Ever been to a band’s show and thought, “Wow, they nailed that cover!”? Covering rock songs is a rite of passage for many bands. It’s a fun way to connect with an audience and show off your skills. But, finding the perfect songs to cover can be tricky. What if your band picks a song that’s too hard? Or maybe no one in the crowd knows the song? These are common problems for bands just starting out or looking to refresh their setlist. It can be a real headache!
Choosing the right cover songs can make or break your band’s performance. It’s about finding songs that fit your band’s style and get the crowd pumped up. You want songs that are fun to play, sound great, and keep the audience entertained. We’ll help you avoid those cover song pitfalls.
In this post, we’ll explore some awesome rock songs perfect for bands to cover. You’ll discover a diverse list of songs. Get ready to find some new tunes to add to your setlist and take your band to the next level. Let’s dive in and find some killer covers!
Our Top 5 Rock Songs To Cover As A Band Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Rock Songs To Cover As A Band Detailed Reviews
1. Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Early Rock to the Late ’60s (Easy Guitar TAB)
Rating: 8.5/10
Dive into the golden age of rock and roll with “Selections from Rolling Stone Magazine’s 500 Greatest Songs of All Time: Early Rock to the Late ’60s (Easy Guitar TAB)!” This book is a fantastic resource for guitar players of all levels. It features over sixty classic songs from the years 1954 to 1960. Get ready to play your favorite hits! The book includes easy guitar TAB, lyrics, and standard notation. It’s a whopping 256 pages of rock and roll fun!
What We Like:
- The book has more than sixty popular songs.
- It uses easy guitar TAB. Beginners can learn quickly.
- The lyrics are included. You can sing along!
- Standard notation is also there.
- It’s a big book with 256 pages.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some songs might be simplified. Advanced players might want more complex arrangements.
- The book only covers songs from a specific time period.
This book is a must-have for any beginner guitar player who loves classic rock. Get ready to learn some of the greatest songs ever written!
2. First 50 Classic Rock Songs You Should Play on Piano – Easy Piano Songbook
Rating: 8.8/10
Are you ready to rock on the piano? The “First 50 Classic Rock Songs You Should Play on Piano” songbook is here! This book from Hal Leonard gives you easy piano arrangements of famous rock songs. It’s perfect for beginners and players who are getting better. The book includes chords and lyrics. Get ready to play your favorite rock hits!
What We Like:
- The arrangements are easy to learn.
- You get a lot of songs! There are 50 classic rock hits.
- Chords and lyrics are included. This helps you sing along.
- It’s good for both beginners and intermediate players.
- The book is 242 pages long.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some songs may be too simple for advanced players.
- The easy piano arrangements may not sound exactly like the originals.
This songbook is a fun way to learn classic rock songs on the piano. It’s a great resource for anyone who loves rock music and wants to play it!
3. VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Rock and Roll (Easy Piano)
Rating: 9.0/10
Are you a beginner piano player who loves rock and roll? This book is for you! This used copy of “VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Rock and Roll (Easy Piano)” lets you play your favorite rock anthems. The book includes simplified piano arrangements of famous songs. It’s a great way to learn and have fun. This copy is in good condition, which means it should be ready to play right away.
What We Like:
- The book offers a great selection of classic rock songs.
- Easy piano arrangements are perfect for beginners.
- It is a used book, so it’s likely available at a lower price.
- The book is in good condition.
What Could Be Improved:
- The arrangements are simplified, so experienced players might find them too basic.
- It’s a used book, so there could be some wear and tear.
If you want to learn rock and roll on the piano, this book is a good start. It’s an affordable way to learn some of your favorite songs!
4. Rock Songs for Kids
Rating: 9.0/10
Get ready to rock with “Rock Songs for Kids”! This songbook is designed for young piano players. It features easy-to-play arrangements of popular rock songs. With 112 pages, there are lots of tunes to learn. The book is specifically for piano or keyboard players. It is a fun way for kids to learn their favorite songs.
What We Like:
- The arrangements are simple. Kids can learn the songs quickly.
- It has a wide selection of popular rock songs.
- The book is specifically made for piano.
- There are a lot of songs in the book with 112 pages.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some songs might be too easy for advanced players.
- The book focuses only on piano/keyboard.
Overall, “Rock Songs for Kids” is a great tool. It is perfect for young pianists who love rock music. It will help them develop their musical skills while having fun.
5. VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Rock and Roll – Easy Guitar Songbook
Rating: 8.8/10
Learn to play your favorite rock anthems with the VH1’s 100 Greatest Songs of Rock and Roll – Easy Guitar Songbook! This book gives you the notes and tab for awesome classic hits. It is perfect for beginner rock guitar players. The songs are arranged by their ranking on the VH1 list. Artists are also listed. You can learn songs like “All Along the Watchtower,” “American Pie,” “Blowin’ in the Wind,” “Born to Run,” and “California Dreamin’.” Get ready to rock out!
What We Like:
- The book includes many famous songs.
- The songs are arranged in order from the VH1 list.
- It has easy-to-read notes and guitar tabs.
- It is good for beginner guitar players.
- You can learn songs by many different artists.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some songs might be too hard for absolute beginners.
- It may not include every single song from the VH1 list.
This songbook is a fun way to learn classic rock songs. It is a good choice for anyone who wants to play guitar.
Rock Songs to Cover: A Band’s Guide to Choosing the Right Tunes
So, your band wants to cover some awesome rock songs? That’s great! Choosing the right songs can make your gigs amazing. But, picking the wrong ones can be a disaster. This guide helps you find the best rock songs to cover.
Key Features to Look For
When choosing rock songs, think about these things:
- Your Band’s Style: What kind of rock does your band play? Are you heavy metal, classic rock, pop-punk, or something else? Pick songs that fit your sound.
- Your Band’s Skill Level: Don’t pick songs that are too hard! Choose songs your band can play well. Practice makes perfect, but start with easier songs.
- The Crowd’s Taste: What kind of music do your fans enjoy? Pick songs people will want to hear and sing along to.
- Song Structure: Look for songs with good structure. This means the song has a clear intro, verses, chorus, and a bridge. This makes the song easier to learn and play.
- Availability of Resources: Can you find the sheet music, tabs, or backing tracks? Having these resources will help you learn the songs faster.
Important Materials
You don’t need special materials to pick rock songs to cover. But having some things on hand is helpful:
- Good Internet Connection: You’ll use the internet to find songs, lyrics, and videos.
- Music Streaming Services: Use Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube Music to listen to songs. This lets you hear the songs before you learn them.
- Lyric Websites: Websites like Genius or AZLyrics are helpful. They help you find the lyrics to songs.
- Tab Websites: Websites like Ultimate-Guitar are great. They offer guitar tabs and chords.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things affect how well a song works as a cover:
- Originality: Try to put your own spin on the song. Don’t just copy the original. Make it sound like your band.
- Song Choice: Choose songs that have a good melody and are fun to play. If the song is boring, people won’t enjoy it.
- Arrangement: Change the song’s arrangement to fit your band. Maybe add a different guitar solo or change the tempo.
- Practice: The more you practice, the better you’ll sound. Make sure everyone knows their parts.
- Performance: Put on a good show! Have fun and make the audience feel the music. A great performance makes any cover song better.
- Instrumentation: Ensure your band’s instruments match the song. If the original song has a keyboard, and you don’t have one, find a way to recreate that sound.
User Experience and Use Cases
Learning and playing cover songs is fun! Here are some ways you can use this guide:
- Finding Inspiration: This guide helps you think about what songs to cover.
- Choosing the Right Songs: Use the tips to pick songs that fit your band.
- Improving Your Performance: Remember to practice and put on a good show!
- Building Your Setlist: Choose a mix of fast and slow songs. That will keep the crowd entertained.
- Learning New Music: Cover songs are a great way to learn about different genres.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my band is just starting out?
A: Start with easy songs. Choose songs with simple chords and rhythms. Build up your skills gradually.
Q: Should we cover songs that are popular right now?
A: Yes, but also consider older songs. Popular songs can attract more people. Classic songs are always a safe bet.
Q: How do I find the chords and tabs for a song?
A: Use websites like Ultimate-Guitar. You can also search on YouTube for tutorials.
Q: What if the original song has a part my band can’t play?
A: Change the part! Adapt the song to fit your band’s strengths. Don’t be afraid to be creative.
Q: How do we make a cover song sound unique?
A: Add your own style! Change the tempo, add a guitar solo, or change the arrangement. Make it your own.
Q: How many songs should we cover at a gig?
A: It depends. Most bands play a mix of covers and original songs. Aim for a setlist that’s around 45 minutes to an hour long.
Q: What if the original artist is still playing the song?
A: It’s okay to cover their songs. Just make sure your version is good and you’re not trying to copy them exactly.
Q: What if we don’t have a singer?
A: Find a singer! If you can’t find a singer, try instrumental rock songs.
Q: How do we get feedback on our covers?
A: Record your rehearsals and listen back. Ask friends and family for their opinions. Play your covers live and see how the audience reacts.
Q: Where can we find inspiration for choosing songs?
A: Listen to different rock genres. Go to live shows. Talk to other musicians. Think about the music you love.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
Hi, I’m Hector Quintanilla, the creator of helmetslab.com.. As a passionate enthusiast and experienced expert in helmets, I’ve dedicated this platform to sharing my insights, knowledge, and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re seeking the best helmet for safety, comfort, or performance, my goal is to guide you with detailed reviews, tips, and advice. Ride safe, and let’s explore the world of helmets together!