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

kawa-E (cute)Yabai T-shatsu Yasan

Yabai T-Shirts Yasan – “Kawa-E” Music Video

Yaba-T, aka Yabai T-Shirts Yasan.

You’ve probably seen their song “Kawa E” all over social media! The tempo is fast, so it might feel tricky to nail all the fine details, but let’s make up for that with energy and momentum! For guitar, focus on the single-note section right before the chorus; for bass, make sure you can play the octave lines in the chorus solidly.

For drums, master the offbeat hi-hat—what’s known as a dance beat!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hane Keisuke

Report a problem

ShekiraraChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – Shekirara (Official Lyric Video)

In February 2024, Chilli Beans., known as “Chiribi,” achieved a headlining show at the Nippon Budokan, and as regulars on music festival lineups, they continue to prove their popularity and prowess on many big stages.

They’re hugely popular, especially among younger generations, and there are surely many teens who want to try covering Chiribi’s songs.

That said, many of their tracks—born from the trio’s exceptional musical talent and taste—are honestly quite challenging for beginners.

As a relatively approachable option, let me introduce “Shekirara.” It’s included on Chiribi’s debut EP, “d a n c i n g a l o n e,” and it’s a live favorite thanks to its driving sound and subtly bittersweet melody.

For guitar, if you can handle the main riff that uses rests effectively and the crisp, nimble chopping in the A section, the likely single-note guitar solo isn’t all that difficult, so you should be able to manage it.

The bass mostly sticks to root notes, but be sure to play with a strong awareness of rests.

The drums, built around a danceable off-beat, might be tough until you get used to them, but keep practicing patiently and repeatedly to ingrain the rhythm in your body!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Cinderella BoySaucy Dog

Saucy Dog “Cinderella Boy” Music Video <5th Mini Album “Lazy Sunday” Released on 2021.8.25>

A three-piece rock band, Saucy Dog, who overcame various crises—including times when the lineup was reduced to just the vocalist—made their major debut in 2019.

This song, included on their 5th mini-album “Lazy Sunday,” features a striking guitar arpeggio that complements its lyrics from a female perspective.

Each part relies only on basic techniques, and the tempo is slow, making it a great pick for beginner band members.

However, because breaks and dynamics shape the song’s ebb and flow, be mindful not only of technique but also of the overall ensemble balance when performing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Kaiju no Hanabuta (Monster’s Flower Song)Vaundy

Monster’s Flower Song / Vaundy: MUSIC VIDEO

Singer-songwriter Vaundy, known for his modern, urban sensibilities and for being an alum of the Voice Music School—which has produced many notable artists—has garnered widespread popularity.

The advance single Kaiju no Hanauta from his first album strobo was used as the commercial song for Maruha Nichiro’s WILDish series, in the “For Us” campaign.

With a generally simple band arrangement, every part is beginner-friendly.

As an artist extremely popular among younger generations, this rock tune is sure to get the crowd going at school festivals and cultural events.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

far awayASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION 'Haruka Kanata'

Asian Kung-Fu Generation is a rock band that has been at the forefront of the scene from the 2000s through the 2020s, and their songs are so popular they always rank near the top when people vote on tracks they want to cover as a band.

Since it’s beginner-friendly yet guaranteed to get the crowd going, this time let’s look at Haruka Kanata.

Although it has a driving feel, the tempo isn’t excessively fast, and there aren’t any phrases that demand advanced technique, so it should be very manageable.

One thing to watch out for: the choppy guitar in the first verse (A-melo), the switch to a swung feel in the pre-chorus (B-melo), and the shift to a 6/8 rhythm from the interlude into the bridge (C-melo).

These patterns can be a bit tough—especially for drummers.

Before trying to play the whole song straight through, we recommend focusing first on the rhythms you find most challenging.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

I should be able to fly (in the sky).supittsu

Spitz / I Should Be Able to Fly in the Sky

Many people probably practiced this song as their very first piece on guitar.

Its relaxed rhythm also makes it a great choice for a band’s first song.

It’s perfect for those who want to learn to play with care and precision.

You’ll encounter the gateway for guitar beginners—the F chord—so let’s master it.

A tip for barre chords is to press the strings using the side of your finger.

Once you’ve mastered barre chords, the number of songs you can play will increase dramatically, so level up together with your bandmates!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

zunx2P

Report a problem

bouquetback number

back number – Bouquet (full)

Back number is a three-piece rock band whose wistful vocals and lyrics have gained popularity especially among young people, and in 2023 they successfully completed their first nationwide tour of the five major domes.

Their second single, “Hanataba,” which was used as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, warms the heart with lyrics full of love.

Since it doesn’t involve difficult techniques and has a relaxed tempo, it’s easy for beginner band members to take on.

Because it’s a song where expressiveness matters more than performance chops, vocalists in particular should practice with that in mind.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem