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

SolearesNino Ricardo

Niño Ricardo – Soleares

Soleá is also a musical form that uses the Phrygian mode, a hallmark of flamenco, and it has a uniquely flamenco atmosphere.

Niño Ricardo was a master flamenco guitarist who emerged before Paco de Lucía, and with his arrival, flamenco performed solely on guitar became established.

Holy Diver (Dio Cover)Paul Gilbert

Paul Gilbert — “Holy Diver” | Live at Sweetwater

Paul Gilbert, who has been active as a super guitarist in bands like Mr.

Big and Racer X and continues to energetically release work as a solo artist, is also a great Japanophile and enjoys immense popularity in Japan.

His 2023 solo album, “The Dio Album,” as the title suggests, is a covers album of songs left by the legendary singer Ronnie James Dio.

Rather than featuring guest vocalists, Paul drew attention by pulling off the daring feat of recreating not only the riffs and solos but even the vocal melodies with his guitar.

The track featured here, “Holy Diver,” is a cover of the classic released by the heavy metal band DIO, and it brilliantly reproduces Ronnie’s magnificent vocals on guitar.

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ToccataDavid Garrett

David Garrett – Toccata (Johann Sebastian Bach)

This is a piece by David Garrett, a violinist known for his incredible virtuosity.

He has turned famous classical pieces into violin rock.

Even those who feel classical music might be a bit intimidating can enjoy it casually.

One of These DaysPink Floyd

One Of These Days

Much of rock is vocal music, but within the genre known as progressive rock—which fused various styles such as classical and jazz to create many forward-looking works—there are numerous instrumental masterpieces.

This track by Pink Floyd is also a very famous one.

Crimson Sun (Sippin’ ‘n’ Chippin’)T-Bones

Crimson Sun / T-Bones (The T-Bones – Sippin’ n Chippin’)

Released in 1966.

It didn’t make the U.S.

Top 40, but it became a hit in Japan after being used as a radio program theme.

Because of that, it still gets occasional airplay even now—proof of its enduring popularity.

It’s a classic guitar instrumental, but perhaps its catchy melody and simple arrangement worked in its favor.

When the drum solo in the intro kicks in, it really lifts your spirits.

It even ends with female chorus vocals and wraps up with organ—very skillfully arranged.

UndertureThe Who

Underture

The Who, a British rock band, released the album “TOMMY” in 1969, which is regarded as a landmark of the “rock opera,” a fusion of rock and opera.

Among its tracks, the instrumental piece “Underture” stands out with a unique presence; it is said to depict the hallucinations experienced by the story’s protagonist, Tommy.

The interweaving timbres of various instruments and the tension-filled, complex development are part of its appeal.

Avenue AABC

Avenue A

The opening track of the 1987 album Alphabet City.

“Alphabet City” is the name of a neighborhood in Manhattan, New York, organized by streets called Avenues A through D.

The song title is likely a play on that.

ABC had become a duo by this point, and from this album they released their biggest U.S.

hit, “When Smokey Sings.” You could say this track serves as an intro leading into “When Smokey Sings.” It’s built from sound effects of street noise and bodiless, mist-like synth tones, but the moment the intro to “When…” emerges from the haze is truly remarkable.

Incidentally, the album closes with a track called “Avenue Z.”