[2026] A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs for Jam Sessions
If you play an instrument, being able to enjoy jam sessions is probably one of your goals.
Through improvisation, players can elevate each other’s musicianship and create special music that can only be born in the moment.
Still, many people may wonder, “Which songs should I start with?” So this time, from among Western songs beloved by musicians around the world, we’ll introduce tracks that are easy to incorporate into jam sessions.
By playing these songs, your jam session experience is sure to become richer.
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[2026] A Collection of Recommended Western Songs for Jam Sessions (11–20)
House Of The Rising SunThe Animals
The Animals, a band that epitomized the British Invasion of the 1960s.
Hailing from Newcastle, they released this track in 1964, transforming a traditional American Southern folk song into a blues-rock classic.
It opens with a striking A minor arpeggio and is marked by a surging organ riff.
Its simple chord progression—known to everyone at jam sessions—and structure that invites improvisation are key attractions.
The performance, said to have been captured in a single take in just 15 minutes, brims with tension and is perfect for experiencing the spontaneity of a session.
The lyrics, which depict the darkness of New Orleans, add further depth to the performance.
Give it a try!
CrossroadsCream
This is a tune that can capture the original groove even with just two guitars.
It’s so famous that every guitarist knows it.
The progression isn’t your typical three-chord pattern, so there’s nothing tricky to memorize, and even people who don’t know it can jump into a session right away! If you usually jam over one chord or three chords, definitely give this a try.
It’s also super useful when playing with musicians from different generations, so it’s well worth a listen!
Sunday MorningMaroon 5
Maroon 5’s “Sunday Morning” is so famous that I think everyone on the planet has heard it at least once.
Since it’s primarily built on a bossa nova chord progression, you can slow down the tempo and sing it with a bossa arrangement—there’s a lot of versatility in this song.
You don’t need to outline every chord when soloing, so you can handle most of the solo with a single scale.
It’s fun to just play around with the chord progression even without singing, so definitely give it a try!
ChameleonHerbie Hancock
This is a famous Herbie Hancock tune that has been loved for many years as a session standard.
The theme is easy to remember and the chords are simple, so it’s highly recommended for beginners at jam sessions.
It has been arranged in many genres, not just jazz.
SuperstitionStevie Wonder
This is another classic jam session tune among classics.
It became famous for its use of the Clavinet, an electric keyboard, and if you can set up that keyboard—either digital or analog—you can really capture the vibe and have a great session! With a wah pedal, you can get a similar feel on guitar, too, and even if you’re short on gear, you can still improvise and create a groove full of atmosphere, so I highly recommend it!
Cissy StrutThe Meters
This is a signature tune by the New Orleans funk legends, The Meters.
It’s quite difficult to keep that laid-back, gritty vibe throughout, but if you come in a half-beat late and lock in with the drummer’s open hi-hat, you can at least capture the feel.
The soloing is approachable and it works on virtually any instrument, so it’s highly recommended for jam sessions.
It’s especially useful when the members span different generations—if everyone has this one under their belt as a common tune, you can jump into it at a moment’s notice with confidence!
[2026] Recommended Western Songs for Jam Sessions (21–30)
Soul SacrificeSantana
Santana’s signature song, “Soul Sacrifice.” The video features their live performance at Woodstock.
The endlessly driving bassline combined with the low tom becomes seriously addictive.
Even without congas or keyboards, it’s possible to recreate it as a three-piece if you’ve got the passion and energy! There are breaks sprinkled throughout, so there are quite a few phrases to memorize, but once you lock in the parts together, you’re guaranteed to be thrilled! Definitely give it a try!