Recommended practice songs for intermediate drummers: a collection of tracks to develop expressiveness and performance skills
Playing the drums gets really fun once you can hit a certain level, doesn’t it? Still, many people probably struggle—tripping up on songs with difficult phrases, or finding it hard to express groove and match the feel of the song even with simple patterns.
In this article, we’ll introduce recommended practice songs for those who’ve just moved beyond the beginner stage or are aiming to level up further.
We’ve picked plenty of recent popular tracks too, so feel free to use this as a guide when choosing your practice songs.
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Recommended practice songs for intermediate drummers: A collection of tracks to develop expressiveness and performance skills (71–80)
Savior ~Messiah~Janne Da Arc
Janne Da Arc is a visual-kei rock band that gained popularity with rock tracks featuring a powerful high-tone voice.
The lead track “-Messiah-” from their major second album “Z-HARD” features lyrics themed around the same French heroine as the band’s name, which is truly moving.
With rhythm patterns that use toms and frequent syncopation throughout, you have to be careful, as the tempo can waver if you lose focus.
Because the song relies heavily on the drums’ sense of drive, it’s a number that intermediate drummers will find rewarding to play.
The CityThe 1975
Here’s “The City” by The 1975, a hugely popular rock band active worldwide.
In this track, the drums really take center stage alongside the vocals, which is a big part of its appeal.
The groove feels great, especially the interplay between the hi-hat and snare, and the powerful kick drum sound fits perfectly.
When you practice, don’t just focus on sticking—pay attention to accents as well, and you’ll bring out the groove of the song.
Monster feat. yamaJenīhai
Jenny High, a five-piece band whose name carries the meaning “surpass genius” and whose eccentric lineup has drawn attention, has released their 10th digital single, Monster feat.
yama, featuring yama, known for the smash hit Spring Announcements.
Its polished production—showcasing top-tier musicians collaborating at their best—really elevates the energy.
The drum part is simple throughout, but the calculated push-and-pull makes it tough unless you’re really listening to the other parts.
It’s a track for intermediate drummers, where the playing required enhances the song rather than standing out on its own.
cherrysupittsu
It’s one of Spitz’s signature songs, representing Japanese rock bands.
The tempo is relaxed, so you can play calmly without rushing—great for beginner drummers.
As long as you can play a basic 8-beat, you’re good to go; just practice the fills that appear between each section.
That said, the very tight rhythm and the flowing groove created by ghost notes make it well worth practicing!
Roco LotionORANGE RANGE
From ORANGE RANGE, this is a song that even beginners will enjoy playing.
The groove stays almost constant throughout, and the hits/breaks are easy to catch, making it very approachable from a drummer’s perspective—a perfect entry-level track.
SOULSOUPOfisharu Higedan Dism
Written as the theme song for the 2023 film SPY x FAMILY CODE: White, this track is characterized by the fresh HiGE DANdism vibe and a pleasant groove created by its intricate rhythms.
Since tight rhythm patterns are used throughout the piece, practice repeatedly until your body internalizes them to avoid drifting off time.
There are also plenty of elements you can apply to other songs, such as fills that combine hands and feet, and rhythm patterns that incorporate opening and closing the hi-hat.
Burst back to life!!Makishimamu Za Horumon
Maximum the Hormone is a four-piece rock band that continues to lead Japan’s loud rock scene with aggressive songs and performances that draw audiences in.
The title track of their fourth album, “Buiikikaesu,” was selected as the ending theme for Hokkaido Television’s NO MATTER BOARD.
Because the song’s structure develops at a dizzying pace and demands playing that matches it, it should prove rewarding for intermediate drummers who are getting comfortable with the instrument.
Additionally, since the drummer also handles vocals while executing intricate, high-difficulty parts, it’s best to practice the drums and vocals separately at first.