[2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
The idea that bass is a plain, background position is a thing of the past.
In fact, there have always been countless stars—both overseas and in Japan—who show us the appeal of low-end with their incredibly cool bass playing.
That said, recent J-POP and Japanese rock often feature complex rhythm patterns, and some of you may have tried picking up the bass only to find it too difficult and ended up giving up.
So this time, we’re introducing classic J-POP and Japanese rock tracks that feature simple yet cool bass lines—perfect for beginner bassists who’ve gotten the basics down and are ready for a challenge.
Master these songs and take the next step beyond beginner!
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[2026] Recommended J-POP and Japanese Rock for Beginner Bassists [Easy] (71–80)
GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48
It’s quite common for idol group songs to be performed by studio musicians and feature advanced playing techniques.
However, AKB48’s “GIVE ME FIVE!” is arranged like a band-style ensemble, and aside from the horn section, it’s a great pick as a song you can tackle with a straightforward rock band setup.
It’s also known that the selected members practiced extensively and actually performed it as a live band.
As for the bass, the basic approach is root notes, with a slightly more active phrase in the intro—making it a perfect level of difficulty for practice.
Beginner bassists should definitely give it a try!
Since I was littleJUDY AND MARY
JUDY AND MARY were explosively popular in the 1990s, announced their breakup in 2001, and are still talked about today in the Reiwa era as a legendary presence.
Their sound, born from the clash of four members with distinctly different looks and personalities, is catchy yet far from straightforward, and many people likely found it difficult when they tried to cover their songs.
A track I’d recommend with the assumption that you’re a beginner on bass is the 1995 single “Chisana Koro Kara.” It’s a beloved song that was performed even in their later live shows, and a masterpiece of a bittersweet medium-tempo ballad.
Bassist Kaoru Ondo, who also composed the song, sticks to a very simple root-based approach here, making it approachable even if fast, complex fingering is still tough for you.
As for the bold glissando playing before the guitar solo—go all in and nail it with no hesitation!
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
In May 2020, Vaundy delivered an uplifting anthem of youth that stirs the heart toward a hope-filled future.
Featured on the album “strobo,” the song weaves a story that revisits innocent dreams and passions, using a “song” that lingers in the heart alongside precious memories as its motif.
Its sound—marked by powerful beats and catchy melodies—was also used in commercials for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series, and its live-ready energy is a major draw.
It was performed at the 2022 year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen, captivating many listeners.
It’s also great for bass practice; check out practice videos on YouTube and other platforms!
In conclusion
As mentioned at the beginning, the songs selected this time mainly feature tasteful bass lines that are centered on eighth-note root playing along the chord progression, with occasional movement added for flair. Even with root playing, beginners may find it hard to keep pressing the thicker strings and continue playing, so first slow down the tempo and practice thoroughly on maintaining the rhythm!