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

Jonny B GoodeChuck Berry

Chuck Berry – Johnny B. Goode [HQ]

A song by Chuck Berry, one of the founders of rock and roll—now a global standard—and a guitarist hailed as a legend of the rock world.

It’s a number whose catchy, classic guitar parts epitomize rock and roll and stick in your head.

Because of its driving phrases, it’s not something anyone can instantly play, but it’s packed with a guitarist’s fundamentals, so it’s a piece beginners should definitely aim to learn.

It’s also famous for being used in the film Back to the Future, making it a sure-fire crowd-pleaser when performed live.

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Hoshino Takashi

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CrossroadsCream

Cream – Crossroads (Live)

This is the band that featured the guitar god Eric Clapton.

The song is a cover of a blues number by Robert Johnson, who influenced many rock musicians.

It’s a basic blues-based rock arrangement and makes for great practice.

20th Century BoyT-REX

T.Rex 20th Century Boy

A song by T.

Rex, a British rock band that rose to popularity as a leading figure of glam rock and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2020.

In Japan, it was used as the theme song for the film “Authentic Adventure Science Film 20th Century Boys,” and it’s also frequently heard in commercials.

The guitar riff in the intro—arguably the face of the song—actually uses only two notes, with expression added through strumming, making it easy for beginner guitarists to copy.

There are no difficult techniques used throughout the song, and the tempo is relaxed, so it’s also recommended for beginner band members.

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Hoshino Takashi

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My GenerationThe Who

The Who – My Generation

It’s probably the best-known song by The Who among Japanese people.

In the UK it became a major hit, climbing as high as No.

2 at the time.

The song has a very simple structure; there is a key change partway through, but you can ignore it and it still works, so it’s suitable for beginners to play.

Just note that the drums require stamina.

JumpVan Halen

Van Halen – Jump (Official Music Video) [HD]

Guitarist Edward Van Halen is regarded as a revolutionary among guitarists for his extensive use of the right-hand technique (tapping).

The band is also a monster act whose debut album instantly earned a Platinum Disc.

Daydream BliverThe Monkees

The Monkees – Daydream Believer (Official Music Video)

These days, it’s a song well known as a major convenience store’s commercial jingle and as in-store background music.

It’s a standard number that has also been covered in Japanese.

Its chord progression is simple and the melody is tuneful, so it should be just right for someone doing their first cover.

I Fought The LawThe Clash

The Clash – I Fought the Law (Official Video)

It’s a number that’s well-known from TV and elsewhere.

Punk rock has simple progressions and sounds flashy, so it’s perfect for pulling off a cool performance even if you’re not used to playing.

Other famous songs by The Clash include ‘London Calling.’