Lovely instrumental

[2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music. Recommended instrumental tracks.

Accompanist / Piano Instructoryuri
Accompanist pianist × piano instructor × web writer. I began piano lessons at age four and, inspired by my piano teacher, decided to pursue music. I went on to specialized music programs in high school and university, where I discovered the appeal of accompanying instrumentalists and singers. Currently, alongside teaching piano, I work mainly in my home region of Aichi as an accompanist for flute, voice, choir, and more. Through lessons, my students often introduce me to trending songs, and my hobby is trying anything on the piano—Japanese and Western pop, commercial jingles, and beyond. Since 2021, I’ve also been active as a web writer, covering music and a variety of other genres.
POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

The genre of music without vocals—so-called “instrumentals,” also known in Japan by the abbreviation “inst”—covers a wide range of pieces, from film soundtracks and classical music to 15-second commercial jingles.

In this article, we’ve curated a broad selection of recommended instrumental masterpieces, from world-famous soundtrack tunes to fiery guitar instrumentals and soothing lounge music.

We hope it sparks a new realization—“Songs without lyrics might actually be great!”

[2026] Masterpieces of Instrumentals: Recommended Instrumental Tracks (111–120)

Mr.MARLOWERega

rega – Mr.MARLOWE (Music Video)

Mr.MARLOWERega

A talented band that has performed at numerous festivals including SYNCHRONICITY and even headlined the pre-festival night at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL.

Their fierce band ensemble—driven by hard, fast twin guitars and a rhythm section that unleashes exhilarating beats—is guaranteed to hit you right in the brainstem.

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[2026] Masterpieces of Instrumentals: Recommended Instrumental Tracks (121–130)

SanctifyLop Abuse On Somebody

Lop abuse on somebody – Sanctify

SanctifyLop Abuse On Somebody

Shifting from a beautiful ensemble, a fierce guitar sound bursts in.

This is a track by the post-rock band Lop abuse on somebody, formed in 2012.

Their hallmark is an energetic style.

Rather than a chic instrumental band, they focus on emotional rock.

Even without vocals, their music stirs your feelings—a seriously cool band.

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PipelineThe Ventures

The Ventures – Pipeline

PipelineThe Ventures

When you hear “instrumental band,” some of you might think of The Ventures.

They were especially popular in Japan, and it’s no exaggeration to say that The Beatles and The Ventures together helped shape the template for later Japanese light music.

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Kimi ga HoshiiSIBERIAN NEWSPAPER

SIBERIAN NEWSPAPER「Kimi ga Hoshii」

Kimi ga HoshiiSIBERIAN NEWSPAPER

SIBERIAN NEWSPAPER is a seven-member instrumental band formed in Osaka Prefecture in 2005.

Their sound is characterized by violin at the core.

It almost feels like listening to music from abroad.

They’ve performed not only in Japan but also at overseas events such as the UK music festival “In The City,” earning high acclaim internationally.

The song in the video is included on their 2012 album “0.”

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Led BootsJeff Beck

Jeff Beck – Led Boots (Jeff Beck: Performing This Week…Live at Ronnie Scott’s)

Led BootsJeff Beck

This is the opening track of WIRED, the masterpiece album released by Jeff Beck, who is likely the most famous musician both as an instrumental rock artist and as an electric guitar instrumentalist.

Its creation involved the collaboration of members of the Mahavishnu Orchestra.

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DUSKNabowa

NABOWA – DUSK (Official Music Video)

DUSKNabowa

NABOWA is an instrumental band based in Kyoto.

Their improvisational live performances, which incorporate musical elements from a variety of genres, have become a hot topic and earned them popularity.

While their sound has a mature feel, you can sense the members’ energy in each tone and phrase.

The video features the title track from their 2019 album, DUSK.

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AkatsukiPE’Z

PE’Z – Akatsuki

AkatsukiPE'Z

An instrumental jazz band formed in 1999 by five members (disbanded in 2015).

Their first major-label album, “Kugatsu no Sora -KUGATSU NO SOLA-,” which includes this track, achieved an exceptional No.

10 on the Oricon charts for an instrumental band.

They were one of the bands that shocked the music industry, where instrumental bands had long been considered unmarketable.

This track, blending Japanese sensibilities with jazz and progressive elements, stands as one of the band’s signature numbers.

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