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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 pieces for guitarists (21–30)

karmaBUMP OF CHICKEN

Here’s “Karma” by BUMP OF CHICKEN.

It was used as the theme song for the game Tales of the Abyss.

The intense intro is said to use octave power chords.

Since there’s no solo, I think you’ll be able to play it quickly with some practice.

Note that the original track is tuned a half step down.

ScarKitanitatsuya

Tatsuya Kitani is a singer-songwriter who’s also active as a support bassist for Vocaloid producers and for Yorushika.

“Scar,” the title track from his first major-label EP, was chosen as the opening theme for the TV anime BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War.

The song’s phrases shift rapidly—such as the transition from the guitar riff in the A section to the arpeggios in the B section—so it’s a great practice piece for guitarists aiming to move beyond the beginner level.

The track maintains a driving feel throughout, so be careful during practice to keep your rhythm steady and avoid any inconsistencies.

Level up over summer break! Practice songs recommended for guitarists (31–40)

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

It’s a song that could be called one of Spitz’s signature tracks.

I think it works well for both acoustic sing-along practice and electric guitar practice.

The tempo is simple and very relaxed, so let’s master it steadily by checking each fundamental step by step.

asking for the moonKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Naimono Nedari” Music Video
asking for the moonKANA-BOON

Because fried rice appears in the music video, fans also call it the “Fried Rice Song.” It’s the sixth single by the four-piece rock band KANA-BOON.

Chosen as the CM song for Shiseido’s ANESSA, the track features lyrics constructed from both male and female perspectives, evoking a sense of story.

The consistent cutting guitar played throughout isn’t harmonically difficult, but it requires focus to keep it tight with a steady beat.

Conversely, the guitar riff in the intro and other parts is looser, so if you’re performing with a single guitarist, practice with an awareness of the difference in groove.

Effeminate; overly sentimental; being clingy/whiny (context-dependent)Gōruden Bonbā

Here’s “Memeshikute” by Golden Bomber.

This song really put Golden Bomber on the map.

While the vocals might leave a strong impression, it’s actually a track where the guitar stands out more than you’d expect.

When you play it live, I highly recommend going all out on the chorus! The solo is fairly difficult, so make sure to practice it thoroughly.

a fact of lifeFACT

FACT – a fact of life (Music Video)
a fact of lifeFACT

Released in 2009, FACT’s “a fact of life” is a perfect song for players who want to build solid guitar fundamentals with simple phrases.

The intro and chorus feature straightforward power-chord parts where you can really strum out the chords.

The single-note phrase in the verse that uses palm muting might be a bit tricky until you get the hang of it.

But once you’re used to it, it’s a really fun phrase to play—so be sure to give it plenty of tries!

Good night, crybaby; farewell, songstress.kuriipuhaipe

CreepHyp – Goodnight Crying Voice, Farewell Songstress
Good night, crybaby; farewell, songstress.kuriipuhaipe

This is the major-label debut single by the four-piece rock band CreepHyp, known for captivating fans with their distinctive high-tone vocals and candid, love-themed lyrics.

The driving rock sound layered with a floating-feel melody is really pleasant, isn’t it? While the main elements are strumming and arpeggios, chords with complex shapes such as E♭maj7 and E♭maj9 appear, so you’ll need practice to make smooth chord changes.

The guitar solo uses few notes and is simple in terms of technique, but because it has a loose feel and features long-tone phrases, be sure to play firmly so the sound doesn’t cut off partway.