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

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.

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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.

Last NiteThe Strokes

The Strokes – Last Nite (Official HD Video)

Known as pioneers of the early-2000s garage rock revival, the American rock band The Strokes released this track from their debut album, Is This It, which is characterized by its simple yet powerful guitar riff and energetic sound.

The opening riff—said to be inspired by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers—helped the song become one of the band’s signature hits.

Released by RCA Records, it achieved commercial success, peaking at No.

14 on the UK Singles Chart and earning a platinum certification.

In 2002, they also appeared on MTV’s live program $2 Bill, which significantly boosted The Strokes’ profile.

Its straightforward structure and catchy melody make it an ideal piece for band practice and easy to break into sections.

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.

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.

ComplicatedAvril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne – Complicated (Official Video)

She is a Canadian-born female artist who has achieved global success.

Her debut album, Let Go, which includes this song, was nominated for eight categories at the Grammy Awards.

In recent years, she has also been featured on an album by the Japanese band ONE OK ROCK.

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.