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 vacation! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass (21–30)

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.

Tommy The CatPrimus

Primus – Tommy The Cat (Official Music Video)
Tommy The CatPrimus

Primus is an American band that has been active since the 1980s.

When it comes to the band’s identity, it’s hard not to point to bassist Les Claypool.

Since the band was formed around him, many of their songs feature the bass front and center.

And their track “Tommy The Cat” might be the perfect study material for bassists—especially those who want to practice slap technique.

Just give it a listen and let yourself be blown away by his unwavering command of the instrument!

Master one song over summer vacation! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass (31–40)

asking for the moonKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video
asking for the moonKANA-BOON

This is the sixth single by the four-piece rock band KANA-BOON, an arranged and released version of a track originally included on their self-produced second album, “Wakattenai no wa Boku datta.” The song was used in a Shiseido ANESSA commercial, and its lyrics are striking for portraying the viewpoints of both a man and a woman unfolding in real time.

Because the tempo is fast and requires tight staccato, if you find it hard to keep up with the rhythm, start slowly and gradually work up to the original speed.

There are highlights such as phrases that go into unison with the vocals partway through, making this a rock tune you’ll want to master—even if it takes the entire summer vacation.

MusicSakanakushon

Sakanaction – Music (Music Video) - Best Album “Uozukan” (Release on 3/28)
MusicSakanakushon

The five-piece rock band Sakanaction, known for their extraordinary obsession with sound in both recordings and live performances that never fails to blow listeners away, released this as their eighth single.

Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “dinner,” it also drew attention for being the band’s first one-coin single.

Although the number of notes is small and there are no difficult phrases, many lines enter on the off-beats, making it easy for the rhythm to slip, so caution is needed.

Staccato is also crucial throughout, so be mindful of note lengths for each phrase as you practice.

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.

The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT

The End of the World / THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT
The End of the WorldTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT

The debut single by the four-piece rock band THEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT, who gained popularity with a unique sound based on pub rock and garage rock, infused with elements of blues and rockabilly.

Despite being their major-label debut, this powerful number—featuring gritty, forceful vocals and rapid-fire guitar cutting that amps up the energy—is considered one of their signature songs.

The difficulty level is fairly high, as the intro features a lot of moving phrases and the bass lines often add accented figures.

Burning LoveOKAMOTO’S

「Burning Love」 OKAMOTO’S FORTY SEVEN LIVE TOUR 2016 THE FINAL
Burning LoveOKAMOTO'S

OKAMOTO’S, the band featuring Hama Okamoto—the first Japanese artist to sign an endorsement deal with Fender.

With that, here’s their groovy and funky track “Burning Love.” By the time you can play this song all the way through, you just might understand what groove really is.