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

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.

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.

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.

When You Were YoungThe Killers

The Killers – When You Were Young (Official Music Video)

Released in September 2006 by The Killers from Las Vegas, Nevada, this song marked a turning point in their musical direction.

It features a grand, expansive soundscape influenced by U2 and Bruce Springsteen, along with strikingly straightforward guitar riffs.

The lyrics, which depict the gap between youthful ideals and reality, carry a universal message that resonates with everyone.

It’s a track from the album Sam’s Town that reached No.

14 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

Included in the video games Guitar Hero III and Rock Band, it continues to be loved around the world.

Because the guitar and drum parts are simply structured, it’s recommended for those who want to learn the basics of a band sound.

It’s a song that lets you fully experience The Killers’ powerful signature sound.

A-PunkVampire Weekend

Vampire Weekend – A-Punk

An indie rock tune featuring tropical guitar sounds influenced by African music and a buoyant rhythm.

The lyrics, depicting a protagonist and their lover racing through the streets, weave in themes of urban life, adventurous spirit, and hope.

Included on American band Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut album released in February 2008, the track reached No.

25 on Billboard’s Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart.

It also gained further attention through its inclusion in the film Step Brothers and the game Guitar Hero 5.

With its simple chord progression and catchy melody, it’s great as a band practice piece.

Perfect for live house performances, it’s a song that can create a powerful sense of unity through energetic playing.

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.

To Be With YouMr. BIG

Mr. Big – To Be With You 4K Video

A rock band in which each member has outstanding technique, Mr.

Big’s song.

It’s an acoustic guitar–featured number that is both Mr.

Big’s biggest hit and a U.

S.

No.

1 single.

The guitar mainly consists of chord strumming and a solo that uses the chorus melody, but since neither involves difficult techniques, it’s easy to copy.

The drums are simple as they use only tambourine and kick drum; however, the fewer notes make it easier for the rhythm to waver, so caution is needed.

The bass part moves more to compensate for the sparsity in the other parts, but since it doesn’t use difficult techniques, play it calmly.