[Western Rock Edition] Recommended Practice Songs for Beginner Bands [2026]

Active club DJkento
Active club DJ. With over five years on the front lines of the club scene, they freely cross over from dance music to US hip-hop and Japanese rap. Blending in their own edits with assured mixing, they craft a unique groove that captivates the floor.
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.

Among beginner band members, many may have started playing instruments because they admired overseas rock bands, right?

If you’re going to perform, you’d love to play your favorite Western rock songs—but it’s hard to know which tracks are doable for beginners…

So in this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended songs that are easy for band beginners to practice.

We’ve picked a wide range—from timeless classics to recent hits—so please use this as a reference.

Some songs may be a bit challenging, but if you practice the tracks we’re about to introduce, you should pick up the techniques needed to play rock band songs!

[Western Rock Edition] Recommended Practice Songs for Beginner Bands [2026] (51–60)

Walk on the Wild SideLou Reed

Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side (Official Audio)

Walk on the Wild SideLou Reed

This is probably the best-known of Lou Reed’s songs from his solo career.

It was produced by David Bowie.

It uses four chords, and the performance merely supports the vocal; it’s a number that works if the vocalist has enough charisma.

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Sweet Home AlabamaLynyrd Skynyrd

Lynyrd Skynyrd – Sweet Home Alabama

Sweet Home AlabamaLynyrd Skynyrd

A signature hit by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

It’s treated almost like the state song of Alabama.

It’s been used in an astonishing number of films, so many people have probably heard it without realizing.

While the earthy country flavor can be tricky, the song uses only three chords.

It’s well-suited as a practice piece.

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SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

SugarMaroon 5

A song by Maroon 5, a U.S.

band with over 110 million total sales worldwide and three Grammy Awards.

In Japan, it’s often used on TV shows and played at weddings, so many of you have probably heard it.

While its emotional, pop sound—rooted in authentic R&B and neo-soul—might feel challenging for beginner band members, the arrangement is designed to highlight the vocals, making each part relatively easy to cover.

Beginners tend to turn up their own volume, so for this song, it’s best to play with an awareness of how to support the vocals.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Take It EasyThe Eagles

Eagles – Take It Easy (Live on MTV 1994) (Official Video) [HD]

Take It EasyThe Eagles

Hotel California is world-famous, but since its long runtime and complex lyrics make it challenging for beginners, I chose this one instead.

The Eagles are also known for their drummer, Don Henley, handling vocals and songwriting.

There aren’t many examples where the drums are at the center of a band.

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Keep The FaithBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – Keep The Faith (Official Music Video)

Keep The FaithBon Jovi

This is a track by a band that represents the 80s.

While they have famous songs like “It’s My Life,” I chose this one because it showcases more of their band sound.

The band continued to rack up mega-hits until recent years and is considered one of the most successful bands.

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