Recommended practice songs for intermediate drummers: a collection of tracks to develop expressiveness and performance skills

astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN

BUMP OF CHICKEN “Stargazing”

Many people who have played in bands have performed songs by BUMP OF CHICKEN.

Among their tracks, this one features simple, highly recommended drum phrases.

It’s primarily an 8-beat groove, but be careful—the tempo is fast! If you master the up-down stroke technique, which is essential for moving beyond the beginner level, you’ll be able to move your hands in a way that keeps a clean rhythm without getting tired, even at high tempos.

At the end of the chorus and in several other spots, there are rhythms that line up with phrases from the other instruments, so practice to synchronize with your bandmates and play in tight unison.

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Hane Keisuke

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Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video

With a steady quarter-note kick drum, open-and-closed hi-hats, and a fill that drops straight into the chorus—there’s no intro where the drums shine more than this.

It’s a track defined by its memorable hi-hat groove, and keeping time in the verse is quite challenging and rewarding.

The frequent snare rolls are another highlight, making you want to produce a great tone with every hit.

It’s also a really fun piece to use for practice!

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Murakami Shinpei

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rainbowELLEGARDEN

ELLEGARDEN “Rainbow”

Here’s a song by ELLEGARDEN.

The tempo is on the slower side, and the contrast in volume and intensity between the chorus and the verse is very important.

It’s easy to play loudly, but playing softly is quite difficult, so this should make for great practice.

Crow SongGirls Dead Monster

Girls Dead Monster – Crow Song (Yui version)

A wide range of rhythm patterns are used, from basic 8-beat to offbeat, and the key is to play so that the feel doesn’t change from pattern to pattern.

It’s a busy piece for the hands, so practice a lot until you get used to it.

Isn’t She LovelyStevie Wonder

Stevie Wonder-Isn’t She Lovely Lyrics

This song, well-known from a famous tea commercial, is also a session standard.

Surprisingly, it seems to be sung by women quite often.

It’s so popular that it’s frequently performed without vocals as well.

It’s a tune beginners can handle even with a two-beat.

As long as you nail the hits, you’ll be spot on.

Cosmic GirlJamiroquai

Jamiroquai – Cosmic Girl (Official Video)

One song from Jamiroquai.

For club-style tracks like this, you have to keep the rhythm tight or it just won’t come together.

Because precise closed hi-hat work is also required, it’s very effective as a kind of fundamental practice for checking your own movements.

It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “I’ll Be Dyed” Music Video

Although the slow tempo makes certain parts a bit tricky in a different way, I think it offers plenty to study: how to fill the quiet sections beautifully on drums, why a rhythm that might seem uncool at first glance fits the song so elegantly, and how to lead into the final chorus in a way that genuinely moves the listener.

The contrast after the last chorus also feels satisfying, so it might be worth giving it a try on the kit before you write a slow-tempo song.