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

Smoke on the WaterDeep Purple

Deep Purple – Smoke On the Water (Official Music Video)

A song by Deep Purple, the British rock band known in Japan as a leading figure of Western hard rock.

It’s the track famous for its intro riff that just about everyone tried to copy when they first started playing guitar.

Overall, it’s a slow-tempo song with a bluesy feel, making it relatively easy for beginner bands to cover.

However, while the guitar solo doesn’t require advanced techniques, it features many loose phrases and runs long, so practice playing it in lockstep with the rhythm section’s beat.

Also, there are sudden bursts of snare drum rolls, so be careful not to tense up and lose the tempo.

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Hoshino Takashi

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With or Without YouU2

U2 – With Or Without You (U2 At The BBC)

The song that set U2 on the path to superstardom.

The album it’s on, The Joshua Tree, was hailed as a masterpiece from the moment it was released.

At first listen, the song may seem difficult to play, but if you strip away the intricate arrangement, it’s essentially structured for solo performance with vocals and guitar, so you can pick it up without too much practice.

photographWeezer

Weezer – Photograph

A song by Weezer, the American alternative rock band that drew attention as a catalyst for the power-pop boom and whose style has been described as “crybaby rock.” It’s an addictive number with catchy, pop-savvy melodies and a comfortable beat.

The arrangement is simple across all parts throughout the song, and because it’s short, it’s likely a piece that beginner band members can complete with ease.

However, maintaining the medium tempo can be challenging, so practice with a strong awareness of the beat to avoid rushing or dragging the rhythm.

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Hoshino Takashi

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We Will Rock YouQueen

Queen – We Will Rock You (Rock Montreal)

A track from the album “News of the World,” it has become one of Queen’s most well-known songs today as it’s used as a cheer song.

When performed by a band, it will likely be an uptempo version, but even then the chord progression is easy to play.

All Along the WatchtowerJimi Hendrix

The Jimi Hendrix Experience – All Along The Watchtower (Official Audio)

A Bob Dylan number that Jimi Hendrix boldly reinterpreted and turned into a classic.

The arrangement is unusually elaborate, yet it uses only a handful of chords.

It’s easy to play as a band, but how much you can build up the guitar solo in the interlude depends on practice.

SugarMaroon 5

Maroon 5 – Sugar (Official Music Video)

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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Viva la VidaColdplay

Coldplay – Viva La Vida (Official Video)

Released as a single from the album “A Beautiful Lie,” it was a rare hit in Japan for an alternative band like them.

The track features keyboards taking the place of an orchestra, and despite its flashy impression, it’s easy to play—making it suitable for beginners.