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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- [2026] Easy J-Pop and Japanese Rock Songs Recommended for Beginner Bassists
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- [J-Pop] A Compilation of Songs with Awesome Drums [2026]
Drums (1–10)
LemonYonezu Kenshi
It might seem surprising since the original track doesn’t use live drum sounds, but I also recommend performing this song with a band.
Focusing on the drums in particular, you’ll be fine as long as you can play two types of beats—and they’re quite similar, so they’re easy to practice.
One is the beat that appears in the chorus, and the other is the beat used outside the chorus.
The beat outside the chorus is slightly more complex, and the key is the bass drum.
Sixteenth notes appear there, so take this opportunity to learn to play sixteenth notes on the bass drum.
At this song’s tempo it isn’t strictly necessary, but to produce clean notes and keep your timing solid, it’s a good idea to master either the slide technique or the up-down technique.
Marigoldaimyon
When it comes to drum practice, we tend to pick rock tunes, but there are plenty of hit pop songs that are great for practicing too.
For example, Aimyon’s 2018 love song “Marigold.” From the perfectly timed open hi-hat hits in the A section to the fills that don’t disrupt the song’s gentle vibe, it’s a track with lots to appreciate from a drummer’s perspective.
Keyboard (11–20)
Add some flair to the band with your keyboard!
There are plenty of songs you can perform without a keyboard, but having one really helps make the music more vibrant! Start with simple phrases that outline the chords, and gradually work toward enjoying the interplay with the vocals and other parts.
Keyboard (1–10)
Song of PointillismMrs. GREEN APPLE feat. Inoue Sonoko
It’s a ballad whose beautiful melody and poignant lyrics resonate deeply.
A collaboration between Mrs.
GREEN APPLE and Sonoko Inoue, it was loved by many as an insert song for the 2018 film “Aonatsu: 30 Days With You.” Centered on the white keys in the key of C major with a slow tempo, it’s very approachable.
The progression mainly uses basic chords like C, F, G, and Am, and the frequent repetition of the same patterns makes it easy to remember.
Be sure to play it with feeling.
secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE
It’s a ballad brimming with end-of-summer nostalgia.
Released in 2001 by ZONE, its lyrics portray a story of friendship and farewell that resonate deeply and evoke each listener’s own memories.
The original key is F-sharp major, but transposing to G major leaves just one sharp, making it easier to play.
For the left-hand accompaniment, start with the root notes and gradually build up the chords.
The right-hand melody features many repeated notes, so the trick is to lift your fingers cleanly between strikes.
Since the tempo is on the relaxed side, you can practice without rushing.
New Treasure IslandSakanakushon
It’s a dance-rock number with a striking structure that jumps from a laid-back intro to an uptempo groove.
One of Sakanaction’s signature works, it was released in 2015 and is well known as the theme song for the film “Bakuman.” The keyboard part features a retro synth sound, and the chord progression is based on a repeating pattern, making it easy to learn.
It’s ideal for practice, helping you build both a sense of rhythm and smooth chord changes.
Start with the intro or the chorus first.
PretenderOfisharu Higedan Dism
The 2019 smash hit “Pretender”—I bet many people want to play this song.
“Pretender” is Official HIGE DANDism’s second single, and it dominated the charts across Oricon, Billboard, karaoke, and streaming.
The piano part has complex rhythms and chords, so it might be a bit tough for beginners.
But if you practice step by step, you’ll definitely be able to play it, so if you love the song, don’t give up—keep practicing.
Nailing that final sixteenth-note phrase will definitely feel great!
Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy
It’s a youthful rock number with an emotional melody line that resonates deeply.
As one of Vaundy’s signature songs, it was released in 2020.
The chord progression, centered on D major, follows a classic pop pattern.
It’s ideal for practicing left-hand chord accompaniment, and the right-hand melody line is relatively simple.
Although the tempo is a bit fast at 150 BPM, you can master it comfortably by starting slowly and gradually increasing the speed.
Since the roles of both hands are clearly defined, it’s recommended to practice each hand separately before putting them together.