[Western Rock Edition] Recommended Practice Songs for Beginner Bands [2025]

Sweet Child O’ MineGuns N’ Roses

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

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.

You Really Got MeThe Kinks

The Kinks – You Really Got Me (Official Audio)

A signature song by The Kinks.

It was later covered by Van Halen, and in Japan it became even more widely known after being used in a commercial.

The key to this song is how earthy you can make it, so if you keep that in mind, it doesn’t require much technical skill to perform.

Brown SugerThe Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones – Brown Sugar (Live) – OFFICIAL

They’re a legendary band that has kept performing from the 1960s to the present day.

Even if their playing is unpolished, it has character and is widely embraced.

There are plenty of Rolling Stones live videos online, but Mick Jagger’s rock ’n’ roll swagger past his sixties is a must-see.

Are You Gonna Be My GirlJet

Jet – Are You Gonna Be My Girl (Official Music Video)

As a leading young band of the 2000s, the Australian rock band Jet released a 2003 hit that stands as an indie rock masterpiece, highlighted by its distinctive tambourine and bass.

Built on a brisk rhythm and melody, it’s a danceable number that brilliantly fuses elements of ’60s Motown with ’70s rock sounds.

Featured in Apple’s iPod commercials, the Hollywood film EuroTrip, and the TV show Scrubs, the track—alongside the album Get Born—gained widespread recognition.

Its appeal lies in its feel-good chord progression and playful lyrics.

With plenty of simple chord charts available, it’s ideal as a basic practice piece for guitar and bass.

The drums are a bit challenging, but great for rhythm training.

Rock And RollLed Zeppelin

Led Zeppelin – Rock and Roll HQ

This is one of Led Zeppelin’s signature songs, often cited as that of the most successful band in the world.

Each member is a top player on their instrument and highly respected by fellow artists.

There’s so much to learn from the band—from Robert Plant’s high-register vocals and Jimmy Page’s guitar work to John Bonham’s thunderous drumming.

Sugar, We’re Goin DownFall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy – Sugar, We’re Goin Down (Official Music Video)

A signature anthem of the 2000s pop-punk scene, this track was pivotal in launching American rock band Fall Out Boy to mainstream success.

Featuring a catchy melody and memorable riffs, it’s built on a simple chord progression, making it approachable even for players who aren’t fully confident in their technique.

Included on the album From Under the Cork Tree, the song reached No.

8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was also featured on the soundtrack of the film The Fog.

Having received 8× Platinum certification from the RIAA in November 2023, it has continued to be beloved by music fans for many years.

With guitar work centered on power chords and basic rhythmic patterns, it’s highly recommended as an introductory piece for band practice.

Love Me DoThe Beatles

The Beatles – Love me Do

It goes without saying that this is the Beatles’ debut number.

The chord progression is simple and the tempo is relatively slow, so this is probably the first song to practice.

Many of the early Beatles numbers are band-friendly for live performance, so it seems like a good way to expand your repertoire.