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 a song over summer break! Recommended practice pieces to level up your bass (51–60)

Stay GoldHi-STANDARD

Hi-STANDARD – Stay Gold [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
Stay GoldHi-STANDARD

It’s no exaggeration to say there’s no better option for bass-vocal practice than this! A signature song by the melodic punk band Hi-STANDARD that still hasn’t lost its shine.

While it’s mostly root-note playing, you can also practice the genre’s characteristic two-beat rhythm, work on your vocals, and the track is on the shorter side.

A song full of nothing but upsides.

fake!fake!Karasu wa masshiro

A crow is pure white “fake! fake!” / A crow is white “fake! fake!” (Official Music Video) [English Sub]
fake!fake!Karasu wa masshiro

This is a song by the funk-pop band Karasu wa Masshiro (KARASU WA MASHIRO).

While it’s a pop and kawaii-sounding track, it distinctively incorporates elements of funk and jazz.

The bass is predominantly played with slap technique, so if you’re thinking, “I want to try slap!” you should definitely give it a go.

Fever Believer FeedbackHanumān

Hanuman: “Fever Believer Feedback”
Fever Believer FeedbackHanumān

This is a song by Hanuman, an alternative rock band that disbanded in 2012.

It’s a cool, exhilarating track that charges forward from the intro to the very end.

Since they’re a three-piece, the bass part in particular gives you room to play around.

Start by nailing a perfect cover, and once you’re comfortable, it might be fun to add your own arrangements.

PowerMurcus Miller

Marcus Miller – Power [live HD]
PowerMurcus Miller

This song by Marcus Miller just keeps evolving.

It’s astonishing how expressive slap can be here, but when you analyze it closely, what really stands out is his masterful muting.

Slap usually leaves overtones ringing, yet in this track they’re almost entirely absent.

That’s exactly why it’s also perfect as a practice piece.

Master one song over summer vacation! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass (61–70)

Young JapaneseOKAMOTO’S

OKAMOTO’S 『Young Japanese』OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO
Young JapaneseOKAMOTO'S

OKAMOTO’S is a four-piece rock band featuring Hama Okamoto on bass, the son of Masatoshi Hamada from Downtown.

Their fourth digital single, Young Japanese, used as the opening theme for the TV drama “Nao-chan wa Shougaku Sannensei,” makes an immediate impact with its opening bassline.

The backing, which incorporates slap, supports the track while asserting a distinct presence.

It’s a funky number that should be satisfying to play for bassists who are getting tired of sticking to root notes.

Maxwell MurderRancid

Rancid – Maxwell Murder Live
Maxwell MurderRancid

RANCID is a four-piece rock band that excites fans with a genre-defying sound that blends straight punk with elements of roots rock and reggae.

Maxwell Murder, which opens their third album …And Out Come The Wolves, cranks up the energy with its breakneck beat and noisy guitar tones.

The bass line moves around a lot even in the backing parts, and there’s also a high-speed bass solo, making it a rewarding challenge for intermediate bassists.

At under two minutes long, it’s a song that flies by, and definitely worth learning over summer break.

THANXWANIMA

WANIMA- THANX(OFFICIAL VIDEO)
THANXWANIMA

WANIMA is a three-piece rock band that was likely recognized by the widest range of listeners in the melodic hardcore scene since 2010.

THANX, which closes their first album Are You Coming?, is a moving number that delivers a heartfelt cheer to friends working hard far away.

The bass line is mostly root notes throughout, so it isn’t difficult to memorize, but the tempo is quite fast, so focus on articulating each note clearly.

Also, if you perform with the same arrangement as the original, you’ll be playing while singing; even bassists who have done backing vocals in bands should practice this carefully.