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

BlossomreGretGirl

reGretGirl “Blossom” Official Music Video

A three-piece rock band, reGretGirl, whose name means “a girl who regrets,” was named after the thought, “Someday I’ll get famous and make her regret dumping me.” This track is included on their 3rd mini-album, “soon,” and its driving intro that begins with guitar strumming feels exhilarating.

The bass features a solo in the interlude, which can be a bit challenging for beginner band members; if it’s too hard to play, try arranging it to be easier by reducing the number of notes.

The guitar and drums don’t use difficult techniques overall, but there are beat changes in sections like the pre-chorus and chorus, so be careful not to fall out of rhythm.

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Hoshino Takashi

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It’ll get stained.Chatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “I’ll Be Dyed” Music Video

Despite having a tremendous influence on the girls’ band scene in J-pop, the two-piece rock band Chatmonchy disbanded in 2018.

Their 9th single, “Somaruyo,” was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Tonsura.” With its relaxed tempo and simple parts across the board, it’s a great choice for beginner band members to try.

However, because the ensemble is highly dynamic and dramatic, be careful not to let the performance become flat.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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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FoolsGLIM SPANKY

Glim Spanky – “Fools”

Characterized by exhilarating guitar riffs and powerful vocals, this work is beloved by many fans as one of GLIM SPANKY’s signature songs.

It was also used as the theme song for the film “Impossibility Defense” and was released in November 2018.

The lyrics, which center on life’s choices and decisions, carry a deeply resonant message for listeners.

It has earned high praise for live performances as well, offering a glimpse into the band’s commitment to playing every track from their albums.

Despite its simple structure, the soulful performance stands out, making it a great pick for band practice.

It’s a perfect song for school festivals and live house shows.

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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Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video

This is the third single by Chatmonchy, a rock band from Tokushima Prefecture that disbanded in 2018.

The tempo isn’t very fast, so it’s an approachable song to try, but be careful not to lose the beat, as parts of the chorus shift to a five-beat subdivision.

The guitar is mainly chord strumming, and the solo doesn’t include any difficult phrases, making it easy for beginner guitarists to play.

The bass features many octave-based phrases, so it’s important to practice fretting positions accurately.

The drums use a consistent pattern of offbeat hi-hat and open-close throughout, so practice to maintain steady rhythm and tempo.

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Hoshino Takashi

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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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