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

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.

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.

I love youSUPER BEAVER

SUPER BEAVER 'I Love You' Music Video
I love youSUPER BEAVER

Wrapping an emotive melody in low end, “I Love You” is a SUPER BEAVER track where the steady rhythm really shines.

It launches straight in without an intro, riding an 8-beat groove with lines that spotlight the vocals.

The chorus involves position shifts, making it a good exercise in using the full fretboard.

When notes are held, focus on sustain and leave space in the rhythm.

It’s a recommended rock number for bass practice that builds fundamentals while developing expressive ability.

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.

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

LinkL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel「Link」-Music Clip-
LinkL'Arc〜en〜Ciel

The exhilarating rock number “Link” is a crowd-pleaser at L’Arc~en~Ciel’s live shows.

The bass centers on a fast 8-beat tempo, and the chorus expands the range, making it good practice for position shifts.

It requires producing even notes and serves as solid training to improve coordination between the right and left hands.

The chord progression is easy to grasp, and repeated playing helps build stability.

It’s also well-suited for beginner bass practice to get used to speed.