Recommended songs for beginner band members by instrument

Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICHane Keisuke
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. JFC-certified fact-checker. After working in a music studio and handling wedding sound, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with a variety of instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in junior high school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on my own musical activities and the experience gained through my work, I produce daily articles, including various song introductions, features on music festivals around the country, and live reports. In music, I enjoy not only rock from Japan and abroad but, lately, a wide range of J-pop as well.

“I just started learning an instrument but already formed a band” or “We’re all beginners, but we want to start a band and play live!!” If that sounds like you, a budding band member— You’re probably thinking, “I have no idea where to start…” Of course, basic practice is important, but in the beginning, practicing songs is also recommended.

So in this article, we’ll introduce beginner-friendly songs for each instrument! Read this with your bandmates and use it to help you pick your setlist!

Vocal (1–10)

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Sakanaction / New Treasure Island -Music Video-

New Treasure IslandSakanakushon

Released in 2015 as their 11th single, it was also used in the film score for the movie Bakuman.

Inspired by the film’s story about two young men striving to become manga artists, “Shin Takarajima” was created with the theme of “drawing lines” and incorporates retro elements.

It’s a simple, easy-to-remember song.

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In conclusion

We introduced recommended songs for beginners by instrument part—did you find any you’d like your band to cover? If you go through this article together as a group while choosing songs, I think you’ll be able to pick ones at just the right difficulty.

If you’re unsure—like “the guitar is easy, but the drums are hard…”—I also recommend simplifying certain sections so they’re easier to play.

Wishing you a wonderful stage debut!