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[Challenge] Practice Songs for Beginner Electric Guitar Players

Have you ever listened to a rock band and thought, “I want to try playing guitar too!”? I bet many people have felt that way.

Still, it’s common to hesitate, thinking “Guitar seems difficult…,” or to buy a guitar but not know which song to start with.

We’ve all been there.

In this article, I’ll introduce plenty of songs that are perfect for electric guitar beginners to practice.

Of course, basic exercises are important, but it’s hard to keep going with just that.

So find a song you like from the ones introduced here, and aim to improve while having fun playing!

[Challenge] Practice Songs for Beginner Electric Guitarists (21–30)

To tell you the truth,yangusukinii

Young Skinny – Actually, You Know, [Official Music Video]
To tell you the truth,yangusukinii

Young Skinny is a four-piece rock band formed in 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, that has steadily expanded its fan base despite various headwinds.

Their second single, “Hontou wa ne,” chosen as the ending theme for the infotainment program “Ousama no Brunch,” is a track whose universally relatable lyrics and nostalgic arrangement linger in the ear.

Although the song’s rapidly changing beats may make it seem challenging, the guitar part is mainly chord strumming, making it easy for beginner guitarists to play.

Because the guitar playing blends smoothly into the ensemble, it’s a rock tune that lets you enjoy the sense of space with other instruments when performing as a band.

cloudy skyDOES

DOES 'Donten' (TV Tokyo anime 'Gintama' opening theme)
cloudy skyDOES

This song is a classic that often comes up as a recommendation for beginners.

It’s mostly power chords, and the strumming is simple, so it ends up sounding really wild and cool! That said, in the interlude after the second chorus, there’s an arpeggio section and parts where you keep holding the chord while moving just your pinky, so make sure to practice those carefully.

Overall though, it’s a simple yet energetic and cool track that really gives you the feel of a rock band.

Mighty Long FallONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK – Mighty Long Fall [Official Music Video]
Mighty Long FallONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK might seem difficult because their songs are flashy and have a Western pop-rock vibe, but the guitar parts are actually pretty simple.

This song in particular mostly uses power chords with a few octave techniques, so I think even beginners can learn it.

It’s recommended for anyone who wants to play something cool.

American IdiotGreen Day

Green Day – American Idiot [Official Music Video] [4K Upgrade]
American IdiotGreen Day

If you want to cover Western music, this song is a sure bet.

It’s Green Day’s signature track “American Idiot,” from the world-famous rock band.

Released in 2004, it became a massive hit.

Its energetic punk sound pierces straight through your ears and your heart.

The memorable guitar riff that appears from the intro can be played using an octave technique with three fingers.

The fingering stays the same—you just shift positions! Practice so you can move smoothly.

Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

ONE OK ROCK "The Totally Sensational Dreamer"
Perfect-Sense DreamerONE OK ROCK

Among the Japanese rock scene, ONE OK ROCK’s signature song “Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer” is especially popular.

Some of you reading this might be thinking, “Isn’t that really hard?!”—but the guitar parts are actually simpler than you might expect.

With a riff that uses octave playing and an A verse featuring variations in left-hand chord forms, I think it’s a perfect song for beginner guitarists to take the next step.

Since the tempo is fast, I recommend practicing at a slower speed until you’re comfortable so your chord changes and right-hand strumming don’t fall behind.

Shut up.Ado

A song whose provocative lyrics became a social phenomenon and etched singer Ado’s presence into the public consciousness.

Her impactful vocals—she was a high-school student at the time—were truly sensational.

Because it’s a famous track, it’s easy to memorize, and the guitar parts mainly use basic techniques like power chords and palm muting, making it accessible even for beginner guitarists.

However, since there are sections where the accents require crisp note cutoffs, be sure to play with clear staccato in those “kime” moments.

together; along with; bothWANIMA

WANIMA – Together (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
together; along with; bothWANIMA

A three-piece band from Kumamoto Prefecture, WANIMA’s song.

Because it has the driving feel characteristic of punk rock, guitar beginners might find it challenging, but since most of the song can be played with power chords, the guitar parts are relatively simple in structure.

One point to note is that the tempo is fast, so if you focus on switching chords smoothly to avoid cutting off the sound as much as possible, you can play with a similar nuance.

There are many sections—like the interlude riff and the cutting—that benefit from clear dynamics, but overall there aren’t any difficult techniques, so it’s a song that guitar beginners can enjoy playing together as a band.