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Master one song over summer break! Recommended practice songs to level up your bass

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

MATSURI BAYASHIKEYTALK

KEYTALK – 「MATSURI BAYASHI」 MUSIC VIDEO
MATSURI BAYASHIKEYTALK

Since KEYTALK’s lineup includes a bass vocalist and a guitar vocalist, I think this song is also good practice for bass vocals.

Plus, the intro uses slap technique, and both the chorus and right before the last chorus use octave playing, so you can learn various techniques from a single song.

It’s not me unless it’s meGesu no Kiwami Otome.

Gesu no Kiwami Otome “Watashi Igai Watashi Janai no”
It's not me unless it's meGesu no Kiwami Otome.

This is a song by Gesu no Kiwami Otome with an incredibly funky, super cool bassline.

The chorus features a wildly active bass part that feels geared toward intermediate to advanced players.

There’s even a bass solo, making it extremely satisfying to play.

Definitely give it a try.

Exploding Brain Girlrereriri

Brain Fluid Explosion Girl – rerulili feat. Hatsune Miku & GUMI
Exploding Brain Girlrereriri

This song is perfect for speeding up your slapping or walking; as the lyrics even mention slap bass, the bass really stands out.

Since it has many phrases that sound flashy and complex, it might be a great choice to play when someone says, “Play something!”

STAY TUNESuchmos

Suchmos – STAY TUNE [Official Music Video]
STAY TUNESuchmos

A piece suited for intermediate players and up.

The acid-jazz-based bass line—likely influenced by Jamiroquai—is excellent.

While a 5-string bass is required for a perfect transcription, a 4-string can be used as a substitute.

Be mindful of ghost notes, note length, a subtly laid-back sense of time, and a swung feel.

Also, aim for a tone that both cuts through the mix and delivers a thick low end.

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.

kaiju (giant monster)Sakanakushon

Sakanaction’s “Kaiju” is a captivating track with a unique worldview that also conveys a sense of tension.

The chorus keeps a steady groove, while the other sections are built around phrased lines, so let’s proceed with an eye on the finer techniques.

You’ll bring sharpness through rests, ghost notes, and dynamics, so practicing those elements may be crucial.

In the chorus, you stick to a consistent rhythm, making solid timekeeping there essential so the other parts can really stand out.

Wandervogelkururi

Wonder Vogel, with its unique sense of drive, features a memorable bass line that colors Quruli’s band sound.

While maintaining a steady 8-beat, the added movement during phrase transitions makes it good practice for shifting positions in step with the chord changes.

Since the tempo is on the faster side, keeping your right-hand picking stable is important.

Staying mindful of locking in with the drums will naturally strengthen your sense of rhythm.

It’s a beginner-friendly song where you can enjoy the bass tone pulsing through a four-on-the-floor, electronic-tinged rhythm.