[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] (21–30)

Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses

Guns N’ Roses – Sweet Child O’ Mine (Official Music Video)

Sweet Child O' MineGuns N' Roses

This song is cool from the intro alone.

The vocals are high and the guitar solo is difficult, so it’s a bit of a stretch for beginners, but it’s guaranteed to go over great live.

Guns N’ Roses are a band that exemplifies rock not just in their music but in their fashion as well.

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I Don’t Whant To Miss A ThingAerosmith

Aerosmith – I Don’t Want to Miss a Thing (Official HD Video)

I Don't Whant To Miss A ThingAerosmith

Like Bon Jovi, they are one of the most successful bands.

I chose a well-known slow number that also became famous from the movie Armageddon.

They are also known for Walk This Way, which served as the original track for an early rap number.

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Are You Gonna Go My WayLenny Kravitz

Lenny Kravitz – Are You Gonna Go My Way (Official Music Video)

Are You Gonna Go My WayLenny Kravitz

Guided by an exhilarating guitar riff and bursting with a powerful performance, this 1993 single still captivates rock fans today.

Co-written by American artist Lenny Kravitz and guitarist Craig Ross, the track radiates a unique appeal while channeling influences from Jimi Hendrix and Prince.

It spent six consecutive weeks at No.

1 in Australia and was also used as the opening theme for the PlayStation 2 game Gran Turismo 3: A-spec.

With its simple yet catchy structure, it’s perfect for practicing basic guitar and drum rhythm patterns.

Its thrilling progression and groovy sound make it an ideal piece for fully experiencing the essence of band performance.

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LithiumNirvana

Nirvana – Lithium (Official Music Video)

LithiumNirvana

A track from the three-piece band Nirvana—often cited as the epitome of grunge—that brought their name to worldwide recognition on their second album, Nevermind.

The song unfolds with striking guitar and bass phrases, and because the tempo is slow and the parts themselves are simple, beginner band members can learn it easily.

The drum parts often feature patterns that feel a bounce, with snare and kick coming in on the off-beats, so it’s a bit different from a straightforward 8-beat.

However, if you practice steadily from an even slower tempo than the song itself and learn it securely, you can pick it up quickly.

Also, if you perform with a conscious emphasis on the dynamic contrast between the verses and the chorus, you can create a vibe closer to the original—so why not try playing it with that in mind?

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Hoshino Takashi

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Crazy Little Thing Called LoveQueen

Queen – Crazy Little Thing Called Love (Official Video)

Crazy Little Thing Called LoveQueen

Among Queen’s many complex numbers, I chose a relatively easy song.

Since it follows the basic progression in the key of D, I think it’s easy to play.

Even in Queen’s later live performances, this song was a staple that Freddie Mercury performed while playing the guitar.

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