Janne Da Arc Bass Tabs Collection: A Must-Try for Bassists!

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The Hidden Groove: A Deep Dive into the Basslines of Janne Da Arc

When people talk about Janne Da Arc, they usually rave about yasu’s incredible vocals or you’s electrifying guitar solos. But if you’re the kind of music lover who likes to dig deeper, you’ll quickly realize there’s something truly magical going on beneath the surface — the basslines.

ka-yu, the band’s original bassist, was the quiet force behind some of Janne Da Arc’s biggest hits. His bass playing was smooth, melodic, groovy, and at times downright aggressive. Whether he was locking in tight with the drums or dancing around the guitars with his own catchy melodies, ka-yu gave Janne Da Arc’s music its heartbeat.

So, if you’ve ever found yourself tapping your foot to one of their songs and wondering why it hits so good — spoiler: it’s probably the bass. Let’s take a tour through the world of Janne Da Arc’s basslines and why they deserve way more love than they get.

Who Is ka-yu?

ka-yu (real name Kazuyuki Matsumoto) was the bassist of Janne Da Arc from the band’s formation in 1996 until their official disbandment in 2019. Known for his stylish appearance, stage presence, and signature bass tone, ka-yu was never just a background player. He was an integral part of the band’s sound and identity.

What set him apart? It wasn’t just technical skill — though he had plenty of that — it was his ability to balance groove with melody, aggression with subtlety, and complexity with accessibility.

Why Janne Da Arc’s Basslines Matter

Janne Da Arc’s music is a melting pot of styles: pop-rock, alternative, punk, electronic, metal, and even jazz. This eclectic mix required a bassist who could do it all. ka-yu wasn’t just keeping time — he was coloring the music, weaving in and out of the mix like a lead instrument when necessary, and holding it all together when things got wild.

Here’s why ka-yu’s basslines matter:

• Melodic Support: Many of his lines were almost like a second vocal — singing beneath the lead.
• Groove Driver: In upbeat songs, his bass was the engine, giving songs their energy and bounce.
• Genre Shapeshifter: He could play funk, punk, metal, or ballads with equal skill — sometimes all in the same song.

Standout Songs and Bassline Moments

Let’s explore some iconic Janne Da Arc songs where ka-yu’s basslines take center stage.

1. "Mysterious" – Smooth and Funky

This track is a great example of ka-yu’s melodic approach. The bassline in “Mysterious” is funky, bouncy, and full of character. He doesn’t just follow the root notes — he adds slides, syncopation, and small fills that make the track come alive.

Bass Highlight: The groove in the verse is silky smooth. It makes you nod your head before the chorus even hits.

2. "Kasumi Yuki Sora Se ni Shite" – Emotional Backbone

This ballad has such a nostalgic and emotional pull, and ka-yu’s bass playing is at the heart of it. He supports the melody gently, with clean, sustained notes that breathe with the song.

Bass Highlight: During the bridge, he adds subtle movement that lifts the emotional weight without stealing the spotlight.

3. "Shining Ray" – Energetic and Melodic

One of Janne Da Arc’s most beloved anthems, “Shining Ray” is bright, hopeful, and fast-paced. The bassline is tight, melodic, and constantly moving. It’s a masterclass in supportive bass playing that also has a voice of its own.

Bass Highlight: The intro and verse sections where the bass dances under the guitar chords — it’s busy, but never overwhelming.

4. "Neo Venus" – Aggressive and Tight

This track is heavier and more industrial, with distorted guitars and driving drums. ka-yu matches that intensity with a punchy, percussive bass tone. He uses staccato notes and syncopated rhythms to create tension and push the track forward.

Bass Highlight: The bass becomes almost like a rhythm guitar here, providing structure and grit.

5. "Dry?" – Funk Rock Vibes

If you want to hear ka-yu having fun, this is the track. “Dry?” blends rock with funk and punk elements, and the bassline is wild. It pops, slaps, slides, and grooves in every direction. You can hear the Red Hot Chili Peppers influence shining through.

Bass Highlight: Just listen to the chorus — the bassline has so much movement, it could almost be a solo.

ka-yu’s Playing Style and Techniques

ka-yu wasn’t just a solid bassist — he had flair and style. His playing was both musical and technical, blending the following techniques:

🎸 Fingerstyle and Pick

He used both fingerstyle and pick playing depending on the song’s vibe. Fingerstyle gave him a warmer tone for ballads, while the pick gave him attack and speed in rock tracks.

🔥 Slap and Pop

Not super common in visual kei, but ka-yu didn’t shy away from funk techniques. He used slap and pop tastefully, often during live improvisations.

🎼 Melodic Movement

ka-yu loved moving basslines — he rarely stayed on one note. Even during simple chord progressions, he’d add runs, octave jumps, or passing tones.

🧠 Tight Lock with Drums

His connection with drummer shuji was incredibly tight. Together, they built grooves that could be as delicate as a whisper or as powerful as an earthquake.

Gear Talk: What Did ka-yu Use?

ka-yu’s tone was clean but punchy, always fitting the mood of the track. Over the years, he used several bass guitars and rigs to achieve his signature sound.

• Basses: ESP Signature Models (based on Jazz Bass and PJ-style)
• Amps: Ampeg and Mesa Boogie gear for power and clarity
• Effects: Chorus, overdrive, envelope filter (occasionally)

His tone was never too distorted — it was all about clarity and presence. He let his technique shine rather than hiding behind effects.

Underrated Songs with Killer Bass

Beyond the popular tracks, there are a few hidden gems where ka-yu’s basslines deserve a shout-out:

• “Black Jack” – A gritty rock track with a mean walking bassline.
• “Mobius” – A progressive tune with shifting time signatures and a dynamic bass arrangement.
• “Feel the Wind” – Light and breezy, but the bass adds body and rhythm.

If you’re a bassist looking for new material to jam with, give these a listen. They’re challenging but rewarding.

Legacy of ka-yu’s Basslines

Janne Da Arc might not be as globally recognized as some other J-Rock bands, but within Japan and among hardcore fans, they’re legendary. ka-yu’s bass playing is a big reason for that.

He proved that bass isn’t just background — it’s emotional, expressive, and essential. His lines added flavor, movement, and energy to every song, often in ways listeners don’t consciously notice — but would definitely miss if they were gone.

Even after the band’s disbandment, ka-yu’s basslines continue to inspire J-Rock bassists and fans alike.

Final Thoughts: Listen to the Low End

If you’ve never really paid attention to bass before, Janne Da Arc is the perfect place to start. ka-yu’s playing is the kind of musicianship that rewards close listening. Once you tune your ears to what’s going on in the low end, you’ll hear these songs in a whole new light.

Whether it’s the funky licks in “Dry?”, the melodic beauty in “Shining Ray,” or the steady groove in “Kasumi Yuki,” ka-yu left a mark on every song he touched.

So put on your headphones, turn up the volume, and let the basslines of Janne Da Arc guide you through the groove.

This is a collection of bass tabs from Janne Da Arc songs, you can visit our YouTube directly and get the PDF file for free on this website, hopefully it will be useful.

JANNE DA ARC - WING

• Bass Guitar Type: 4 Strings
• Tuning: D# G# C# F#

Get the PDF file here