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

Blitzkrieg BopThe Ramones

Ramones-Blitzkrieg Bop

A song by the Ramones, a rock band synonymous with New York punk that had a major impact on the punk boom after 1970.

With catchy chord progressions and songwriting geared toward call-and-response with the audience, many people in Japan might picture this rather than UK punk when they think of punk.

Every part uses basic, simple techniques, so it’s easy for beginner band members to cover, but what matters more than technique is maintaining the song’s drive and intensity.

It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, making it a highly recommended number for beginner bands to play live.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Welcome To The Black ParadeMy Chemical Romance

My Chemical Romance – Welcome To The Black Parade [Official Music Video] [HD]

Opening with a piano melody and gradually expanding into a grand, march-like rock anthem.

Released in September 2006 by America’s My Chemical Romance, this work is known as a signature track from their third album, The Black Parade.

Its highly narrative lyrics depict a journey into the realm of death, the album’s central concept, and its powerful sound blends elements of emo and pop-punk.

The theatrical progression, reminiscent of Queen, is superb, and the music video was selected by MTV as the greatest of the 21st century.

It’s a perfect piece for learners who are getting comfortable with their instruments, offering a chance to practice basic chord progressions and rhythmic patterns.

She Looks So Perfect5 Seconds of Summer

5 Seconds of Summer – She Looks So Perfect

Five Seconds of Summer are a four-piece pop-rock band from Australia.

Thanks to their good looks they’re sometimes labeled a boy band, but they’re a bona fide band who play their instruments and write their own songs.

Their debut track is a fresh, catchy number with a 2000s emo-to-pop-punk vibe that influenced all the members.

The lyrics portray youthful romance and a longing for freedom, singing of the glow of youth and the desire to break free from constraints.

It’s a song that teenage beginners who’ve just started band practice will likely want to try playing.

Released in 2014, this memorable first single is a must-check.

Help!The Beatles

The Beatles – The Beatles – Help! (Remastered 2015)

A legendary rock band whose music has influenced virtually every musician in the world: The Beatles.

This track features the quintessential Beatles blend of beautiful harmonies and a lively rhythm, making it a delight to listen to.

The fast tempo can make it feel challenging, but each part has few notes and the playing is simple, so it’s actually easy to cover.

However, while the techniques themselves are straightforward, if you don’t include the harmonies properly, it ends up sounding like a completely different song.

You’ll need to practice singing harmonies while playing your instrument.

Since many songs require harmonies, this is a perfect piece for beginner band members who will be tackling all kinds of songs from here on out.

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Hoshino Takashi

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It’s My LifeBon Jovi

Bon Jovi – It’s My Life (Official Music Video)

A song by Bon Jovi, a rock band with worldwide fame as one of America’s representative hard rock acts.

With its heavy arrangement and catchy melody, it became a global hit, and in Japan it’s a track you often hear on variety shows and the like.

The driving feel of the melody makes it seem fast, but the actual tempo isn’t that quick, so it’s approachable even for beginner band members.

The guitar solo is also short and not very note-dense, making it easy for novice guitarists to copy.

Simple yet famous worldwide, it’s a song that’s sure to get the crowd going if you play it live.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Girl friendAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Girlfriend (Official Video)

A song by Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne, whose debut album, released at the tender age of 17, sold around 20 million copies worldwide and has continued to be loved by listeners around the globe since that striking debut.

It’s a catchy, upbeat number that really gets crowds going live.

The drums feature many fills and have some challenging parts, but if you can’t quite manage them, it’s fine to simplify to match your skill level.

The guitar and bass don’t use difficult techniques, but if you’re comfortable, adding backing vocals while playing will bring you closer to the feel of the original.

With its moderate level of difficulty, it’s a great choice for beginner bands to take on.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Song 2Blur

Blur – Song 2 (Official Music Video)

This is a powerful work in which Blur—champions of British Britpop—pay homage to American grunge and indie rock.

The two-minute-plus track, driven by distorted guitars and improvisational melodies, carries an unmistakably ironic message toward the grunge scene.

Released separately from their 1997 album “Blur,” the song’s simple yet striking sound propelled it to No.

2 on the UK charts.

It was featured across numerous media, including as the theme for the official FIFA World Cup ’98 video game, and in commercials for Inter and Nike.

It’s a recommended pick for rock beginners as well, offering a punkish, exhilarating melody while letting you savor rock history from grunge to Britpop in a single track.