![[Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! A Compilation of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/h-kQw4JqCHE/hqdefault.jpg)
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] Easy Chord Progressions! Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing with Guitar (1–10)
I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu
In addition to massive hit singles like “Robinson” and “Cherry,” this is the eighth single from Spitz, the four-piece rock band that has released numerous classics to the J-pop scene.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV drama ‘Hakusen Nagashi,’ it won the Best Theme Song award at the 1996 The Television Drama Academy Awards and became a million-selling hit.
It can be played with basic chords including F, and the tempo is relaxed, making it a perfect practice song for beginner guitarists.
While there are parts with quick chord changes, the chords themselves are simple, so it’s an approachable number to tackle.
Spring ThiefYorushika
This is the seventh digital single by Yorushika, a two-piece rock band that operates without revealing detailed profiles so listeners can focus on the music itself.
The song was used in a commercial for Taisei Corporation, and its lyrical lyrics linking cherry blossoms with life and its light, spring-like arrangement are delightful.
Since there aren’t any difficult chord shapes throughout, it’s easy for beginners to try on guitar.
However, because it uses many barre chords like F and A♯, and the chorus features quick chord changes such as F → C → Dm, if barre chords are challenging, practice using simplified chord voicings to make it easier to play.
Bridge of Gloryyuzu
This is the 21st single by Yuzu, a folk duo that started as street musicians, known for captivating fans with their one-of-a-kind harmony combining a husky voice and a clear voice.
It was selected as the official theme song for NHK’s Athens Olympic broadcasts and is also famous for catapulting Yuzu’s name into the spotlight.
Even with a capo on the 4th fret, challenging chords like barre F and Csus4 appear, but since the tempo is quite relaxed, beginners should be able to play it without issue if they practice calmly.
If it’s still too difficult, you can substitute Csus4 with F, and play the F chord in a simplified form without ruining the vibe—highly recommended.
Mirai Chizuyoru no hito warai
A song by the male–female YouTuber duo Yoru no Hito Warai, who have gained popularity as a “funny Kansai couple influencer.” It’s a collaboration with the creator unit HoneyWorks, and it also made headlines for surpassing 100 million streams in just nine months after its release.
Since it uses mostly basic chords and no barre chords, it should be approachable for beginner guitarists.
However, diminished chords do appear in places, so start at a tempo where you can play cleanly and gradually get used to it.
When it shinesHitsuji Bungaku
A digital single by the three-piece alternative rock band Hitsujibungaku, whose name was chosen to express a broad worldview beyond just music.
Written specifically as the opening theme for the TV anime Heike Monogatari, the song excels in the contrast between its uniquely floating guitar sound and its straightforward vocals.
Although chord names like Gmaj7 and Dadd9 may look difficult, most of the shapes are simple, making it accessible even for those who have just started playing guitar.
It only features one barre chord—Bm with the 5th string as the root—so it’s a track that beginner guitarists can learn to play relatively quickly.
Marigoldaimyon
This is the fifth major-label single by Aimyon, a female singer-songwriter whose lyrics, written from a unique perspective, and arrangements that are both refreshing and nostalgic have earned her support from a wide range of listeners, especially younger generations.
It became a massive hit with over 300 million total streams, and is widely known as one of her signature songs.
By using a capo on the 2nd fret, you can play it with only simple chords, making it approachable for beginner guitarists.
However, since an F chord appears throughout the song, if you struggle with barre chords, you might find it easier to play by using simplified chord shapes.
Easy★RiderOkuda Tamio
This is the sixth single by singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda, who, in addition to his work as a member of the rock band Unicorn, also showcases his talents as a producer.
It was used as the theme song for the travel show “Higashino & Okamura’s Tabi-saru: Sorry It’s Private…” and, thanks to a commercial tie-in, became a long-running hit.
By using a capo on the 2nd fret, you can play it with only simple chords, and because the chord changes are slow, it’s recommended for those who have just started playing guitar.
However, since the intro and outro require moving between barre chords (F# to F), if that’s difficult, use simplified chord shapes and focus on smooth transitions during practice.