How to Start a Band as a Beginner — A Complete Guide for Adults Starting a Band

"I can't play an instrument, but I want to be in a band"—that feeling is everything.

Have you ever seen a band playing loudly in a live music venue and thought, "I want to stand on that stage too"? Or have you seen a video of a band playing on YouTube and thought, "I want to try that too"? But the next moment, you give up, thinking, "But I can't play an instrument..."

Hold on a second. More than half of the band members had no prior experience playing instruments.

I moved to Tokyo in my twenties and started a band based at Mandara in Kichijoji. I also frequented UZU in Fussa and met countless bandmates. Having been in this world for over 30 years, I can say with certainty that being able to "play" an instrument isn't a prerequisite for starting a band. The desire to "do it" is 100 times more important.

Among my current bandmates, there are people who started playing guitar in their 30s, someone who discovered drums in their 40s, and someone who picked up bass in their 50s. All of them were beginners at first. But now they're all performing confidently on stage.

This article is a complete guide for anyone who's thinking, "I want to do it, but can I really do it...?" It covers everything from choosing an instrument and finding bandmates to preparing for your first studio practice.

3 reasons why you can join a band even if you have no prior experience playing an instrument

You might think that all bands are "no beginners allowed." Actually, that's not true.

Reason 1: There are more bands that welcome beginners than you might think.

When you look at band recruitment posts, you'll find that a surprising number of bands include phrases like "Beginners Welcome" or "No Experience Necessary." The reason is simple: it's difficult to find members if you only want experienced musicians . Drummers and bassists, in particular, are chronically in short supply . Many bands are happy to welcome enthusiastic beginners.

Reason 2: Nobody is good at it from the start.

Even professional musicians were beginners at first. When Tomoyasu Hotei started BOOWY, he only had about three years of guitar experience. What matters isn't your current skill level, but how seriously you're going to dedicate yourself to it from now on .

Reason 3: You grow the fastest within a band.

You'll improve much faster by playing in a band than by practicing alone. That's because you can only learn things like "tempo," "volume balance," and "groove" in a band, things you can't notice when practicing alone. The correct approach isn't "get good and then join a band," but rather "get good by joining a band."

Which instrument should I start with? — Beginner recommendations by instrument

When you want to start a band, the first hurdle you face is deciding "what instrument to play." This article honestly describes the characteristics of each instrument and recommends them for beginners.

Vocals — Recommended ★★★★★

You don't need to buy an instrument. You can practice anywhere (karaoke is fine). The easiest way to start a band is as a vocalist. If you can't play an instrument but love karaoke, starting as a vocalist is highly recommended.

• Initial costs : Almost zero (microphones are already in the studio)
• Practice locations : Karaoke, home, car
• Demand : High. There are always opportunities to recruit vocalists.
• Note : While pitch and rhythm can be improved with practice, choosing songs that suit your voice is crucial.

Bass — Recommended ★★★★☆

It might surprise you, but the bass is the best instrument for beginners . There are three reasons for this: It only has four strings, so there's not much to learn. You can play basic band music just by playing the root notes (the basic notes of a chord). And because there's a huge shortage of bassists in the band scene , there are tons of opportunities for band members.

• Initial cost : 30,000 to 50,000 yen (beginner set)
• Practice location : Home is OK (no noise if headphones are used)
• Demand : Very high. "Bassist wanted" is everywhere.
• Basic Playing Level : 2-3 months of root note practice will allow you to play in a band.

Guitar — Recommendation ★★★☆☆

The guitar is the most popular instrument in a band, which means the competition is fierce . Many people want to play guitar, but there are relatively few openings. However, even beginners can reach a band-ready level surprisingly quickly if they start with chord playing.

• Initial cost : 30,000 to 50,000 yen (beginner set)
• Practice location : Electric guitar can be practiced at home with headphones; acoustic guitar requires attention to volume.
• Demand : Moderate. There is an oversupply of guitarists, but a shortage of lead guitarists.
• To reach a basic level of playing ability : 3-6 months (3 months if focusing on chord playing)

Drums — Recommendation ★★★☆☆

The heart of a band. Demand is the highest, and there is a serious shortage of drummers . Beginner drummers are often welcomed. However, the downside is that practicing at home is difficult (an electronic drum set or practice pad is necessary).

• Initial costs : Sticks ¥2,000 + Practice pad ¥3,000 (minimum)
• Practice location : Individual practice at a studio (500-1000 yen per hour) or electronic drums
• Demand : Extremely high. Drummers are in high demand.
• Basic playing ability : 2-3 months (you can play along if you can do 8-beat rhythms)

Keyboard — Recommended ★★★☆☆

If you have piano experience, you'll be an immediate asset. Even without experience, you can learn to play chords relatively quickly. Adding a keyboard to a band adds depth to the sound, so it's often welcomed.

• Initial cost : 30,000 to 80,000 yen (stage piano or synthesizer)
• Practice location : Home is OK (headphones required)
• Demand : High. The number of bands featuring keyboards is increasing.
• Basic playing ability : Immediately for those with piano experience. 3-6 months for those with no experience.

My recommendation: If you're unsure, start with bass or vocals. They're in high demand and it's easier to get into a band. Even if you're thinking, "I really want to play guitar, but...", it's perfectly fine to gain band experience as a bassist or vocalist first and then switch to guitar later.

Estimated practice period before joining a band

"How much practice do I need to do to join a band?" — This is the most frequently asked question. I'll answer honestly.

The important thing is not to wait until you can play perfectly . Jump into a band when you're about 70% ready. You'll learn the remaining 30% within the band. From what I've seen, the vast majority of people who keep saying, "I'll wait until I'm a little better..." end up never joining a band.

Spring is the perfect season to start something new . It's best to act as soon as you have an idea.

How to find band members — How to find a band that welcomes beginners

After practicing your instrument a bit, the next step is finding bandmates. Here are a few ways for beginners to find bandmates.

Method 1: Search for "Beginners Welcome" on member recruitment websites.

The most reliable and efficient method is to search on member recruitment websites using filters such as "beginners welcome" and "no experience necessary." Membo is multilingual and allows you to narrow down your search by area and genre.

Key points for beginners applying:

• Honestly write "I'm a beginner" —trying to hide it will be obvious once you get along. It's easier for everyone if you're honest from the start.
• "I practice every day," he said, showing his enthusiasm —passion is more important than skill.
• Write down your favorite artists and songs specifically —this will help determine if your musical tastes are similar.

Method 2: Band course at a music school

This is a win-win situation: you can learn an instrument while also gaining band experience. Having a teacher provides a sense of security. However, there is a separate monthly fee (around 10,000-20,000 yen).

Method 3: Session Bar Jam Session

Session bars are places where strangers can improvise together. Many of them also host "beginner sessions" for those new to music. When I restarted playing in a band in my 50s, I started at a session bar. It's nerve-wracking, but many of the people I met there were true music lovers.

Method 4: Social media/video posting

A way to find fellow musicians by posting videos of your performances on X or Instagram. Even beginners can find like-minded people by posting them as "practice records."

In my experience, the easiest way for beginners to find members is through a combination of "member recruitment websites + session bars." Approaching from both online and offline angles significantly increases your chances of finding someone. If you want to play with foreigners, please also refer to this article .

First Studio Practice — Preparation and Tips

Once the band is formed, it's time for studio practice. Everyone gets nervous during their first studio session. But don't worry, everyone goes through this.

Things to bring

• Your own instrument (if you're singing, having your own microphone is better, but if not, there will be one at the studio)
• Shielded cable (a cable for connecting guitars and basses. Studios have them too, but it's safer to have your own.)
• Tuner (smartphone app is also acceptable)
• Earplugs : Beginners often overlook this, but it's extremely important. Damaging your hearing from the loud volume of a studio is irreversible. Make sure you have a pair of music-specific earplugs for live performances (2,000-3,000 yen).
• Lyric sheet and chord chart (smartphone or paper)
• drink

Studio etiquette

• Punctuality is key : Be in the lobby 5 minutes before the show. Being late is the number one way to destroy trust within a band.
• Don't turn the volume up too high : Beginners tend to turn the volume up too high out of nervousness. Adjust the volume so that you can hear the other members.
• Don't pretend to know everything : Ask honestly when you don't understand something. There's nothing to be ashamed of in saying, "How do you do that?"
• Individual tuning before playing together : If the tuning is off, the whole thing will sound messy.

Initial mindset

For your first practice session, don't worry about playing perfectly. Just focus on these three things: "make a sound," "keep to the rhythm," and "listen to the sounds around you." Don't stop if you make a mistake. Just play along with the others until the end. That alone will make for a great band practice session.

5 common mistakes beginners make and how to avoid them

Having been in a band for 30 years, I've seen countless patterns that beginner members tend to fall into. To prevent you from making the same mistakes, I'll tell you in advance.

Failure 1: Starting with difficult songs.

"I want to play X JAPAN's 'Kurenai'!" — I understand the feeling. But if a beginner band tries to tackle a difficult song right away, no one will be able to play it properly and they'll get discouraged. It's 100 times more fun to start by perfecting an easy song. I recommend bands like Cherishing Sparkle, Mongol800, and MONGOL800.

Failure 2: Skipping individual practice

"I'll just practice it during band rehearsal"—this is a nuisance to the other members. Two hours in the studio is expensive. Do what you can practice individually at home. At the very least, run through the song the day before studio rehearsal.

Failure #3: Not listening to what other members are saying.

Beginners are often so focused on their own instrument that they don't hear the other members. They need to synchronize with the drummer's kick (bass drum). The bass should blend seamlessly with the drums. The guitar shouldn't interfere with the vocals. The essence of a band is "everyone creating one sound together."

Failure 4: Spending too much money on equipment

Some people buy a 100,000 yen guitar and a 50,000 yen effects pedal before even starting. If they don't stick with it, it's all a waste. A beginner's set costing 30,000 to 50,000 yen is enough to start with. You can buy better equipment once you get better. If you tell the music store staff you're a beginner, they'll recommend something just right for you.

Failure #5: Giving up too quickly by thinking "I'm not suited for this."

Some people quit after three months, saying they "don't have the talent." Don't judge after three months. You'll understand the joy of playing an instrument after six months. You'll understand the true joy of being in a band after a year. The best view awaits you beyond overcoming that initial hurdle.

Personal Stories: Stories of Friends Who Started Playing an Instrument from Scratch

In my more than 30 years of playing in bands, I've met many bandmates who started with no prior experience playing instruments. I'd like to introduce a few of them.

A salaryman who started playing bass at the age of 35

His catchphrase was, "I wish I had been in a band when I was a student." He applied to my band saying, "I'm a beginner, but please let me play bass." At our first studio session, he was barely able to play the root note in an 8-beat rhythm. But he practiced for 30 minutes every day without fail, and after three months, he could play songs all the way through properly. Six months later, he was standing on stage with confidence. Now he says, "My life would have been boring without the band."

A college student who started playing drums because she "wanted to play songs by her favorite band."

I started playing drums because I wanted to copy songs by my favorite bands. I bought a practice pad and taught myself by watching YouTube videos. After two months, I started going to studios for individual practice, and there I formed a band with members I met. I was welcomed because "drummers are valuable." Six months later, I was performing at a live music venue.

People in their 50s who started playing guitar as a hobby after retirement.

This guy was interesting. He started playing guitar strategically, thinking, "I have 10 years until retirement. If I can learn to play by then, I'll be immersed in band activities after retirement." He applied to a band recruiting members for a social band, writing "I'm still practicing." He found a band that accepted him, saying, "If you're motivated." Now he's enjoying a fulfilling life as a weekend band member.

What they all have in common is that none of them waited until they were "perfect." They jumped in while still imperfect and grew within the band. That's the shortest path to success.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q. What should a beginner band start with?

First, gather the members and choose one simple cover song. Recommended songs are those that can be played with 3-4 chords, such as MONGOL800's "Chiisana Koi no Uta" or Spitz's "Cherry." Practice individually for 2-3 months, then try playing together in a studio. It's perfectly normal not to be in sync at first. Also, consider how to choose a studio .

Q. How do you find band members?

The easiest way to find a band is through Membo's member recruitment page, where you can search for bands that welcome beginners. You can narrow your search by region, genre, and instrument. It's also a good idea to use multiple channels simultaneously, such as events at music stores, bulletin boards at practice studios , fellow music school members, and band member recruitment communities on social media. For more details, see our guide on finding band members .

Q. Can I join a band even if I have no experience playing an instrument?

You can join. There are more bands that welcome beginners than you might imagine. Drummers and bassists, in particular, are chronically in short supply , so if you're motivated, you'll often be welcomed even with zero experience. It's better to get better after joining a band than to become skilled first and then join a band.

Q. How often should a beginner band practice?

A good guideline is 2-4 times a month. For a band of working adults , 2 times a month is sufficient. The important thing is to practice individually thoroughly before going into the studio. With 30 minutes of individual practice every day + 2 studio sessions a month, you should be able to play live in six months. Be sure to check the costs of band activities in advance.

Q. What instrument would you recommend for a beginner?

The bass guitar is the most recommended instrument. The reasons are: ① It's easy to learn because it only has four strings, ② It's in high demand in bands ( bassists are in short supply and welcomed), and ③ The initial cost is low (beginner sets cost 20,000 to 30,000 yen). If you're a vocalist, you don't need to buy an instrument, making it even easier.

Summary: Take the first step today.

This article summarizes what you need to know to join a band if you have no prior experience playing an instrument.

1. Choosing an instrument : If you're unsure, go for bass or vocals. They're in high demand and make it easier to join a band.
2. Practice for 2-3 months : 30 minutes a day is enough. Don't aim for perfection.
3. Finding members : Find "beginner-friendly" bands on Membo
4. Jump into the studio : It's okay to make mistakes. Make some noise. Listen to your surroundings.
5. Continue : You'll understand the fun in six months. Your world will change in one year.

Even now in my 60s, I'm still in a band. I want to spend the rest of my life playing in sessions and bands where people can connect through music, regardless of nationality, gender, or age—that feeling hasn't changed since I was in my 20s.

If I hadn't taken that leap of faith back then, driven solely by the desire to try something even though I couldn't play an instrument, I wouldn't be where I am today. That's why I say this: "Not being able to play" is no excuse for not starting.

Today, check out a music store. Look for band member recruitment ads on Membo . Search for a nearby jam bar.

From the moment you take your first step, you're already a band member.

Looking for band members? Find them on Membo ! Beginners are welcome.