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This is the song you should work on over winter break to improve your guitar skills!

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerAraki Jakkan
I’ve worked in a variety of roles—regardless of pro or amateur settings—including live event PA, cameraman for video and photography, restaurant staff, and logistics center staff. I now spend my days as a part-time writer. I’ve contributed to music and manga websites with feature/review articles, and wrote the liner notes included as a bonus for 1st PLACE Inc.’s “IA SUPER BEST.” As for my music background, I started playing guitar in junior high and focused on band activities during my school years. For over 15 years since then, up to the present, I’ve continued releasing original tracks as a Vocaloid producer. My areas of expertise are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.
Live Spot LugHirata Hiroyasu
I’m Hiroyasu Hirata from Live Spot RAG. When I was 15, I was blown away by how cool music—especially rock—was, and I started playing guitar and formed a band. I’m from Kochi Prefecture, where there weren’t many live houses or concert venues, so there were few opportunities to experience live music. Back then, our sources of information were magazines, CDs, and even VHS tapes (!?). Still, I was captivated by the sparkle of music, and I spent my days enjoying guitar and music, mostly neglecting my studies. I moved to Kyoto for university and “graduated” from the light music club, so to speak (laugh). Until then, I mainly listened to Japanese rock and Western hard rock, but thanks to seniors and peers I learned there was so much more music in the world. Now I listen to anything that strikes me as good, regardless of genre. After graduating, I joined RAG. After about six years in the office and about ten years in the music studio, I now work at the long-established Live Spot RAG, which has been around for 39 years, mainly handling promotions. Being exposed to the “real music” performed by Japan’s top musicians and delivering it to our audience lets me feel the brilliance of music anew every day. I still play guitar and keep a band going casually, and in recent years I’ve even started singing—better late than never. I’ve fully become an old guy by now, but I hope we can continue to chase “what lies beyond the dreams I painted with music back then” together.

Winter break gives you plenty of time—it’s a great chance to practice guitar and make real progress!

Maybe you’re not only aiming to get better at guitar, but also feeling the urge to dive deeper into music itself.

You might be unsure which songs are effective for practice, or what to play to better understand music, and find yourself stuck.

So in this article, we’ve gathered lots of practice songs we’d love guitar beginners to try!

We’ll focus on songs that even those who just started playing can handle, so be sure to check them out.

These are the songs you should work on during winter break to improve your guitar skills! (51–60)

Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze

Shonan no Kaze “Junrenka” MUSIC VIDEO (Original ver.)

Pure Love SongShonan no Kaze

It’s a classic hit by Shonan no Kaze that blends reggae with a J-pop vibe.

It’s also a staple favorite for karaoke.

You might not think of it as a song typically played on guitar, but doing an acoustic version gives it a fresh, interesting feel! The Fadd9 chord can be a tough hurdle for beginners, but take your time and you’ll get used to it.

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Message of RougeArai Yumi

Rouge's Message – Yumi Arai (Yumi Matsutoya) (Full)

Message of RougeArai Yumi

A song by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, also famous as the opening theme for the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.

The guitar part repeats the same rhythmic phrase, so in terms of technique it’s approachable even for beginners.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Galaxy Express 999Godiego

Galaxy Express 999 – Godiego

Galaxy Express 999 Godiego

One of legendary band Godiego’s classic songs is Ginga Tetsudō 999.

It’s famous as the theme song for the anime of the same name.

Even though it’s quite an old song, it doesn’t feel dated at all when you listen to it now! I think it would look really cool if you could play it.

Aim for a performance with a strong, powerful presence!

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Anpanman’s Marchdoriimingu

Anpanman's March

Anpanman's Marchdoriimingu

Songs from kids’ anime and nursery rhymes are surprisingly perfect for beginner guitar practice.

You can play “Anpanman’s March” mainly using the G, C, and A chords.

Repeating these simple chords is important for solidifying your basic finger technique!

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These are the songs you should work on over winter break to improve your guitar skills! (61–70)

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Boyhood / Yosui Inoue

BoyhoodInoue Yosui

Yosui Inoue’s “Shonen Jidai” (Boyhood) is a quintessential Japanese summer standard released in 1990.

It was created as a movie theme song.

With its relaxed tempo and nostalgic, beautiful melody, it gently sings of the longing we all feel for days gone by.

It’s a classic so renowned that it has even been included in school textbooks.

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I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

Walk looking up Sakamoto Kyu — with lyrics

I look up as I walkSakamoto Kyu

How about Kyu Sakamoto’s “Ue o Muite Arukou”? Overseas, it’s known by the title “Sukiyaki” and has been covered by many famous artists.

Try learning to play this iconic Japanese song that became a worldwide hit!

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Don’t say “Lazy”Sakurakou Keionbu

Don’t say “lazy”

Don't say "Lazy"Sakurakou Keionbu

A song used as the ending theme for the anime K-On!.

Since the guitar phrases themselves don’t have any particularly difficult parts, it’s an easy number for beginner guitarists to try.

There are tight, coordinated sections for the whole band, making it perfect as a practice piece for a band as well.

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Hoshino Takashi

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