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Recommended songs for beginner bands: simple and crowd-pleasing tracks.

Your first live performance at a school festival or a live house… At the beginning, most bands probably perform as a cover band rather than playing original songs, right?

When that time comes, you’ll likely agonize over which songs to play—especially if your band is full of instrumental beginners, you’ll want to choose from simpler tracks.

You might want to hype the crowd by covering popular bands’ songs, but at the same time, you may find yourself hesitating, thinking, “This one seems tough…”

So in this article, we’ll introduce plenty of beginner-friendly songs that band newcomers can learn to play with practice!

Of course, carefully listening to and recreating the original is important, but boldly arranging songs to make them easier to play is also a great way to energize your live performance!

Alright, let’s dive into which songs we recommend!

Recommended songs for beginner bands: easy, crowd-pleasing picks (41–50)

bouquetback number

back number – Bouquet (full)
bouquetback number

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.

Recommended songs for beginner bands: simple, crowd-pleasing tracks (51–60)

I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru

Kaneyori Masaru [I Hope I Can Be Your Lover] Music Video
I hope I can be your lover.Kaneyori Masaru

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!

Discommunication9mm Parabellum Bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet – Discommunication
Discommunication9mm Parabellum Bullet

9mm Parabellum Bullet’s “Discommunication” is a song defined by its exhilarating, driving riffs, and it’s especially approachable for band beginners.

Although it was released in 2007, it remains hugely popular and is guaranteed to get the crowd going at their shows.

The tempo is relatively moderate compared to their other tracks, making it easier to perform.

Definitely aim to nail it together as a band, with the guitar riff front and center.

Philosophy[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Philosophy (MV)
Philosophy[Alexandros]

A song by the four-piece rock band [Alexandros].

With its mid-tempo and simple structure, it’s perfect for beginner bands to try.

The guitar doesn’t require particularly intense position changes, but the bass involves significant shifts in position and strings in various parts of the song, so practice is needed to play it coolly just like the original.

dancerVaundy

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] Odoriko / Vaundy: Music Video
dancerVaundy

Singer-songwriter Vaundy.

His song “Odoriko” is a great recommendation for band beginners, with a simple bass phrase that feels good.

From the intro all the way to the end, the bass uses “root playing,” where it keeps a steady rhythm and plays the lowest note of each chord.

If you’ve just started playing bass, why not give this song a try? The vocals, guitar, and drums are also simple, so it works even for bands where all members are beginners.

It’s also a great choice as the final song of a live set to leave a lingering afterglow!

Blue Sea BlueAtomic Skipper

Atomic Skipper – Blue Sea Blue (Music Video)
Blue Sea BlueAtomic Skipper

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.

Cinderella BoySaucy Dog

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

Saucy Dog is a three-piece rock band gaining attention for their relatable, true-to-life lyrics and an emotional high-tone voice.

“Cinderella Boy,” included on their 5th mini album Lazy Sunday, is the hit tune that helped make Saucy Dog widely known.

With its relaxed tempo and a sparse arrangement featuring fewer notes in each part, it should be easy to learn even for beginner band members.

However, because crisp precision is crucial in the stabs and other key moments, make sure the band focuses on tight coordination.