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

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.

SOUL BOSSA NOVAQuincy Jones

Quincy Jones – SOUL BOSSA NOVA

Even if you don’t know the title of this tune, many of you will likely recognize its striking melody and think, “I’ve heard this somewhere.” Quincy Jones—a jazz musician and world-class music producer who has been revered as a living legend since the 1950s, with achievements like co-producing Michael Jackson’s 1982 album Thriller, the best-selling record of all time—released this masterpiece in 1962! True to its title, “Soul Bossa Nova” distills the Brazilian music that was popular at the time into a soulful, funky form, while also delivering the lively, colorful feel of a big band—what a luxurious track.

Some of you may have discovered it through the 1997 film Austin Powers.

The album it appears on, Big Band Bossa Nova, is a classic as well, so be sure to check it out!

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AjaSteely Dan

Steely Dan – Aja

A legendary album by fusion act Steely Dan featuring the then-in-demand Steve Gadd.

His drumming was so innovative, technical, and downright cool that the album has become a must-listen in the instrumental music world.

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.

The Last Suppermouse on the keys

mouse on the keys_Last Supper

mouse on the keys, an unusual trio featuring one drummer and two pianists, is a band formed in Tokyo in 2006.

Originally founded around members of the legendary post-hardcore band nine days wonder, they absorb genres ranging from jazz and post-rock to classical music to construct a sound world all their own.

One of their early signature tracks, The Last Supper, is a masterpiece in which the intricate yet dynamic, busy-handed drumming and the interweaving melodies of two pianos create a beauty that is nothing short of breathtaking.

It was also used in a commercial, so some of you may have heard it before.

They’re above all an incredible live band, so if you get the chance, we highly recommend checking them out!

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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.”

WavesGuthrie Govan

Guthrie Govan – Waves

This is a guitar instrumental by Guthrie Govan.

While it incorporates elements of experimental music, it still comes across as a pop tune.

As you’d expect from a guitar instructor, it features many unique guitar phrases that are complex and airy.

It makes difficult ideas sound catchy.