[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] (11–20)

Help!The Beatles

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

Help!The Beatles

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

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

It’s My LifeBon Jovi

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Anarchy in the U.K.SEX PISTOLS

Sex Pistols – Anarchy In The UK

Anarchy in the U.K.SEX PISTOLS

The Sex Pistols, the British band known as a cornerstone of punk rock, released their debut single in November 1976—a work that laid bare a spirit of rebellion against the established music industry and social order.

Featuring fierce guitar riffs and Johnny Rotten’s distinctive vocals, the track is memorable for its simple three-chord structure that makes it easy for beginners to play, while still carrying a passionate message.

Released by EMI Records, it reached No.

38 on the UK Singles Chart.

It has since been covered by many artists and was included in the video game Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.

This is an ideal song for those who want to master basic band-playing techniques or practice their instruments while learning about the history of punk rock.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Song 2Blur

Blur – Song 2 (Official Music Video)

Song 2Blur

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.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

Bloody ValentineMachine Gun Kelly

Machine Gun Kelly – Bloody Valentine [Official Video]

Bloody ValentineMachine Gun Kelly

A lead single from Machine Gun Kelly, who hails from Houston, released in May 2020 from his album Tickets to My Downfall.

Listening to this song nostalgically brings back the pop-punk and emo sounds of the 2000s that so many of us grew up with.

The lyrics convey a pessimistic view of an unstable relationship, while also expressing a willingness to open up—if only for one special night.

The intimate, personal fantasies are striking as well.

Bloody Valentine portrays the conflict, frenzy, and pessimism of romance.

Even beginners can take on the rewarding guitar riffs and catchy melodic lines.

The drums—especially the chorus with sixteenth-note hi-hats—are tricky, but if it’s tough, you can fudge it with a standard pattern.

With its driving energy, this song will surely hype up a crowd at a school festival, even if they don’t already know it!

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem