[2026] For Band Beginners! Recommended Songs from Popular Bands That Get the Crowd Going at Live Shows

VenusTele

Tele | Venus – Music Video

Tele is the solo project of Kitaro Taniguchi, who has been gaining attention for his literary lyrics and soulful, penetrating vocals.

The track Venus, released on September 6, 2023, leaves a lasting impression with its refreshing melody that carries a sense of weightlessness.

The simple rock ensemble uses few elements, yet each part stands out with a distinct presence.

With no fast passages, including the guitar solo, it’s a rock tune recommended for band musicians seeking something easy to play yet cool.

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Hoshino Takashi

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SquallThe Yellow plan

Squall

The Yellow plan, a three-piece rock band coloring Osaka’s music scene, delivers a powerful sound rooted in ’90s–’00s hard rock and post-grunge.

Influenced by bands like Foo Fighters and Soundgarden, they’ve forged a world of their own.

Centered around live-house performances, they remain highly active while valuing connections with fans on social media.

Their energetic performances and high-level musicianship captivate audiences, breathing new life into today’s rock scene.

With muscular guitar riffs and emotional vocals woven together, their sound is sure to be a perfect pick for fans of alternative rock.

Kill meSUNNY CAR WASH

SUNNY CAR WASH – Kill Me (Official Music Video)

A great recommendation for a three-piece band to cover is Kill Me by SUNNY CAR WASH, a melodic hardcore band formed in 2015.

It’s a track from their first mini-album, Tired of Waiting for the Weekend, released in 2017, known for its slightly provocative lyrics in the chorus and its energy-packed sound.

Since it’s played with the simple beats and chord progressions that are staples of punk and melocore, even beginners should find it approachable!

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Hamada Takuya

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To me4na

4na – To Me (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter 4na began her activities as a cover singer on YouTube in 2020 and made her artist debut the same year.

Her single “To Myself,” released on August 16, 2023, features a refreshingly pleasant ensemble.

The guitar riffs in the intro and interlude are simple yet impactful, and because the bass uses root notes and the drums play an 8-beat—fundamental techniques—it’s approachable even for beginner bands.

With a melody that’s both exhilarating and airy, it captivates listeners and is a highly recommended number for live performances.

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Hoshino Takashi

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You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon – You Don’t Listen to Rock [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is the third major-label single by Aimyon, a female singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture.

The guitar features a distorted melodic line that appears in the intro and outro, along with clean-tone arpeggios.

The acoustic guitar mainly plays chord strumming, so there aren’t any difficult parts and it’s an easy song to play.

The bass can stick to root notes throughout, but being mindful about when to let notes ring and when to cut them will help create clearer dynamics.

The drums can be played with an eighth-note beat and simple fills.

Since the tempo is relaxed, none of the parts are technically demanding, but precisely because it’s laid-back, the rhythm can easily rush.

If all band members keep this in mind while playing, the performance will come together more cohesively.

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Hoshino Takashi

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LingerHump Back

Hump Back – 「Linger」Music Video

Hump Back is a three-piece rock band that has declared their commitment to balancing music and family life, gaining popularity with their down-to-earth message.

“Linger,” the fourth single released as a double A-side with “tour,” features an aggressive rock sound that really amps up the energy.

While there’s nothing particularly difficult in terms of technique, beginners should be careful not to let notes drop out due to the fast tempo and quick chord changes.

The guitar solo is short and simple as well, making it a great number to add when you want one more song in your live set.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Don’t Look Back In AngerOasis

Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger (Official Video)

Oasis’s classic “Don’t Look Back in Anger” enjoys overwhelming popularity and recognition—so much so that it’s no exaggeration to call it practically the UK’s second national song.

These days, Noel Gallagher, who was Oasis’s principal songwriter and also sang this track, continues to perform it in his solo career.

It’s an eternal anthem that turns into a massive sing-along at concerts in Japan too, so it would be great to hear an inspiring performance at a school festival or similar event.

There aren’t many difficult parts for each instrument, making it approachable for beginners.

The most challenging part is the lead guitar—not because it’s technically extreme, but because you’ll want to nail the counter-melody-style licks that pop up throughout and the moving guitar solo.

As long as you’ve got basic techniques like bending and hammer-ons down, you should be able to play it without issues; if you’re not used to them, don’t forget to practice repeatedly!

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KOH-1

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