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 (41–50)
It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī
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.
God knows…Hirano Aya
When it comes to anime songs, this is the one.
The closed hi-hat and the snare fill accents before the chorus are the tricky parts.
It’s best to start practicing at a slow tempo.
Also, if you can give the rhythm pattern a sense of drive while adding a bit of weight, it’ll sound really cool.
trapThe Back Horn
This is a famous song by THE BACK HORN.
Even people who don’t know much about THE BACK HORN might know this one.
The drum phrases are straightforward, making it an ideal song for beginners to level up.
Because a sense of unity with the other instruments is important, it’s also recommended for band practice.
IdentitySakanakushon
When it comes to four-on-the-floor J-rock, Sakanaction is the go-to.
Their song Identity is very popular and packed with the fundamentals of four-on-the-floor drumming, making it a great choice for practice.
The bass drum plays steady quarter notes for most of the track, making it perfect for working on your tempo-keeping.
loveHoshino Gen
Singer-songwriter Gen Hoshino’s ninth single, which became widely known to listeners across generations thanks to the “Koi Dance” that turned into a social phenomenon.
Used as the theme song for the TV drama ‘We Married as a Job!,’ it’s a number that shines with contemporary lyrics and a catchy pop sensibility.
The ensemble puts the vocals front and center, so the drums are quite simple; however, because the role of the drums here relies on accents and dynamics rather than flashy technique, it could be considered a song suited for intermediate players.
Though not showy, it’s a pop tune that lets you feel the importance of drums in a band.
Funny Bunnythe pillows
Since the song moves at a mid-tempo, I think it’s approachable even for beginners who have just started drums and aren’t yet comfortable handling the sticks.
It uses a beat that drops the downbeats of a basic 8-beat and plays only the offbeats.
It might be tricky to play until you get used to it, but once you catch the knack, it isn’t that hard! Be sure to try the ghost notes in the chorus, too!
Smells Like Teen SpiritNirvana
A song by Nirvana, the three-piece rock band often considered synonymous with grunge, the genre that sparked a global movement after 1990.
Released as the lead single from their second album Nevermind—which posted astonishing sales—this track is one that many people have probably heard even if they don’t know Nirvana.
The drum fills that layer over the guitar-led opening and the beat pattern that creates dynamic contrast generate the groove and momentum that drive the entire song.