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[2026] A Roundup of Recommended Western Songs for Jam Sessions

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

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.

[2026] Recommended Western Songs for Jam Sessions (41–50)

Light My FireThe Doors

The Doors – Light My Fire

Light My FireThe Doors

Here’s another song from The Doors.

It’s absolutely essential to have an organ sound, whether analog or digital, but this is one of the more spacious tracks in The Doors’ catalog, so you can enjoy it in many ways—trading solos, adding breaks, and more.

Also, the longer you stretch out the interlude and extend the performance time, the more you can experience the essence of psychedelia.

Try a session that makes you forget the time!

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A Message To You RudyThe Specials

The Specials – A Message To You Rudy (Official Music Video)

A Message To You RudyThe Specials

This is a signature song by The Specials, a ska band that was active in the 1970s.

With a melody everyone’s heard and just a few chords, it’s perfect for jam sessions.

Overall it has a laid-back, feel-good vibe, and it’s surprisingly easy to recreate with plenty of room for arrangement—so why not grab a beer and give it a go in your next session?

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Cause We’ve Ended As LoversJeff Beck

Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers

Cause We've Ended As LoversJeff Beck

Here’s a track from the ever-evolving guitarist Jeff Beck.

This is one of the quintessential guitarist-oriented session tunes, packed with all the most satisfying guitar moments.

When you’re in the mood to rip through minor pentatonic lines all night, give this one a try! You’ll feel it’s a piece that maximizes the dynamics of an analog, overtone-rich instrument—neither piano nor synthesizer.

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In conclusion

The joy of music lies both in playing alone and in making music with many companions.

A jam session is an irreplaceable musical experience that combines the appeal of both.

The chemical reactions of music that emerge through improvisation, using standard tunes as a starting point, create special moments born from the unity of performers and audience alike.

Using this article as a guide, be sure to experience the excitement that can only be found in the world of jam sessions.