[For Beginners] Recommended Songs for Female Vocal Bands: Great for Choosing Your Setlist! [2026]

GIVE ME FIVE！AKB48

[MV full] GIVE ME FIVE! / AKB48 [Official]

“GIVE ME FIVE!” is a classic youth anthem packed with AKB48’s charm.

With instruments in hand, the members reveal a new side of themselves, while the lyrics shine with teenage brilliance.

The chorus in the hook is truly a symbol of friendship! The song’s simple structure makes it easy even for beginner bands to perform.

Guitars focus on power chords, bass centers on root notes and octaves, and drums keep a steady 8-beat for an upbeat groove.

If everyone sings and plays together, it’s guaranteed to hype up the crowd! It’s a perfect pick for school festivals and other events.

Something like “happy”Sabasusutā

Sabasister – “Happy Nante” Music Video

Centered around Nachi—who grew up in rural Niigata and picked up the guitar in middle school after becoming captivated by Hi-STANDARD—Sabishisuta was formed in March 2022 and has been making headlines with their rapid rise.

In just five short months after forming, they landed a slot at SUMMER SONIC and were also selected to join 04 Limited Sazabys on tour, solidifying their momentum as a girls’ rock band.

In January 2024, they signed with PIZZA OF DEATH, headed by their idol Ken Yokoyama of Hi-STANDARD, and made their major-label debut with the album “Kakugo o Kimero!” Their music—singing of inner thrills and frustrations, as well as gratitude toward loved ones, set to melodies that evoke a sense of nostalgia—captures the hearts of many with its pure emotion and powerful performance.

Shangri-LaChatto Monchī

Chatmonchy “Shangri-La” Music Video

A rock band known for establishing the image of girl bands in the J-POP scene since the 2000s, Chatmonchy’s third single.

This track was used as the ending theme for the TV anime Hataraki Man and is a major hit that’s practically synonymous with Chatmonchy.

While the melody is simple, the chorus features a metrically irregular approach, so beginner vocalists without band experience should be cautious.

Every part is straightforward and easy to tackle, but if you’re performing as a three-piece, you’ll need to handle both vocals and guitar, so practice with an awareness not to let either rhythm pull you off balance.

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It’s a hard world to live in.nolala

nolala “It’s a hard world to live in” Music Video

Nolala is a trio from Kyoto that gained popularity with guitar rock that made the most of their twin-vocal setup, with both front members handling songwriting and composition.

Unfortunately, they announced a hiatus in October 2023, but their songs—simple yet profound—include many that really get a crowd going when covered at events.

The song we’re introducing this time, “Ikitsurai Yo no Naka da” (“It’s a Tough World to Live In”), pairs a striking title with an irresistibly catchy chorus you’ll remember after just one listen—a true gem.

Given the twin-vocal premise, the band ensemble centers on the vocals within a straightforward 8-beat, which should be especially instructive for beginner bands in a trio format.

In a three-piece, the naturally sparse arrangement creates a tension that can’t be faked, so it’s best to stay in sync and fulfill each role precisely.

Try taking on the challenge of chorus vocals together with everyone—twin vocalists and the drummer included!

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sparkling ashRīgaru Rirī

Legal Lily – “Glittering Ash” Music Video

Regal Lily marked their 10th anniversary in March 2024, and at that timing their original drummer Yukiyama left, prompting the band to restart as a duo.

Their sound, which distills influences from alternative rock and shoegaze, is highly praised not only by J-rock fans but also by listeners who prefer Western music.

Their track Kirakira no Hai, announcing this new chapter in their career, was released in April 2024 and chosen as the ending theme for season 2 of the popular anime Dungeon Meshi (Delicious in Dungeon).

The arrangement is overall simple, so even those worried about their technical skills can give it a try; it’s also a great pick for beginner bands looking to cover a current hit.

Be sure to study your tone, too, so you can faithfully reproduce the signature roaring wall of sound that comes in during the latter half.

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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.

SchoolChilli Beans.

Chilli Beans. – School (Official Music Video)

In 2024 they successfully performed at the Nippon Budokan, and Chilli Beans.—a.k.a.

Chiribi—now feel like they’ve risen to the ranks of the top young acts.

Many teens probably want to play their songs at school festivals and cultural events, but it’s also true that Chiribi’s music—crafted by members with outstanding technique and taste—can be a bit challenging for beginners.

The song “School” introduced here is recommended for those looking to take a step beyond a simple 8-beat and move past the beginner stage.

You might feel unsure at first, but try locking in as a full band—vocals and harmonies included—while leaning into the groove that has a UK rock vibe.

From a technical standpoint, the rhythm section, especially the high-position bass lines, lets you experience a different kind of bass fun than just root notes.

So if you’re a beginner band aiming to strengthen your rhythm section, definitely give it a try!

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