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

SolaninASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Soranin'

It’s a classic rock ballad that ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION can be proud of—by now, there’s probably no one who hasn’t heard it.

The A-melody, B-melody, and chorus each have a distinct vibe, so this song calls for playing styles that suit each part, making it perfect for developing expressive skills.

The phrases themselves aren’t particularly difficult, so it’s also recommended for beginners.

D.I.J.’s pistolBLANKEY JET CITY

Blankey Jet City – Pistol of D.I.J.

BLANKEY JET CITY is a legendary three-piece rock band that has had a tremendous impact on countless artists and still commands a devoted fanbase today.

D.I.J.

no Pistol, included on their third album C.B.Jim, features an aggressive ensemble that evokes classic rock and really amps up the energy.

With lots of fills and the drums shaping the song’s transitions, the drummer carries a big responsibility when performing it as a band.

If the fills are too difficult, it’s fine to arrange them into easier patterns, but as practice, this is a rock tune you should aim to copy perfectly.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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.

If you start running nowikimonogakari

I gave it a try! “Ikimonogakari – If We Start Running Now” YUCHANG

Here’s a song by Ikimonogakari.

It’s a track where the pop-style feeling is crucial.

The key part is the many fill-ins leading into the final chorus.

If you avoid dragging or rushing there, you’ll be able to play it stylishly.

left earkuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp “Left Ear”

CreepHyp is a four-piece rock band whose trademarks are the distinctive lyrics and high-toned vocals crafted by the band’s central figure, Sekaikan Ozaki.

“Hidari Mimi” (Left Ear), included on their first album, “Odoriba kara Ai wo Komete,” stands out for its catchy lyrics set against an ensemble of driving, fast-paced beats.

Alongside contemporary rhythm patterns, there are sections that mark the groove with rimshots, so you’ll need solid basic technique to produce clean, consistent sound.

It’s a simple yet deep track that lets you gauge your skills right at the point of moving from beginner to intermediate.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Come On !Toukyou Sukapara Daisu Ookesutora

Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra / Come On!

One track from Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra.

The lively, uptempo groove meshes perfectly with the powerful drums.

The hi-hat work and fills aren’t exactly easy, but once you master them and can play the way you want, it feels great.

Blue TrainASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Blue Train'

Known by the nickname Ajikan and boasting numerous hit tunes like Rewrite and Solanin, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is a four-piece rock band.

Blue Train, their 7th single released ahead of their 3rd album Fanclub, is a track so challenging that they even put out a call saying, “If you can play these drums, send us your recording.” There’s a highly intricate, busy beat running even beneath the vocals, and many will likely find it difficult to keep the rhythm steady.

On the flip side, if your band can play it through to the end, it’s sure to level you up, making it a rock tune that intermediate drummers should set as a goal.

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Hoshino Takashi

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