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!
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Level Up This Summer! Recommended Practice Songs for Guitarists (11–20)
Fuzzy NavelConton Candy
Conton Candy’s “Fuzzy Navel” is a track that conveys a refreshing image, with light, airy vocals layered over a gentle rhythm.
As a three-piece band with a singing guitarist, the guitar part is a simple, chord-centric performance.
However, because the song’s tempo is relaxed, it may be important to focus on smooth chord changes and letting the sound ring clearly through to the end.
It’s precisely because the bass provides a lively, driving tone that the guitar should lock in the rhythm and support the song.
stainMakishimamu Za Horumon
“Shimi” by Maximum the Hormone is a track where the deep low end resonates and the intensity really comes through.
The guitar is tuned to Drop C and built around low-pitched riffs, so with fewer strings to fret, it’s relatively straightforward to grasp.
The key is muting the strings you don’t want to ring; focus on controlling that pressure so you can lock in the rhythm cleanly.
Also, the bridge mute is another element that adds sharpness and punch to the song, so paying attention to fine hand placement and subtle movements can be very effective.
SOUL LOVEGLAY
GLAY is a four-piece rock band that has set numerous milestones in the J-POP scene, including a 200,000-person concert held in 1999.
Their 14th single, “SOUL LOVE,” is a refreshingly pop track that’s quintessentially GLAY, and it was used as the campaign song for Kanebo’s “Bronze Love ’98 Summer.” At first listen, the intro and guitar solo may sound simple, but the phrases actually require complex fingerwork, making it a perfect practice piece for guitarists looking to move beyond the beginner level.
Since it’s a twin-guitar song, it’s a number you’ll want to practice both parts for.
It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī
Chatmonchy’s “Somaruyo” is a song that expresses bittersweet emotions over a gentle rhythm.
Each instrument has a smooth, sustained tone that highlights the conversational singing voice, so being mindful of letting the sound resonate may be important.
In the chorus you strum chords, while elsewhere you play single-note phrases; by letting these guitar tones ring out fully, you’ll likely emphasize the song’s floating, airy feel.
There’s no gap when switching from single notes to chords, so be sure to practice that transition thoroughly.
Mr. Blue Skymakaroni enpitsu
Macaroni Enpitsu’s “Mr.
Blue Sky” is a song that evokes the bittersweetness of youth, with buoyant vocals that leave a strong impression.
The fact that it’s in triple meter also gives the piece a sense of drive, so capturing this rhythm accurately is a key performance point.
Many of the chords used are simple, so let’s practice with attention to how you play and how you sustain tones.
While the arrangement is centered on chords, it also includes detailed techniques like single-note phrases and cutting, making it a piece that can effectively help you build your skills.
Japanese rice is the best in the world.Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai
Uchikubi Gokumon Doukoukai’s “Nihon no Kome wa Sekai Ichi” is one of the band’s signature songs, delivering a powerful message of gratitude for rice.
The heavy low-end might make it seem difficult, but there are no technical solos, so start by understanding how to fret the chords and how to strum them.
Keep your hand shape consistent, shift positions to change pitch, and incorporate muting to add accents—these are key points.
To create a sense of weight, the tempo isn’t particularly fast, so focus on each note individually as you take on the performance.
Level up over summer break! Recommended practice pieces for guitarists (21–30)
The moon for youCocco
Singer-songwriter Cocco, who also works as a picture book author and actor, captivates fans with impactful lyrics and warm melodies.
The song “Anata e no Tsuki” from her second album Kumuiuta draws you in with an ensemble where melancholy and weightlessness are exquisitely balanced.
While the playing itself isn’t difficult, it takes practice because it’s hard to keep tremolo picking steady while using a wah during the interlude.
Since you’ll be picking at high speed over a relaxed beat, you need to listen closely to the ensemble to avoid falling apart—making this a song suited for intermediate guitarists.