[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)
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.
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.
Become the windtsuji ayano
This is the sixth single by singer-songwriter Ayano Tsuji, who started guitar in her high school folk song club but switched to ukulele because of her small hands.
The song was used as the theme for the Studio Ghibli film The Cat Returns, and its light, gentle ukulele tones and refreshing melody really stick in your ears.
If you play it on guitar, there are many barre chords like F, Fm, Gsus4, and A#, so using a capo on the 5th fret can simplify it quite a bit.
However, since chord forms like D/C that use the thumb also appear, beginner guitarists should choose whichever approach feels easier based on how comfortable they are with barre chords.
The world is falling in loveCHiCO with HoneyWorks
This is the debut single by the collaborative unit CHiCO with HoneyWorks, consisting of vocalist CHiCO and the creator team HoneyWorks.
The track was used as the opening theme for the TV anime “Blue Spring Ride” (Ao Haru Ride), and its fresh, fast-paced arrangement perfectly evokes the feeling of youth.
While the presence of chords like D/G and diminished, combined with the brisk tempo, might make it seem difficult, the number of chord changes is actually not that high, making it a playable piece even for beginner guitarists.
Barre chords only appear occasionally—mainly Gsus4—so start practicing at a slow tempo and gradually work your way up until you can play it smoothly.
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.
[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.
