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

Precious thingsroodo obu mejyaa

Lord of Major / Precious Things

Lord of Major’s “Taisetsu na Mono” was explosively popular even as an indie release.

It’s a cool rock number that makes you feel refreshed just by listening.

This song is also so familiar that it’s considered a staple for beginner bands.

Rather than as a first song, I recommend tackling it as your second or third.

There’s a guitar solo in the interlude, and at the end of the song there are solos for bass and drums that use a cowbell.

If you don’t have a cowbell, substitute the ride cymbal bell.

Chorus work is important to capture the song’s feel, so if you’re unsure about the harmony pitches, use a keyboard to check them.

Once the overall performance locks in, focus on your stage presence, too!

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zunx2P

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Revolveryonige

yonige “Revolver” Official Music Video

Hailing from Neyagawa City in Osaka Prefecture, the two-piece rock band yonige is a popular duo whose down-to-earth lyrics and catchy melodies resonate with many young listeners.

In 2024, they released their long-awaited full-length album Empire and embarked on an album release tour.

Among their popular songs, this time we’re introducing Revolver as an easy track for beginners to cover.

Originally released as a “summer festival exclusive,” it was later included on the mini-album HOUSE.

The music video, featuring popular actor Ryuya Wakaba, is also a hit, with over 3 million views on YouTube.

As for playing tips, the guitar mainly provides chord backing, and the melodic phrases that use octave technique aren’t particularly difficult.

The bass, which frequently uses slides and roams freely from low to high positions, is likely the most challenging part.

If you’re on bass, take it as a chance to push your technique and give it a try!

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KOH-1

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I got a boyfriend/girlfriend.My Hair is Bad

My Hair is Bad – I Got a Girlfriend (Official Music Video)

It’s a rock ballad that mixes heartbreak and hope, reminiscing about a former lover.

The song is by My Hair is Bad and is included on their 2016 album “Woman’s.” The lyrics feel true-to-life, as if directly reflecting genuine feelings, and the emotional sound—like emotions welling up from deep within the chest—leaves a strong impression.

To create a dramatic atmosphere, I think the key is a performance with clear dynamics, distinctly separating the quiet moments from the powerful ones and emphasizing contrast.

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Araki Jakkan

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Mass-produced boyfriendSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Mass-Produced Boyfriend”

If you’ve bought a Telecaster, why not use this song as a tone-making reference? SHISHAMO’s three-piece rock track “Ryousangata Kareshi” (“Mass-Produced Boyfriend”).

The combo of a bouncy rhythm and distorted guitar makes for an incredibly satisfying rock tune.

Its dynamic ebb and flow is simple yet powerful—true to a three-piece band.

Dial in a guitar effect with a solid core, play the soft parts softly and the strong parts strongly, and lock in as a band when you perform!

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Murakami Shinpei

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Blue Sea BlueAtomic Skipper

Atomic Skipper – Blue Sea Blue (Music Video)

Atomic Skipper is a four-piece rock band that has been energetically performing live since their indie days, captivating fans with lyrics that balance storytelling and strong messages within a unique worldview.

Their third digital-only single, “Blue Sea Blue,” features a guitar-driven, straightforward rock ensemble that really cranks up the energy.

While none of the parts use particularly difficult techniques, the driving beat demands that each note be played cleanly and with intention.

It’s a refreshing track and a great rock tune for live performances.

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Hoshino Takashi

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The Night Before Goodbyeyayuyo

Yayuyo “The Eve of Goodbye” MV

Yayuyo is a four-piece rock band made up entirely of female college students, popular for a sound reminiscent of 1990s guitar rock.

Their song “Sayonara Zenya,” which drew attention after surpassing 800,000 views on YouTube, is a pop tune that’s sure to evoke nostalgia in rock lovers.

The performance itself is simple, but because the tempo is fast over a shuffle beat, it’s important for every member to stay locked into the bouncing rhythm.

It’s a recommended rock number that’s easy for beginner bands to play live.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Bacchi DancerDOES

DOES 'Gamble Dancer' (Theme song of the film Gintama: The Movie – A New Retelling Benizakura Arc)

DOES is a three-piece rock band that has gained popularity with a rock ensemble featuring a cool, rock-tinged vocal style and guitar sound.

Their 10th single, “Bakuchi Dancer,” used as the theme song for the animated film Gintama: The Movie – A New Retelling of Benizakura, was released in advance from their best-of album SINGLES.

While the guitar and bass are simple, the drum beats are intricate, so beginner drummers should solidify their phrases individually before band practice.

With its driving sense of speed, it’s a rock tune that can get everyone hyped at school festivals and live shows.

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Hoshino Takashi

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