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Level up over summer break! Practice songs recommended for guitarists

We’ve researched guitar practice songs by blending a variety of genres—from globally famous hit tracks to Japanese rock and pop.

You might have a hard time choosing since every song is popular.

In that case, it might be best to pick something you’re already familiar with! While we focused on selections for beginners to intermediate players, some challenging songs are included as well.

If you carefully work your way through the songs listed in this article from top to bottom, your guitar skills are sure to improve!

Level up over summer break! Recommended practice songs for guitarists (71–80)

GloryDizzy Mizz Lizzy

The Danish three-piece rock band Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, who reunited for the second time in 2014, continue to captivate fans with songs rooted in alternative rock.

“Glory,” from their debut album Dizzy Mizz Lizzy, features an excellent melody that feels poppy while carrying a touch of melancholy.

The memorable intro riff includes hooks like a mid-phrase time signature change, so be careful—if you’re not paying attention, you might lose the flow of the song.

There’s also a guitar solo, but the phrases aren’t difficult; if you learn the song well and dive in, it’s a rock tune that intermediate guitarists should find enjoyable.

PowerHelloween

HELLOWEEN – Power (Official Music Video)
PowerHelloween

Helloween is a seven-member metal band with an image as a flagship of German metal and known as a pioneer of melodic speed metal.

The song “Power,” included on their 7th album The Time of the Oath, was also released as their 13th single and became a hit in Japan, reaching No.

40 on the Oricon chart.

Its wistful guitar solo features Helloween’s signature fast-picking phrases, but because it’s a simple ascending lick using hammer-ons, it’s relatively easy to play.

It’s a great metal number to recommend as an entry point for intermediate guitarists who want to play metal but feel it might be too difficult.

END OF SORROWLUNA SEA

LUNA SEA – 「END OF SORROW」MV
END OF SORROWLUNA SEA

LUNA SEA is a five-member rock band known as pioneers of the visual kei scene, influencing numerous bands.

Their 7th single, “END OF SORROW,” became a hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart despite having no tie-in.

Because the song features frequent key changes and demands tight playing, be mindful to articulate each note clearly.

The guitar solo isn’t technically difficult in terms of phrasing, but it involves large position shifts, so take care not to miss any notes.

Level Up Over Summer Vacation! Recommended Practice Songs for Guitarists (81–90)

Mosquito Bite[Alexandros]

[ALEXANDROS] – Mosquito Bite (MV)
Mosquito Bite[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that has gained popularity with high-tone vocals and catchy melodies.

Their 17th single, “Mosquito Bite,” was chosen as the theme song for the film BLEACH: The Substitute Shinigami Arc.

The guitar riff that appears throughout the song isn’t particularly difficult in terms of phrasing, but focus on maintaining steady rhythm and intensity as you play.

Also, if you don’t aim for a tight performance, it can end up sounding uncool, so when playing as a band, be sure to listen carefully to the other parts.

Fire DogSaitō Kazuyoshi

Kazuyoshi Saito 2008 FIRE DOG - COLD TUBE - I LOVE ME
Fire DogSaitō Kazuyoshi

Fire Dog is a rock tune where you can feel singer-songwriter Kazuyoshi Saito’s soul—the razor-sharp Telecaster sound is insanely cool.

Blazing vocals and a tight band ensemble… the intensity of this track is off the charts.

If you perform it, the backing should definitely be on a Telecaster, and make sure to nail the unison lines that are the heart of the song!

HIT IN THE USABEAT CRUSADERS

BEAT CRUSADERS – Hit in the USA [Official Music Video] | Anime “BECK” Opening Theme
HIT IN THE USABEAT CRUSADERS

BEAT CRUSADERS is a five-piece rock band that gained popularity with a musical style fusing aggressive punk sound and new wave.

Their major-label debut single “HIT IN THE USA,” used as the opening theme for the TV anime BECK, is especially memorable for its refreshing melody and ensemble.

While the guitar parts are generally simple, many sections are in unison with the bassline and drum patterns, so during band practice you should listen closely to the other parts as you play.

It’s a pop-leaning rock tune that’s easy to get the crowd going at live shows, and it’s a must-learn number for beginner guitarists.

ShuraDOES

DOES “Shura” (Gintama anime on TV Tokyo: Ending Theme)
ShuraDOES

This is a recommended song for beginners who want to play something intense.

Be careful with the twin-guitar intro—if you do it that way, it might end up sounding like metal.

The single-note line at the end of the B section uses octaves, so listen closely and try to copy it!