[Piano × Guitar] A roundup of perfect songs for sessions

Lupin the Third Theme ’78Ōno Yūji

[Electric Guitar & Piano] Tried performing "Lupin the Third Theme ’78" in a duo arrangement

Yuji Ohno’s “Lupin the Third Theme ’78” is an ideal piece for a piano and guitar session.

The expressive range of the piano and the guitar’s diverse timbres blend to highlight the cool, jazz-infused character of the music.

While the piano carries the melody and the guitar adds a light, lively rhythm—or conversely, the guitar takes the lead while the piano quietly supports with accompaniment—various arrangements can enhance the piece with a greater sense of dynamism.

Even beginner guitarists can add plenty of color with simple chord playing, making this a recommended piece for performers of various skill levels.

River Flows in YouYIRUMA

(Yiruma) River Flows in You – Sungha Jung X Tor Saksit

Yiruma, a South Korean composer and pianist who has produced numerous works known for melodies that deeply resonate and harmonies that stir the emotions, is especially celebrated for “River Flows in You.” Among his compositions, it is particularly popular, with over 180 million views on his official YouTube channel.

Although it was released as a solo piano piece, performing the poignant melodic line on guitar creates a moving rendition that evokes tears in a way distinct from the piano-only version.

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LibertangoAstor Piazzolla

[Electric Guitar & Piano] Tried arranging and performing “Libertango”

An innovative piece by Astor Piazzolla that vividly shatters the traditional image of tango.

As its title suggests, it expresses a longing for “freedom.” Over a driving, insistent rhythm, the passionate piano melody intertwines with a sharply incisive guitar—truly breathtaking.

Also famous as part of the score for the film Frantic, this work is a must-try for duos seeking a thrilling performance that lets them unleash their passion.

Country RoadHon’na Yoko

[Acoustic Guitar & Piano] Tried performing 'Country Road' in a jazz-blues-style arrangement

It’s the theme song from Studio Ghibli’s Whisper of the Heart, with that warm melody everyone’s heard at least once.

Released when the film opened in July 1995, this piece delicately conveys, in an unadorned vocal style, both the resolve to leave one’s hometown and pursue a dream alone, and the sudden pangs of loneliness that surface along the way.

The simple tones of the acoustic guitar pair perfectly with the song’s nostalgic atmosphere.

Combined with the piano accompaniment, it conjures up a bittersweet yet comforting scene—like walking home at dusk.

DEPARTURESglobe

[Electric Guitar & Piano] Tried arranging and performing “DEPARTURES”

This classic by globe captivates countless listeners with a melody that dramatically portrays wintry melancholy and the wavering emotions of lovers.

Released in January 1996, it also became well-known as the CM song for JR East’s ski campaign.

While resolved to part ways, the song expresses the complex feelings of being unable to let go of the fondness for the days spent together.

Combining the hush of falling snow with the hope of springtime light to come, the piece grows even more compelling in a guitar session.

With the piano providing a sparkling accompaniment and the guitar carrying an emotionally rich melody, the performance will deeply resonate with listeners.

Furuhata Ninzaburō ThemeHonma Yusuke

[Electric Guitar & Piano] I arranged and performed the theme of Furuhata Ninzaburō

A track distinguished by its mysterious atmosphere and weighty harmonies.

Included on the album “Furuhata Ninzaburo Soundtrack Vol.

2,” released in February 1996, this piece is exceedingly well known as the theme for the drama “Assistant Inspector Furuhata Ninzaburo.” Its intellectual and elegant worldview is masterfully conveyed despite its brevity.

If you perform it in a session, let the piano deliver dignified harmonies while the guitar plays a sharp yet wistful melody, resulting in a performance brimming with tension—like a thrilling conversation.

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Piano & Guitar] Watari-dori/Alexandros – I tried playing it

‘Wataridori,’ characterized by its refreshing acoustic guitar tones and soaring vocals, is a track where you can fully savor the fusion of a richly resonant piano and a comfortably rhythmic guitar.

The uniquely patterned strumming—so emblematic of [Alexandros]—gains even more depth with the addition of piano.

This song is highly recommended for anyone who wants to explore a wide variety of sonic combinations through session-style playing and fully appreciate the strengths of each instrument.