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[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!

[2026] Easy J‑POP and Japanese Rock Picks Recommended for Beginner Bassists (61–70)

GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]
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!

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite (2016 ver.)”
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

This energetic and powerful classic comes from ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, a band that reigns at the pinnacle of the alternative rock scene.

The lyrics, which portray self-expression and inner conflict from a unique perspective, leave a strong impression, while the exhilarating guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and powerful basslines fuse seamlessly into a cohesive track.

Released in August 2004, the song was included on the album Sol-fa and was also used as the opening theme for the fourth season of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist.

Every element of the bassline plays a crucial role, making it a great challenge for anyone wanting to learn the fundamentals of rock.

Its melody is easy to grasp, and it’s a track through which you can practically acquire essential music theory for band performance.

Rolling StarYUI

This is a classic by YUI, known for its energetic rock sound and powerful, positive lyrics.

It also drew attention as the fifth opening theme for the anime BLEACH.

Released in January 2007, the track is included on the album CAN’T BUY MY LOVE.

The way she belts out the importance of expressing one’s feelings while strumming an electric guitar conveys a sense of being torn between ideals and reality, yet still having the strong will to move forward.

The performance difficulty is moderate, making it a perfect choice for bass players who admire band-driven sounds.

The bassline is melodic and striking, so why not give it a try with your bandmates?

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!