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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Keyboard (1–10)
Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo
A signature work by Ringo Sheena that captivates with its urban, stylish sound.
It’s a track from the 1999 album “Muzai Moratorium,” noted for its sophisticated atmosphere with hints of jazz and funk.
Built on a chord progression known as the “Marusa progression,” which simply repeats four chords, it’s easy to memorize.
However, it also features jazzy elements like a rhythm pattern with swung sixteenth notes and the sound of seventh chords.
It’s a perfect piece for those who want to perform keyboard with a cool vibe.
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika
Yorushika’s “Hana ni Bourei” is a song where the piano, with its distinctive phrases, really leaves an impression.
Released digitally in 2020, it reached No.
6 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
Many people love Yorushika, so this is definitely a track you should try.
In the first verse, both the A and B sections are performed with just vocals and piano, and the buoyant, two-handed arpeggios are especially striking.
Since it’s a crucial phrase that defines the piece, make sure to practice it thoroughly!
catDISH//
“Neko” is a song by the dance-rock band DISH//, released in 2017.
It also drew attention because Aimyon handled both the lyrics and composition.
In the acoustic version performed on the hugely popular YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE, the piano plays a more prominent role.
Don’t you think this vibe is worth practicing? Aim to become a wonderful accompanist who can support the vocals, and give it a try!
SparkleRADWIMPS
RADWIMPS’s “Sparkle” is a song written specifically as the theme for the 2016 film Your Name.
The film’s soundtrack, which includes “Sparkle,” topped the Oricon Weekly Album Chart for two consecutive weeks.
The piano part, built on continuous triplets from the intro, is especially striking, and it appears again in sections like the middle of the piece.
Repeating the same figure steadily is surprisingly difficult, isn’t it? It’s a technique I really want you to master.
Try to recreate the unique world of the composer, Yojiro Noda!
Marigoldaimyon
“Marigold” is Aimyon’s fifth single, released in 2018.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart and has become one of her signature songs.
With a relaxed 8-beat tempo, it’s relatively easy for beginners to play.
Also, “Marigold” is in D major, which uses two sharps and features simple, easy-to-remember chords, making it a great choice for those attempting chord-based playing for the first time.
It’s also perfect for working on as a band, so be sure to add it to your practice repertoire!
Vocal (11–20)
The face of a band is, after all, the vocalist!
A band features various instruments, but the part the audience ultimately focuses on is the vocals. Here, we’ll introduce songs that are easy to sing and project for beginner vocalists—perfect choices when you’re unsure what to pick at karaoke. Songs that aren’t too fast make it easier to keep time and stay on pitch, and a major key to success is choosing tracks that fit your vocal range.
Vocal (1–10)
Great personVaundy
This is an inspiration song for the NHK Taiga drama “Reach Beyond the Blue Sky.” It’s interesting that the piece was created, inspired by the life of Eiichi Shibusawa, who is depicted on the 10,000-yen bill.
“Iseijin” is a song with a lively tempo, and the vocal range is set in a key that’s comfortable for male singers.
There are some passages where the pitch moves subtly at the ends of phrases, but I think it’s best to sing straight through at first without worrying too much about that.
Rather than forcing your pitch to match, focus on proper vocal production using your vocal cords; that will make it easier to sing in tune.
Try lifting your eyebrows and consciously projecting your voice clearly!
Magical Syndromeyama
The special MV theme song for “Magical Chiikawa,” titled “Magical Syndrome,” was released as a digital-only single on October 22, 2025.
The music video is also available on YouTube, featuring elements related to Chiikawa and receiving high praise from viewers.
The vocal range of “Magical Syndrome” might be a bit high, but since it’s basically sung in falsetto, if you can produce a light tone, you should be able to get proper frontal resonance and find the pitch more easily! To activate that resonance between the eyebrows, use humming.
This humming is crucial—if you tense up and force your throat, you won’t be able to stay on pitch.
Start at a volume so soft it’s almost only audible to you.
Once you get used to humming, try alternating between humming and singing; if you can sing with the same consistent sensation, you’ve got it!