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[Winter Break Intensive Practice] A roundup of easy cover songs recommended for beginner bands

In our busy lives, it’s often hard for the whole band to get together, and you may not be able to find time to practice as a full group.

In the midst of that, the long winter break is a perfect chance for everyone to meet up and practice properly! It’s the perfect time to level up! That said, you might be unsure which songs to work on and end up stuck.

So in this article, we’ll introduce lots of songs that are great for band practice over winter break! We’ve picked a wide range—from winter-themed tracks to classic staples recommended for beginner band members—so be sure to find something you’ll want to play.

[Intensive practice during winter break] A roundup of easy cover songs recommended for beginner bands (71–80)

Hoshigaoka ParkHump Back

Hump Back – Hoshigaoka Park Music Video
Hoshigaoka ParkHump Back

A three-piece rock band formed in 2009, Hump Back’s song.

It has a simple, catchy structure, but the bass phrases played in the higher register and the drum rimshots require practice to produce a clear sound.

Overall, the song has a classic rock feel based on an 8-beat, so as long as you pay attention to the finer techniques in each part, it’s a number you can perform with plenty of energy.

HoneyL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel – Honey ROCK ODYSSEY 2004
HoneyL'Arc〜en〜Ciel

Known by the abbreviation L’Arc and meaning “rainbow” in French, the four-piece rock band L’Arc~en~Ciel released this as their 10th single.

It was unveiled alongside “Kasou” and “Shinsoku ~lose control~” as one of three simultaneous single releases.

Compared to the other two songs, which have a strong, distinctive worldview, this track’s pop sensibility and driving feel made it popular not only with fans but also with a wide range of listeners.

While the guitar, bass, and drums all feature many complex phrases that aren’t easy to copy, there’s a consistent pattern throughout, so even beginner bands can learn it if they focus during winter break.

As one of L’Arc’s signature songs, it’s a number that can energize a live audience across generations.

Life is BeautifulASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

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

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.

Jet NinjinGO!GO!7188

Many of GO!GO!7188’s early songs are easy to recommend to beginners.

For “Jet Ninjin,” don’t try to recreate it perfectly—the key is to relax and play with the same looseness they do.

Definitely try covering it with a girls’ band.

Lingering Snowiruka

Lingering Snow (Single Version)
Lingering Snowiruka

Nagori Yuki is beloved across generations as a signature winter song.

The folk band Kaguyahime wrote the original, and singer Iruka’s cover became a huge hit.

With its beautiful yet heartrending melody, it’s perfect to perform during the cold winter season.

You could arrange it as a band piece featuring synths, or keep it simpler in a more folk-song style.

There are many band cover videos on YouTube, so it’s worth checking them out.

Be sure to try performing this love song, filled with bittersweet feelings for a cherished person.

You and the slopesSHISHAMO

A song by the three-piece rock band SHISHAMO, released in 2015.

When it comes to their winter songs, this is the one, right? There aren’t any particularly difficult techniques in any part, but since the performance suddenly shifts from a driving feel to half-time or a quieter mood, it’s important to stay mindful so the tempo doesn’t rush.

It has a sense of speed and is a lot of fun to play together as a band.

Enoshima EscarASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Enoshima Escar” Music Video
Enoshima EscarASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

It’s included on ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION’s 2008 album “Surf Bungaku Kamakura.” Its fresh yet nostalgic sound arrangement captures youthful days in Enoshima, making it a very pleasant listen.

The simple melody line and approachable vocal range make it perfect for a band cover.

You can take on the challenge without feeling pressured.

Over winter break, try practicing it intensively!