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!
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Recommended songs for band beginners: easy and crowd-pleasing tracks (1–10)
You don’t get it.WurtS
This piece stands out for its catchy melody and alternative sound.
Released by WurtS in December 2022, it became a viral hit on TikTok.
The lyrics portray emotional misalignment in romance, offering the fun of deciphering the complex psychology and dynamics between men and women.
Since it’s built on a simple chord progression, even beginner bands should find it approachable.
The drum and bass parts are also on the simpler side.
Be sure to use this as an opportunity to nail the basics!
Song Not to Forgetmakaroni enpitsu
“Wasurena-uta” is a song by the rock band Macaroni Empitsu, released as a digital single in April 2024.
It was selected as the ending theme for the anime “Oblivion Battery.” The song centers on themes of setbacks and struggles while chasing one’s dreams, and the strength to overcome them.
Its warm, friendly band sound makes it very pleasant to listen to.
The lyrics, which paint a picture of youth, make it perfect to cover at a school festival or for a first live show at a small venue.
I think it would also work in a three-piece arrangement by simplifying the guitar to chord strumming only.
I got a girlfriend.SHISHAMO
A cute rock tune that portrays the joy and inner conflict of a boy who’s just started dating.
It’s a track by SHISHAMO, a three-piece girls’ band from Kanagawa, included on their self-titled debut album SHISHAMO released in 2013.
The lyrics, written from a down-to-earth perspective, capture the mix of wanting to brag to someone about having a girlfriend and wanting to keep it a secret for a while longer.
Perfect for when you want to relive the heart-fluttering excitement of a new romance.
Also great as an introduction to guitar cutting and four-on-the-floor drumming.
Torch of LibertyKANA-BOON
This is a song by KANA-BOON, released in 2020, known for its energetic rock sound.
It was used as the opening theme for the anime Fire Force Season 2.
The lyrics, filled with a strong desire for liberation and freedom, are striking.
Its powerful, lively tempo gives you the courage to move forward.
When you want to hype up a live audience, a fast-paced song is a sure bet! Make sure the whole band stays in sync so the performance doesn’t rush or drag.
The continuation of the dreamHakubi
This is a song by Hakubi, a three-piece rock band from Kyoto.
Released in 2017 as their first EP, it features striking lyrics that depict the struggle between the dreams once held and reality.
Katagiri’s straightforward words and earnest vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
The chord progression is simple, making it approachable for beginner guitarists.
Start by practicing at a slower tempo, then gradually work your way up to the speed of the original track.
Your Dissection Pure Love Song ~Die~aimyon
This song lays bare raw, vivid feelings of love.
It was released in 2015 as the debut single by Aimyon, a singer-songwriter from Hyogo Prefecture.
Its provocative lyrics shocked listeners and sparked conversation.
The gap between the pop melody and the intense words sticks in your head.
With its guitar-rock vibe, it’s a great choice to try if you’re looking for a cover song with a female vocal.
Fragments of the FutureASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION
A fast-paced track with an unforgettable guitar riff.
Released by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION in 2003 as their second single, it’s also included on the album ‘Kimi Tsunagi Five M’.
The lyrics, which depict the passage of time and human connections, are highly relatable.
The powerful drums and emotional vocals make for a deeply moving sound.
It’s guaranteed to get the crowd going live, making it perfect for a first performance at a school festival or a live house.
For guitar, you can mostly get by with power chords and octave playing!