Challenge percussion! A collection of songs I want to play on the cajón
The cajón, a musical instrument born in Peru.
At first glance it looks like a wooden box, and it’s a percussion instrument you play while sitting on it like a chair.
Its hallmark is that the sound changes depending on where you strike it—the center of the playing surface, the upper area, the lower area, and so on.
And the best thing about the cajón is how easy and casual it is to play!
Just move both hands rhythmically and you can groove right along with the music.
It’s a great instrument not only for adults but also for small children.
In this article, we’ve put together a selection of songs we’d love for you to try playing on the cajón.
Whether you’re a beginner or someone getting more comfortable with the cajón, be sure to read to the end!
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Challenge percussion! A collection of songs I want to play on the cajón (1–10)
Theme of Lupin the ThirdŌno Yūji
There are various arrangement versions of “Theme from Lupin the Third,” and it’s a staple tune often used as an instrumental performance piece.
Since it’s a song everyone knows, it frequently comes up as a candidate when performing in front of an audience.
The track features a Latin-style groove and a funky vibe, making it perfect for playing on the cajón! Latin rhythms aren’t exactly easy for beginners, but they’re patterns that will definitely come in handy as you continue playing the cajón, so take this opportunity to practice them.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This is a classic song often covered by bands, and it’s so well-known that even people who don’t normally listen to rock bands will likely recognize it.
In the original, the first half uses only bass drum and hi-hat, and there are few snare hits in the chorus, making it a great choice for cajón beginners who want to start with a simple beat.
However, because the tempo is fast, be sure to practice so you can play without losing the rhythm.
It’s recommended to start at a slow tempo and gradually increase the speed as you practice.
Exploding Brain Girlrereriri
You might not usually picture this being played on a cajón, but that’s exactly why it looks so cool when the performance really locks in—especially with Vocaloid tracks.
Among them, “Nou Shou Sakuretsu Girl” is fast-paced and packed with intricate rhythms, so being able to play it would really hype up the crowd! The groove is basically built around sixteenth notes, with cajón-like embellishments—those quick “ta-da-da” figures—and even sections that give off a jazzy vibe.
It’s a song that’s fun both to play and to listen to, without ever getting boring.
Challenge yourself with percussion! A collection of songs I want to play on the cajón (11–20)
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
This song is one of Tamio Okuda’s signature tracks, and it carries his trademark breeziness and a nicely relaxed vibe.
The original is performed by a full band, but it also suits an arrangement with acoustic guitar accompaniment and the warm tone of a cajón remarkably well.
The tempo is right in a comfortable range for playing, and the main beat used is very simple, so I think it’s perfect even for beginners on the cajón.
It’s especially recommended when you want to cover a band song with an acoustic setup.
loveHoshino Gen
Hoshino Gen’s signature song “Koi” became a huge hit as the theme song for the drama “We Married as a Job! (Nigeru wa Haji da ga Yaku ni Tatsu),” and it’s a tune known by many people across generations.
The original drum part is built from simple phrases, characterized by a supportive, behind-the-scenes style of playing.
Because of that, it’s also recommended for cajón performances—you can keep it simple.
The basic groove is constructed from a straightforward “don-tan, don-tan” beat, making it an easy song for cajón beginners to tackle.
Note that at section transitions and in the phrase right before the chorus, the hand responsible for the low tone switches, so be sure to practice those parts in particular!
Crimson Lotus FlowerLiSA
This song was one of the tracks that sparked LiSA’s breakthrough and became the theme song for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba.
While it’s a heavy, loud rock-based piece, I think it can be arranged to be played on cajón as well.
In particular, the A section features a continuous, intricate rhythm that would suit the cajón nicely.
Since the original is performed on drum set, having a hand-playable cymbal—like for hand splashes—can help add clear accents and define the transitions between sections, which I highly recommend.
broad daylightKing Gnu
I think it would be incredibly cool to be able to play “Hakujitsu,” one of the signature songs by the hugely popular rock band King Gnu, on cajón.
When it comes to King Gnu’s drummer, Yu Seki, he’s famous as a top-tier drummer overflowing with groove, and you can fully appreciate his appeal just by listening to the phrases in this track.
To perform this song stylishly, the key will likely be how faithfully you can recreate Seki’s superb beats on the cajón.
Practice until you can run through the phrases without thinking, then challenge yourself to lock in solidly with the song’s groove.