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Wonderful school festival / cultural festival

Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands at School Culture Festivals

For students in bands, performing on the cultural festival stage is probably a major goal, isn’t it?

However, if you’ve only just started your instrument or have members with limited experience, choosing songs to play can be quite challenging.

The guitar might be easy but the drums are hard… or the drums are easy but the bass is hard… It’s tough to pick songs that are satisfying to listen to while keeping the difficulty under control.

So in this article, we’ll introduce recommended songs that beginners can definitely pull off if they practice hard.

The key is to be flexible—don’t cling too much to the original, and arrange the parts you absolutely can’t manage.

If you work on it with your bandmates while having fun as you prepare for your first stage, it’s sure to become a lifelong memory!

[Culture Festival / School Festival] Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands (41–50)

Windy DayELLEGARDEN

A song by ELLEGARDEN, the rock band affectionately known as “Ellegar” and a major influence on many other bands.

It’s an energy-boosting rock number with penetrating lyrics and a catchy melody.

The guitar parts are mostly straightforward, featuring bridge-muted riffs and strummed power chords, but since there are also plenty of high-fret riffs in the chorus, you can opt to play chord backing if those feel challenging.

The rhythm section—both bass and drums—uses classic rock patterns, but be mindful that the beat often shifts within the song, including half-time sections.

[Culture Festival / School Festival] Recommended Songs for Beginner Bands (51–60)

You don’t listen to rock.aimyon

Aimyon “You Don’t Listen to Rock” — Halloween Live 2021
You don't listen to rock.aimyon

This is the third major-label single by Aimyon, a female singer-songwriter who has dominated the contemporary J-pop scene with a string of hits like “Marigold” and “Naked Heart.” The lyrics, themed around unrequited love, make it a perfect song for bands to perform at school cultural festivals.

The tempo is slow, but because there are many chord changes, it’s important for the guitar and bass to practice so the sound doesn’t cut off.

Also, the opening line of the A section is quite low for a female vocalist, so if the key really doesn’t suit you, consider using a capo on the guitar and arranging the ensemble to fit the vocalist’s key.

Shunkan SentimentalSCANDAL

SCANDAL “Shunkan Sentimental” / Shunkan Sentimental – Music Video
Shunkan SentimentalSCANDAL

Haven’t many of the world’s girl bands copied their songs when they were just starting out? The thick, distorted guitars and the bold, aggressive vibe are irresistible! I think the track is packed with the basics of rock bands, so it’s perfect to play at your first live show.

The guitar riffs in the intro and interlude have a huge impact on the overall polish of the song, so lead guitarists should practice thoroughly!

RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION “Rewrite” (M-1 Grand Prix 2024 Promotion Video Theme Song)
RewriteASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION

A song by ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION, a four-piece rock band from Kanagawa Prefecture known by the nickname “Ajikan.” It was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Fullmetal Alchemist, and it’s a rock tune whose intro—kicking off with a hysteric guitar—ramps up the energy.

Each part features many simple phrases based on basic techniques, and the tempo isn’t very fast, making it easier for beginner bands to cover.

However, care is needed to keep the rhythm steady during the drummer’s rapid-fill sections.

Since it’s relatively easy to cover and really gets the crowd going, it’s a recommended pick for cultural festivals and school festival stages.

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.

Full driveKANA-BOON

KANA-BOON “Full Drive” Music Video
Full driveKANA-BOON

This is the third major-label single by KANA-BOON, a rock band formed in Osaka in 2008.

It was created with the aim of delivering a stronger first impact than their previous releases, and it’s a number that cranks up the energy right from the intro.

Since the overall rhythm is tight, focusing on when to play and when to cut the sound will help you recreate the feel of the original.

The fast tempo may make it sound difficult, but the phrases in each part are simple, so it’s a recommended song even for beginner bands.

migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] – Wataridori (MV)
migratory bird[Alexandros]

[Alexandros] is a four-piece rock band that captivates fans with songs that sprinkle modern essence into a classic rock sound.

Their major-label debut single Watari-dori, released as a double A-side with Dracula La, is still known as one of their signature tracks.

The guitar riff in the intro, which sets the tone for the song, actually uses only four notes and is simple, making it something any guitarist will want to play.

The rhythm section is also straightforward in terms of playing skill, but because drive and bounce are crucial, beginner band members should practice syncing tightly with one another.