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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/J-Rock Recommendations for Beginner Bassists (31–40)

Even tomorrowNekura Tōkī

Nekura Talkie MV 'Ashita ni Datte'
Even tomorrowNekura Tōkī

A song by the five-piece rock band NecryTalkie, formed so that Asahi—who also works as the Vocaloid producer Ishifuro—could perform his own tracks and songs written for female vocals with a live band.

It’s included on their first album, “ONE!”, and was used as the ending theme for the radio program “Ninety-Nine’s All Night Nippon.” While there are no particularly difficult phrases, the piece features sections that bring the bass’s root notes to the forefront, unison lines with other parts, and off-beat phrases, so be mindful to articulate each passage clearly.

It’s a rock tune that, despite its simplicity, gives the bass a strong presence, making it a fun practice piece for beginner bassists.

Transparent GirlNUMBER GIRL

Although they disbanded just seven years after forming, the alternative rock band Number Girl announced a reunion in 2019.

This is their second single overall.

Their distinctive vocals, which pair perfectly with the driving momentum inherited from guitar rock, always whip live audiences into a frenzy.

The bass part is mostly rooted playing, but because the tempo is fast and there’s a lot of syncopation, it’s important to internalize the feel of coming in ahead of the beat.

There aren’t any difficult phrases, but many lines can sway the groove, making it simple yet rewarding—a perfect rock tune for beginner bassists.

A Little Love SongMONGOL800

A two-piece rock band from Okinawa, MONGOL800 is often categorized as youth punk for their straightforward lyrics and high-energy songs.

Despite not being released as a single, this track has been covered by numerous bands and musicians, and is recognized as one of MONGOL800’s signature songs.

The bass line is mostly root notes, so even beginner bassists can handle it technically.

However, since the tempo is fast and the chorus work is important, you’ll need to practice balancing both.

It’s a number that really lets you enjoy the fun of bass in rock, so be sure to learn it for your next live performance.

Shunkan SentimentalSCANDAL

SCANDAL “Shunkan Sentimental” / Shunkan Sentimental – Music Video
Shunkan SentimentalSCANDAL

This is the fifth single by SCANDAL, a girls’ rock band formed by four members from the Caress Vocal & Dance School who have been actively performing overseas since their indie days.

The song was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, and its thrilling rock arrangement and catchy melody are outstanding.

With lots of syncopation and accent hits, the rhythm is more complex than basic root-note playing, so beginner bassists should be careful not to fall out of sync with the other instruments.

There’s one brief slap section in the middle, but it’s a simple part used just for accent—definitely try to recreate it.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
together; along with; bothWANIMA

A three-piece rock band, WANIMA, excites audiences with a full-throttle melodic hardcore sound and melodies featuring beautiful harmonies.

This track, included on their second album “Everybody!!,” is also known as a new staple for graduation songs.

Since the original features bass and vocals, there aren’t any particularly difficult phrases, but the tempo is fast, so if you’re playing while singing, be careful not to let the vocals and bass fall out of sync.

If you’re performing on bass only, the part is mainly root notes, so as long as you keep the rhythm steady, it should be approachable even for beginner bassists.

[2026] Easy J‑POP and Japanese Rock Recommendations for Beginner Bassists (41–50)

BirdmenTHEE MICHELLE GUN ELEPHANT

A four-piece rock band, thee michelle gun elephant, that gained popularity with a musical style incorporating elements of blues and rockabilly into a rock sound reminiscent of punk, pub rock, and garage rock from around the 1970s.

This is their sixth single.

The dirty vocals and the thrilling guitar sound driven by cutting really crank up the tension.

The bass mostly follows root notes and progresses with the same rhythm throughout, making it easy for beginner bassists to master.

However, during sections like behind the guitar solo, position changes get faster, so be careful not to fall behind the beat.

Shanghai HoneyORANGE RANGE

This is the second single by ORANGE RANGE, a five-member rock band from Okinawa known for their party tunes featuring triple vocals.

Despite having no tie-in, it was the song that made ORANGE RANGE widely known, and it’s also recognized as a karaoke staple.

While there are no particularly difficult phrases, it’s important to play without drifting from the chords or beat, as there are hits that sync with the vocal melodies and a key change in the middle.

Although it’s an upbeat track, the tempo isn’t actually that fast, making it a good recommendation for beginner bassists.