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

Here It Goes AgainOK Go

OK Go – Here It Goes Again (Official Music Video)

This is a superb rock number released in 2005 by OK Go, a band based in Chicago, from their album Oh No.

Its simple chord progression, catchy melody, and comfortable rhythmic patterns make it perfect practice material for guitar, bass, and drums.

Oh No is the band’s second album, an ambitious work recorded in Europe.

The track has been featured in numerous music games such as SSX on Tour, Rock Band, and Guitar Hero 5, earning support from music fans around the world.

It’s a classic packed with the fundamentals of instrumental performance, recommended for those looking to gain experience playing in a band.

The music video’s originality also drew attention, winning the Grammy Award for Best Short Form Music Video in 2007.

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.

Knockin’ on Heaven’s DoorBob Dylan

Bob Dylan – Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door (Official HD Video)

A song Dylan made for the film “Pat Garrett & Billy the Kid.” He himself appears in it as an actor, which is rare.

As is often the case with Dylan’s songs, the structure is simple.

You can imitate the performance, but it’s a song that relies on the vocals, so copying it takes a good sense of style.

Rock Around the ClockBill Haley & His Comets

Rock Around the Clock-Bill Haley-original song-1955

One of the classic songs from the dawn of rock.

It became even more famous after being used in the title sequence of the film American Graffiti.

Since it’s a straightforward rock ’n’ roll number, capturing the groove matters more than technical prowess.

If the band members are in sync, even beginners can deliver a great performance.

Walk on the Wild SideLou Reed

Lou Reed – Walk on the Wild Side (Official Audio)

This is probably the best-known of Lou Reed’s songs from his solo career.

It was produced by David Bowie.

It uses four chords, and the performance merely supports the vocal; it’s a number that works if the vocalist has enough charisma.

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.

Take It EasyThe Eagles

Eagles – Take It Easy (Live on MTV 1994) (Official Video) [HD]

Hotel California is world-famous, but since its long runtime and complex lyrics make it challenging for beginners, I chose this one instead.

The Eagles are also known for their drummer, Don Henley, handling vocals and songwriting.

There aren’t many examples where the drums are at the center of a band.