[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] Easy J‑POP and Japanese Rock Recommendations for Beginner Bassists (41–50)
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.
[2026] Easy J-POP and Japanese Rock Recommendations for Beginner Bassists (51–60)
silhouetteKANA-BOON
When people talk about Japanese rock bands that represent the 2010s, many will surely name KANA-BOON.
Since their major debut in 2013, they’ve produced many hit and fan-favorite songs.
Although they have faced a string of member departures, they now continue to work energetically as a duo.
Their upbeat tracks, which often feature a four-on-the-floor rhythm, are festival favorites, and there are surely many beginner bassists who want to cover them with their bands.
The song we’re introducing this time, “Silhouette,” is a smash hit with over 100 million views on YouTube.
Released in 2014, it was also used as a theme song for the hugely popular anime Naruto Shippuden.
The bass part is basically simple root-note playing; while briefly melodic phrases appear in the pre-chorus and chorus, overall it’s well within reach for beginner bassists.
It’s recommended for those who want to get used to fast tempos over BPM 180.
In the middle section, there’s a phrase where the rest falls on the downbeat of the bar, which may make the rhythm feel a bit tricky, but the only way is to practice repeatedly until you can play it smoothly!
You don’t listen to rock.aimyon
Aimyon is a singer-songwriter whose nostalgic songs featuring acoustic guitar captivate a wide range of listeners.
Her major-label third single, “Kimi wa Rock wo Kikanai” (“You Don’t Listen to Rock”), is known as one of her signature tracks, boasting over 300 million streams.
The bass line is basically root notes, but there are some intricate phrases, so make sure to learn them thoroughly before playing with a band.
Since the tempo is relaxed, try to play in a way that supports and blends with the vocals.
Messenger from Sunday↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓
↑THE HIGH-LOWS↓ is a four-piece rock band formed around two core members from THE BLUE HEARTS, the legendary rock band.
Their song “Messenger From Sunday,” included on their first album THE HIGH-LOWS, is a track with numerous tie-ins, starting with serving as the ending theme for the variety show “Downtown no Gottsu Ee Kanji.” The bassline itself isn’t difficult, but be careful: if you don’t lock in tightly with the drum beat, the song’s cohesion will suffer.
Also, since the track runs over six minutes, aim for steady, consistent playing from start to finish.
HOWEVERGLAY
In the 1990s, the golden age of J-POP, one of GLAY’s signature songs that became a massive hit was “HOWEVER.” Beyond the sheer brilliance of the composition, you’ll realize when you try covering it with a band that its key lies in a band ensemble that differs from straightforward rock.
It’s no exaggeration to say that the unique groove is driven by JIRO’s bass.
The reggae-tinged bass line, which makes clever use of rests, may initially confuse beginners who usually only practice 8-beat songs.
Rather than focusing on complex fingering or technique, what matters is how well you can create that distinctive feel.
Use this song to learn a groove that emphasizes off-beats and sixteenth notes!
Wherever You AreONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK, a rock band that continues to make waves not only in Japan but around the world, is surely one of the groups teenage band kids look up to.
“Wherever You Are,” included on their fourth album Niche Syndrome released in 2010, became a long-running hit when it was used in a TV commercial in 2016, several years after its release, and is one of their most beloved classics.
It’s a grand and emotional rock ballad, and I’d love for bassists who usually only cover up-tempo rock to try practicing this kind of song as well.
The bass stays firmly in a foundational role, with an arrangement centered on root notes; if you’re just playing the part as written, even beginner bassists should be able to handle it.
Of course, play each note carefully with the mindset of strongly supporting the band ensemble while feeling the message carried by the vocals.
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.