[Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! A Compilation of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing
For those who are about to start playing guitar, the first question you’ll run into is: “Which songs have simple chord progressions?” It’s only natural—there are tons of Japanese songs out there, and picking ones that beginners can actually play is surprisingly tricky.
So this time, I’ve put together a list of songs whose chord progressions are relatively easy.
I’ve tried to cover a wide range, from classic tracks often found in instructional books to recent releases.
Be sure to read through to the end and find the ones that suit you!
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[Guitar] Simple Chord Progressions! A Collection of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing (11–20)
Funny Bunnythe pillows
Since their major debut in 1991, the three-piece rock band the pillows has continued to influence countless bands and has gained popularity not only in Japan but also overseas.
This song, included on their 8th album “HAPPY BIVOUAC,” is one of their signature tracks and is also known for being covered by a variety of artists.
Because it’s built on basic chords, it should be approachable for beginner guitarists.
While barre chords like F#m and Bm appear here and there, and there are also special-form chords such as A/G, the tempo and chord changes aren’t fast, so it’s a good idea to practice calmly until you can play it smoothly.
Promise in Madder Redikimonogakari
A band called Ikimonogakari, known for their clear, transparent vocals and a wide variety of songs, released this as their seventh single.
The track has multiple tie-ins, including commercials and music variety shows, and is also known for being produced with a wedding in mind.
Although unusual chord forms like D/C in the pre-chorus and Gsus4 and Fb6 in the chorus appear, the tempo and chord changes are slow, so if you play calmly, it should be easy even for beginner guitarists.
Conversely, the verse uses simple chords but features quick changes, so practice with focus to avoid careless mistakes.
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
This is the 15th single by Elephant Kashimashi, a four-piece rock band that continues to take experimental leaps with each album, grounded in rock numbers that spotlight their distinctive vocals.
The song was written specifically as the theme for the TV drama “Because It’s a Moonlit Night,” and it became a major hit that brought the band widespread recognition.
While the song is built on basic chords throughout, the interlude features a series of barre chords, so beginner guitarists will need practice.
If it’s too difficult, try simplifying the Gsus4→G→Fsus4→F progression to just G→F—the difficulty drops significantly, so give it a try.
powder snowRemioromen
This is the eighth single by the three-piece band Remioromen, which became a massive hit as an insert song for the TV drama “1 Litre of Tears.” As the title suggests, its spacious arrangement that evokes snowfall and its lyrical lyrics have made it a modern winter-song staple loved by a wide range of listeners.
Chords like Gsus4 and D/C, which are a bit tricky, do appear, but the tempo is slow, so you can handle the changes calmly.
If they still feel too difficult, you can lower the difficulty by substituting Gsus4 with C and D/C with D7—great tips for those who’ve just started playing guitar.
Long Hope PhiliaSuda Masaki
A singer who captivates fans with a distinctive aura that stands out in both acting and music, Masaki Suda’s fourth single draws attention.
Written as the theme song for the animated film “My Hero Academia: Two Heroes,” its handsome vocals and fast-paced rock sound really get you pumped.
For a solo acoustic performance, the tempo is quite fast and includes the barre chord F, so beginner guitarists will need to practice to articulate cleanly.
Since the song’s sense of speed is crucial, if barre chords are too difficult, it’s a good idea to use simplified chord shapes to prioritize the song’s atmosphere.
to youMONGOL800
A song by the two-piece band MONGOL800, known for the smash hit “Chiisana Koi no Uta.” Though categorized as youth punk, they remain based in Okinawa and are highly active.
It’s one of MONGOL800’s signature tracks, frequently used in various films and TV dramas, as well as in commercials such as Lion’s “TOP.” You can play it using only basic chords, and the chord changes are relaxed, but because the song’s overall tempo is fast, practice with an awareness of staying on the beat.
The only barre chord that appears is Bm with the 5th string as the root, making it an easy rock tune for beginner guitarists to play.
[Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! Recommended Japanese Songs for Sing-Along (21–30)
sweet peashaitoopu
Shaitope’s “Sweet Pea” is a song that gently and wistfully expresses feelings for a cherished person.
While it features a band sound that begins with a sharp electric guitar, the A section adds the tone of an acoustic guitar, creating a sense of warmth.
If you expand on the passages where the acoustic guitar resonates, it seems like the song could work well in a solo singing-and-playing style.
It may also be important to consider how to complement the electric parts through creative strumming.
