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 (141–150)

Lock itHerbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock – Rockit (Official Video)

Lock itHerbie Hancock

Herbie Hancock is a great pianist in the jazz field, but his name recognition on the popular music side may have been a bit limited.

However, this song, together with its shocking, avant-garde promotional video, took the world by storm all at once.

Back in 1983, that video with the robot doing a wiggly dance was nothing short of sensational.

Needless to say, the song’s high level of craftsmanship—including the arrangement—is remarkable, but what really stood out was the now-familiar “scratching.” This track is said to be the first to incorporate that performance technique.

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Hedwig’s ThemeJohn Williams

Hedwig’s Theme

Hedwig's ThemeJohn Williams

“Hedwig’s Theme.” It’s the song from the well-known film Harry Potter.

Fitting for a wizard’s story, the music overflows with a sense of mystery.

The orchestral palette and ever-shifting melody make you nod and think, “Now this is the Harry Potter theme.” A fantasy work the whole family can enjoy.

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FlyingThe Beatles

The Beatles – Flying (The FH Edit)

FlyingThe Beatles

Let me introduce an instrumental track by the Beatles.

Flying is included on the album Magical Mystery Tour, and in the TV film of the same name it was used during the journey sequence.

It’s often discussed as “the first song credited to all four members at once,” and the whole piece has a mysterious atmosphere.

It gives off a vibe similar to Blue Jay Way, which is also on the album, so it feels like a track strongly influenced by George.

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[2026] Masterpieces of instrumental music: Recommended instrumental tracks (151–160)

JessicaThe Allman Brothers Band

The Allman Brothers Band – Jessica | Live at University Of Florida Bandshell (1982)

JessicaThe Allman Brothers Band

Music from the American South has a distinctive earthy grit.

Because of this, rock from the South is sometimes categorized and referred to as “Southern rock.” Among the Allman Brothers Band’s instrumental tracks—the quintessential Southern rock group—the especially famous one is “Jessica.”

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nite spriteChick Corea

Chick Corea “Nite Sprite” The Leprechaun (1976)

nite spriteChick Corea

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.

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Dialectic ChaosMegadeth

Megadeth – Endgame – 1. Dialectic Chaos

Dialectic ChaosMegadeth

This is a guitar instrumental by Megadeth, one of the American thrash metal Big Four.

It lifts your spirits and makes you feel stronger just by listening.

The back-and-forth soloing by the two high-tech guitarists is really cool.

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Highly StrungOrianthi

Orianthi – Highly Strung ft. Steve Vai

Highly StrungOrianthi

This is guitar-driven rock featuring the female guitarist Orianthi performing alongside the virtuoso Steve Vai.

While it has an old-school vibe, its modern sound makes it a track that people of any generation can enjoy.

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