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

nite spriteChick Corea

Chick Corea “Nite Sprite” The Leprechaun (1976)

A piece crafted with virtuosic technique by pianist Chick Corea together with Steve Gadd.

Its relentless repeated notes and fast, intricate hits captivated many fusion fans.

It’s only a few minutes long, but it’s a track that reveals just how formidable their abilities are.

TAKUMI / ArtisanMatsutani Taku

Takumi Matsuya / Artisan

Takumi Matsutani, who made his professional debut at 19, has provided music across a wide range of fields, including commercials, TV programs, and stage productions.

In recent years, he also composed the score for the film adaptation of the popular novel Let Me Eat Your Pancreas, a contribution still fresh in many people’s minds.

Although Matsutani was not widely known at the time of his debut, his name as a composer became recognized nationwide when his music was used in the popular documentary show Extreme Makeover: Dramatic Before & After, which began airing in April 2002.

The piece introduced here, TAKUMI/Shokunin, written specifically as an insert song for the program, is a gem whose endlessly beautiful sound—centered on delicate piano tones—soothes the listener’s heart.

It could be called an ideal example of healing music, though those who have watched the show might find that the famous line, “Nanto iu koto deshou” (“What a dramatic change!”), pops unbidden into their heads…

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SongbirdKenny G

Kenny G – Songbird (Offiical Video)

Kenny G is probably the most popular saxophonist in the world.

While he’s an artist in the jazz-fusion vein, the song he released in 1986 became a huge hit, reaching No.

4 on the U.S.

charts and catapulting him to stardom.

I recall that his image—long hair flowing as he played the soprano sax—also earned him many female fans.

The song’s wistful, melancholic melody has made it very popular in Japan as well, and it’s still frequently heard today.

His 2014 visit to Japan was a great success, and he has continued to perform at the forefront for many years.

He often collaborates with vocalists, and his playing that highlights the vocals has a different charm from his solo instrumentals.

ChangesSergey Golovin

Sergey Golovin – Changes

This is a track by Sergey Golovin that begins with sirens evoking the deep sea, as you might imagine from the jacket.

While it mainly features heavy distortion, synthesizers are also used.

It’s a recommended song for those who like technical guitar.

WerewolfThe Frantics

Werewolf

The Frantics are one of the earliest groups to perform instrumental music centered on the guitar.

As the title suggests, this track is themed around a “werewolf,” and The Ventures later released “The Fourth Dimension,” which carries on the same melody.

It’s a guitar instrumental brimming with a spooky, horror-like atmosphere.

SleepwalkSanto & Johnny

Santo & Johnny “Sleep Walk”

Santo & Johnny are a brother duo from New York.

The song hit number one in the U.S.

in 1959, earned a Gold Disc, and has been covered by many famous musicians and guitarists, including Jeff Beck, The Shadows, and Chet Atkins.

It’s a guitar instrumental that makes full use of the steel guitar, and—as the title suggests—beautifully captures a floating sensation, as if drifting between dreams and reality.

It’s a piece that any guitarist who plays slide guitar will inevitably attempt.

Work SongThe Butterfield Blues Band

Work Song

The Butterfield Blues Band was formed by harmonica player Paul Butterfield.

While they covered many classic blues and R&B songs, they also performed “Work Song,” which is known as a jazz standard.