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 (11–20)
You and the summer music festivalSHISHAMO
As of 2025, the YouTube video has surpassed 30 million views.
Even though it’s a song from over a decade ago, it remains hugely popular through “dance cover” videos and continues to be supported in the Reiwa era as a classic summer tune: SHISHAMO’s masterpiece “Kimi to Natsu Fes.” It’s also a favorite at school festivals, and since it’s arranged with a generally simple band ensemble, it’s a song that even beginner bassists will likely find approachable.
That said, be mindful of the bass line: while it’s rooted in the tonic and driven by a fast tempo with syncopated rhythms, it also moves actively in many places.
Its smooth, driving feel depends on the bass–drum combination, and as a trio, this is a great song to learn the bassist’s unique role.
Windy DayELLEGARDEN
ELLEGARDEN enjoyed immense popularity in Japan’s rock scene of the 2000s.
After becoming a legend during their hiatus, they announced their first return in ten years in 2018, and since then they’ve continued to run at the forefront of the scene as a top band that transcends generations.
Their songs remain hugely popular even today in the Reiwa era as covers at school festivals and the like, and this time we’re introducing an early classic, “Kaze no Hi,” as a track that’s easy for beginner bassists to take on.
The moving Japanese lyrics and melody, along with a sound that’s aggressive yet tinged with melancholy, resonate not only with younger listeners but also with people in their 30s and 40s.
From a bass-playing perspective, it’s fundamentally rooted in playing the root notes, while incorporating melodic phrases that use slides and other techniques throughout, making it a great piece for beginner bassists to study arrangement as well.
silhouetteKANA-BOON
When people talk about Japanese rock bands that represent the 2010s, many will surely name KANA-BOON.
Since their major debut in 2013, they’ve produced many hit and fan-favorite songs.
Although they have faced a string of member departures, they now continue to work energetically as a duo.
Their upbeat tracks, which often feature a four-on-the-floor rhythm, are festival favorites, and there are surely many beginner bassists who want to cover them with their bands.
The song we’re introducing this time, “Silhouette,” is a smash hit with over 100 million views on YouTube.
Released in 2014, it was also used as a theme song for the hugely popular anime Naruto Shippuden.
The bass part is basically simple root-note playing; while briefly melodic phrases appear in the pre-chorus and chorus, overall it’s well within reach for beginner bassists.
It’s recommended for those who want to get used to fast tempos over BPM 180.
In the middle section, there’s a phrase where the rest falls on the downbeat of the bar, which may make the rhythm feel a bit tricky, but the only way is to practice repeatedly until you can play it smoothly!
GIVE ME FIVE !AKB48
It’s quite common for idol group songs to be performed by studio musicians and feature advanced playing techniques.
However, AKB48’s “GIVE ME FIVE!” is arranged like a band-style ensemble, and aside from the horn section, it’s a great pick as a song you can tackle with a straightforward rock band setup.
It’s also known that the selected members practiced extensively and actually performed it as a live band.
As for the bass, the basic approach is root notes, with a slightly more active phrase in the intro—making it a perfect level of difficulty for practice.
Beginner bassists should definitely give it a try!
Wherever You AreONE OK ROCK
ONE OK ROCK, a rock band that continues to make waves not only in Japan but around the world, is surely one of the groups teenage band kids look up to.
“Wherever You Are,” included on their fourth album Niche Syndrome released in 2010, became a long-running hit when it was used in a TV commercial in 2016, several years after its release, and is one of their most beloved classics.
It’s a grand and emotional rock ballad, and I’d love for bassists who usually only cover up-tempo rock to try practicing this kind of song as well.
The bass stays firmly in a foundational role, with an arrangement centered on root notes; if you’re just playing the part as written, even beginner bassists should be able to handle it.
Of course, play each note carefully with the mindset of strongly supporting the band ensemble while feeling the message carried by the vocals.
Base (21–30)
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
In May 2020, Vaundy delivered an uplifting anthem of youth that stirs the heart toward a hope-filled future.
Featured on the album “strobo,” the song weaves a story that revisits innocent dreams and passions, using a “song” that lingers in the heart alongside precious memories as its motif.
Its sound—marked by powerful beats and catchy melodies—was also used in commercials for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series, and its live-ready energy is a major draw.
It was performed at the 2022 year-end Kohaku Uta Gassen, captivating many listeners.
It’s also great for bass practice; check out practice videos on YouTube and other platforms!
Drum (21–30)
Every drummer started with the 8-beat!
From here, I’ll introduce songs recommended for beginner drummers. When it comes to basic drum beats, the 8-beat is the go-to. It’s the foundation of all rhythms, and it’s no exaggeration to say that every drummer started by practicing this simple 8-beat. The key is to begin with songs at a slow tempo and focus on moving your hands and feet correctly.
Drums (1–10)
AnarchyOfisharu Higedan Dism
For beginner drummers who shy away thinking “Higedan’s songs seem hard!”, here’s one of their tracks I’d like you to try—it’s relatively easy to play among their catalog.
It consists of repeated patterns of three similar beats, and there are no complex fills or grooves, so with a bit of practice many people should be able to play it.
The kick drum in this song uses a lot of offbeat strokes, so start by getting comfortable with that.
Once you can play the kick on the offbeats, you’ll definitely expand your toolkit for future performances! One thing to watch out for in this song is that the three types of phrases are similar and switch frequently between sections.
Until you’ve grasped the details of each beat, it’s easy to get mixed up, so at first I recommend practicing while looking at the sheet music to understand the structure.
