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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Base (1–10)
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika
Yorushika is a two-person rock band consisting of vocalist suis and composer n-buna.
Their third digital download-only single, Hana ni Bourei (Ghost in a Flower), was selected as the theme song for the animated film A Whisker Away.
Because the arrangement uses relatively few notes and there are many sections without bass, even beginner bassists should be able to take it on calmly.
However, the bass line becomes quite active near the end, albeit briefly, making it a recommended pop tune for practice as well.
InfernoMrs. GREEN APPLE
Mrs.
GREEN APPLE is a three-piece rock band that relaunched under a new structure in 2022 and has released numerous buzzworthy songs.
Their third digital single, Inferno, was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Fire Force.
While the bass lines are largely root-based and don’t feature difficult phrases, the fast tempo and frequent breaks mean beginner bassists should focus on clear dynamics and articulation.
It’s a rock tune that’s especially fun to play as a band, letting you really feel the excitement of ensemble performance.
Base (11–20)
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
Formed in a music club at Kanto Gakuin University, ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION is a four-piece rock band popularly known as “Ajikan.” Their fifth single, Rewrite, was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist.
The bass part relies largely on root notes, making it approachable for beginner bassists, but there are spots where the phrases move, so be sure to keep your rhythm steady as you play.
As a famous song, it’s a great addition to live setlists—a rock tune with a satisfying sense of speed.
Don’t say “lazy”Sakurakou Keionbu
Sakuragaoka High School Light Music Club is a four-piece band unit that appears within the TV anime K-ON!.
Their second single, “Don’t say “lazy”,” is also the ending theme for the series.
The bass part is basically root-note playing, but the overall ensemble quality hinges on how cleanly you can cut the notes in the accented unison sections with the other parts.
The interlude features more active phrasing, making it good practice for bassists looking to move beyond the beginner level.
It’s a cool rock tune that’s also very popular among rock fans.
Dear, boyHump Back
Hump Back is a three-piece rock band that has declared—and embodies—the balance between family life and musical activity.
Their song “Haikei, Shounen yo,” their first single in the current lineup, was used as the ending theme for the music program Buzz Rhythm 02 and became a hit with multiple tie-ins.
The bassline, while primarily sticking to root notes, creates a powerful ensemble groove and offers a rewarding challenge for beginner bassists.
It’s a simple yet emotional rock tune, with straightforward vocals and lyrics that resonate deeply.
Since I was littleJUDY AND MARY
JUDY AND MARY were explosively popular in the 1990s, announced their breakup in 2001, and are still talked about today in the Reiwa era as a legendary presence.
Their sound, born from the clash of four members with distinctly different looks and personalities, is catchy yet far from straightforward, and many people likely found it difficult when they tried to cover their songs.
A track I’d recommend with the assumption that you’re a beginner on bass is the 1995 single “Chisana Koro Kara.” It’s a beloved song that was performed even in their later live shows, and a masterpiece of a bittersweet medium-tempo ballad.
Bassist Kaoru Ondo, who also composed the song, sticks to a very simple root-based approach here, making it approachable even if fast, complex fingering is still tough for you.
As for the bold glissando playing before the guitar solo—go all in and nail it with no hesitation!
Rock ‘n’ roll won’t stop.Shinsei Kamattechan
Since they began their activities in the late 2000s, Shinsei Kamattechan have carved out a unique presence within the 2010s Japanese rock scene, and—helped by the outrageous performances of frontman Noko—have built a fervent fan base.
Their cult popularity is evident in the release of a film inspired by their songs, Shinsei Kamattechan: Rock ’n’ Roll Won’t Stop.
The track that lends its title to the film, Rock ’n’ Roll Won’t Stop, is one of their signature songs, and it’s fresh in our memories that they performed it on THE FIRST TAKE in January 2025, generating a lot of buzz.
The bass part is basically root notes; although a more melodic phrase appears in the chorus, it mostly repeats, so once you learn it, even beginner bassists should be able to play it without trouble.