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

NorseShingāzuhai

Singer’s High “Nulls” Music Video

It’s a number that passionately sings out the feelings within, in an unbroken flow.

“Norse” by the rock band Singers High was released as a single in 2022.

The lyrics, packed tight with the sentiment of “actions speak louder than words,” pierce straight to the heart.

If you focus on aligning the rests across the whole band, you should be able to reproduce the song’s crisp articulation.

Center the groove around the drums to create a solid sense of stability.

With a firm foundation, it becomes much easier for the vocals to sit on top.

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I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [I Hope I Can Be Your Lover] Music Video

Osaka-based three-piece Kaneyori Masaru’s “Kimi no Koibito ni Naremasu You ni” is a track included on their 2025 mini-album that also drew attention as a movie theme song.

With lyrics that straightforwardly express a wish for an unrequited love, the band’s signature powerful rock sound features a simple yet cool arrangement characteristic of a trio, making it a perfect number for beginner bands to take on.

The guitar is primarily chord-based while incorporating arpeggios; try playing the octave-phrase riffs with a crisp, punchy attack.

The bass mainly sticks to root notes, and we’d love for you to tackle the distinctive fill right before the chorus.

The drums lay down a simple 8-beat, but adding subtle snare nuances can color the song and dramatically improve the overall band groove.

Each part should stay mindful of the ensemble, aim for a sparkling sound, and make a point of listening closely to the phrases of the other instruments as you play!

Fuzzy NavelConton Candy

Conton Candy – Fuzzy Navel [Official Video]

If you want to play a cute song with a female vocal band, how about Conton Candy’s “Fuzzy Navel”? Released in April 2023, it went viral on social media like TikTok and became a big hit.

The lyrics, which express pure feelings toward someone you like, really captured the hearts of the younger generation.

The guitar can be played with simple chord strumming and the bass with root notes, so try starting there.

However, to capture the feel of the original, the four-on-the-floor drum pattern in the chorus and the octave technique on the bass are essential—make sure to master them!

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Life is BeautifulASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Life Is Beautiful” Music Video

If you want to feel a sense of unity as a band with a song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, also known as Ajikan, the track “Life Is Beautiful,” released in February 2025, is a perfect choice.

It’s packed with the essence of expansive, bittersweet guitar rock, so we’d love to see beginner bands give it a try.

On guitar, make sure to clearly convey the interplay between the chord-driven parts and the color-adding phrases.

The relatively easy riffs and solos—by their standards—make it ideal for guitarists looking to grow.

When you actually play it, the tempo is on the faster side, so the rhythm section should steadily drill the fundamentals to reproduce Ajikan’s signature driving feel with stable performance.

My girlfriend is PIZZA OF DEATHSabasusutā

SABANNAMAN – My Girlfriend is PIZZA OF DEATH Music Video

Sabasister’s “My girlfriend is PIZZA OF DEATH,” which also made waves with its punk-styled music video, is a one-minute punk song brimming with love for the prestigious label PIZZA OF DEATH! It’s a surefire killer tune that will unite the floor if you cover it live.

Keep the guitar tight and choppy with distorted power chords, have the bass lock in a moving, walking-style phrase in the B section, and make sure the drummer can power through the final two-beat—that’s the key.

Practice it repeatedly!

Last live showBurandē Senki

Brandy War Chronicles – Last Live (Official Music Video)

Formed in Osaka in 2022, Brandy Senki has been drawing attention with their unique musicality and powerful live performances.

Their 2025 digital single “Last Live” is a song that shakes listeners to the core with the emotions of regret and anxiety depicted by Hasutsuki.

If you were to arrange this track for a full band, the key would be how to express the dramatic shift from the melancholic, ’90s alternative rock vibe in the first half to the driving, high-energy rock sound in the latter half.

In particular, when the tempo kicks into high gear, you’ll want everyone to lock in precisely on the drummer’s fill as the cue.

Nail that, and the audience will get chills.

Looking at individual parts, the bass line is fairly active, so it’s a great study for bassists who want to break out of strictly root-note playing.

jellyfishchakura

Chakura – Jellyfish (Official Music Video)

Formed in 2022, Chakra is a young four-piece gaining attention with their energetic guitar rock.

The song that put their name on the map, “Kurage,” is relatively approachable for band beginners and is sure to shine live.

For guitar, focus on locking in together on the simple backing riff and nailing the countermelody-style phrase that appears in the chorus.

The bass features relatively busy lines; it may be challenging for beginners, but it’s great practice.

For drums, keep it simple while adding clear dynamics to bring out shifts in the song’s character.