Recommended songs for beginner band members by instrument
“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!
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Guitar (1–10)
Ultramarine DaysToukyou Jihen
Tokyo Jihen is a rock band led by Ringo Sheena, who is also hugely popular as a solo singer.
One of their signature songs is Gunjou Biyori (Ultramarine Weather), released in 2004 as their debut single.
When you think of Tokyo Jihen, you might picture a group of monster-level musicians—each a top-tier master of their craft—effortlessly pulling off highly technical phrases.
However, as you can tell from the intro, Gunjou Biyori is built around a very simple guitar strumming pattern.
That’s why it’s also recommended for beginner guitarists.
cherrysupittsu
A classic among classics that’s highly recommended for beginner guitarists.
It’s a smash hit by the rock band Spitz, released in 1996.
The song has a bittersweet yet refreshing feel, and the melody is lovely.
All the phrases that appear are simple, making it especially good for practicing cutting (strumming).
If you can play this song, you’ll be able to apply the skills to others.
Many famous artists have covered it, so it might be fun to look for an arrangement you like.
It’s also recommended for acoustic guitar and singing.
astronomical observationBUMP OF CHICKEN
This song is a classic in Japanese rock, with high popularity and name recognition! When you practice it, first tune your guitar down a half step; otherwise it won’t match the original track when you play along.
The progression is basically centered around open chords.
It might be tough for absolute beginners, but if you’ve started getting the hang of open chords, it’s a great challenge.
You’ll encounter add9, sus4, and slash chords, so studying the structure and function of these chords as they appear will definitely help when you start writing your own songs in the future!
Guitar (11–20)
Don’t say lazySakurakou Keionbu
This song, which was the ending theme of the anime K-On!, is often recommended for beginner bands.
It’s a thrilling rock tune with a strongly overdriven guitar sound and a slightly fast tempo, but if you can play it, it looks super cool! The song mainly progresses with power chord–centric phrases, so beginners should find it approachable.
However, the B section has a few tricky spots, featuring pick harmonics and unison bends.
They do require practice, but they’re essential techniques you can’t avoid on the path to improvement, so try to master them as you work on this song! It’s also recommended for those who are bored of songs that can be played with only power chords.
I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru
Osaka-based three-piece Kaneyori Masaru’s “Kimi no Koibito ni Naremasu You ni” is a track included on their 2025 mini-album that also drew attention as a movie theme song.
With lyrics that straightforwardly express a wish for an unrequited love, the band’s signature powerful rock sound features a simple yet cool arrangement characteristic of a trio, making it a perfect number for beginner bands to take on.
The guitar is primarily chord-based while incorporating arpeggios; try playing the octave-phrase riffs with a crisp, punchy attack.
The bass mainly sticks to root notes, and we’d love for you to tackle the distinctive fill right before the chorus.
The drums lay down a simple 8-beat, but adding subtle snare nuances can color the song and dramatically improve the overall band groove.
Each part should stay mindful of the ensemble, aim for a sparkling sound, and make a point of listening closely to the phrases of the other instruments as you play!
My girlfriend is PIZZA OF DEATHSabasusutā
Sabasister’s “My girlfriend is PIZZA OF DEATH,” which also made waves with its punk-styled music video, is a one-minute punk song brimming with love for the prestigious label PIZZA OF DEATH! It’s a surefire killer tune that will unite the floor if you cover it live.
Keep the guitar tight and choppy with distorted power chords, have the bass lock in a moving, walking-style phrase in the B section, and make sure the drummer can power through the final two-beat—that’s the key.
Practice it repeatedly!
Base (11–20)
A collection of must-know masterpieces
I’ll introduce some classic and famous songs recommended for beginner bassists. Songs with simple bass lines that rely mostly on root notes should be easy for beginners to play right away. As you improve little by little, step up to songs with more melodic, song-like bass lines or those that require more complex fingering!
Base (1–10)
LinkNEW!L’Arc〜en〜Ciel
The exhilarating rock number “Link” is a crowd-pleaser at L’Arc~en~Ciel’s live shows.
The bass centers on a fast 8-beat tempo, and the chorus expands the range, making it good practice for position shifts.
It requires producing even notes and serves as solid training to improve coordination between the right and left hands.
The chord progression is easy to grasp, and repeated playing helps build stability.
It’s also well-suited for beginner bass practice to get used to speed.
