall rhythm.

To draw out more groove, crisp note articulation is crucial; sometimes cutting the sound off sharply helps emphasize the beat.

There are also moments with slap bass, so you can pick up a variety of techniques just from this one song.

First loveTOOBOE

The song “First Love” by music creator John’s solo project, TOOBOE, is striking for its bouncy rhythm and a vocal delivery that feels almost tossed out.

The guitar centers on cutting-style strokes, while the bass line moves nimbly, creating a strong sense of dynamism.

With such a busy, roaming bass, that drive can be lost if the notes simply flow on; be mindful of rests as you build the line.

Letting the bass play in call-and-response with the guitar and vocals is key to highlighting the song’s overall buoyant feel.

rose flowerkururi

Quruli’s “Bara no Hana” has a gentle overall sound and gives the impression that the vocals are emphasized.

The bass part is structured to keep a steady rhythm, so it’s important to focus on firmly maintaining and supporting the groove.

Since there’s little movement between notes from bar to bar, in addition to keeping the rhythm, be mindful of sustaining a consistent volume as you play.

Precisely because it doesn’t use complex techniques, it’s perfect for practicing the fundamentals, such as rhythm and basic playing approach.

Parallel SpecGesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome. “Parallel Spec”
Parallel SpecGesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome’s “Parallel Spec” is a track marked by a light, brisk feel that strongly channels funk elements.

The arrangement pairs percussive guitar comping with a clearly resonant slap bass, so be mindful of switching between slap and fingerstyle as you play.

Slap might seem intimidating, but the line largely repeats slap patterns in the same positions, so with repeated practice you’ll gradually get comfortable.

More than phrase complexity, the key point is to pay close attention to the rests—their sharpness is what brings out the groove.

Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai “Japanese Rice Is the Best in the World”
Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai

This is the debut single by Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai, a three-piece rock band that calls their style “life-centered loud rock” and has been growing their fanbase with a deft blend of laid-back lyrics and aggressive sound.

It’s the track that helped put the band on the map, and its rapidly shifting beats and loud sound really amp you up.

The slap bass comes in right from the intro, and with the fast tempo and demand for tight playing, it’s fair to say the difficulty is high.

Playing and singing it like the original right off the bat is tough, so start by focusing on the bass alone, and once you’ve got some leeway, try adding the vocals.

Master one song over summer vacation! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass (21–30)

Bad GuyBillie Eilish

Billie Eilish – Bad Guy (BASS COVER +TAB)
Bad GuyBillie Eilish

A song by singer Billie Eilish, who became known worldwide after sweeping the major categories at the 2020 Grammy Awards as a teenager.

Released as the fifth single from her debut album, When We All Fall Asleep, Where Do We Go?, it was used in Japan as the theme song for the TV drama ‘Shiro demo Kuro demo nai Sekai de, Panda wa Warau.’ The bass line repeats the same pattern, which is why stable playing is essential.

Keep a strong sense of groove and aim for a performance that enhances the vocals.