"I can't play instruments, but I want to be in a band" — That feeling is everything

People who've watched bands performing in the thunderous sound of live houses and thought, "I want to be up there too." People who've watched band performance videos on YouTube and felt, "I want to try that myself." But the next moment, you give up thinking, "But I can't play any instruments..."

Hold on. More than half of all band members started with zero musical experience.

I moved to Tokyo in my twenties and started doing bands based out of Mandala in Kichijoji. I also frequented UZU in Fussa and met countless band mates over the years. Having been in this scene for over 30 years, I can say with certainty — being able to "play" isn't a prerequisite for starting a band. The desire to "do it" is 100 times more important.

Among my current band mates, there's someone who started guitar in their 30s, someone who discovered drums in their 40s, and someone who picked up bass in their 50s. Everyone was a beginner at first. But now they all perform confidently on stage.

This article is a complete guide for those thinking "I want to do it, but can I...?" I'll cover everything from choosing instruments to finding band mates to preparing for your first studio practice.

3 Reasons Why You Can Join a Band Even Without Musical Experience

Do you think all bands are "beginners not welcome"? Actually, that's not the case at all.

Reason 1: There are way more "beginners welcome" bands than you'd imagine

Looking at member recruitment posts, you'll find quite a lot of bands that say "beginners welcome" or "no experience OK." The reason is simple: if you try to form a band with only experienced players, it's hard to gather members. Especially drummers and bassists are chronically in short supply. Many bands are more than happy to welcome motivated beginners.

Reason 2: Nobody starts out skilled

Even professional musicians were beginners once. Hotei Tomoyasu was only about "3 years into guitar" when BOOWY started. What matters isn't your current skill level, but how seriously you'll approach it from now on.

Reason 3: Growing within a band is the fastest way to improve

You'll improve far faster playing with a band than practicing alone. That's because "tempo sense," "volume balance," and "groove" — things you can't notice when practicing alone — can only be learned in a band setting. The right approach isn't "get good then join a band" but "join a band to get good."

Which Instrument to Start With? — Beginner Recommendation by Part

When you decide you want to start a band, the first hurdle is "what instrument to play." I'll honestly break down the characteristics and recommendation level for beginners for each one.

Vocals — Recommendation ★★★★★

No need to buy an instrument. You can practice anywhere (karaoke is fine). Vocals has the lowest barrier to entry for starting a band. If you're someone who "can't play instruments but likes karaoke," I recommend starting with vocals.

• Initial cost: Almost zero (studios have mics)
• Practice location: Karaoke, home, inside your car
• Demand: High. Vocalist recruitment is constant
• Note: While pitch and rhythm can be improved with practice, choosing songs that match your voice type is important

Bass — Recommendation ★★★★☆

This might surprise you, but bass is the most recommended instrument for beginners. Three reasons: only 4 strings means less to memorize. You can handle minimum band performance with root playing (just playing the basic note of chords). And since there's an overwhelming shortage in the band scene, there are tons of recruitment opportunities.

• Initial cost: 30,000-50,000 yen (starter set)
• Practice location: Home OK (no noise with headphones)
• Demand: Very high. "Bass wanted" ads are everywhere
• Time to minimum performance: 2-3 months of root playing practice enables band sessions

Guitar — Recommendation ★★★☆☆

The most popular instrument in bands. Which means high competition. Many people want to play guitar, but recruitment is relatively scarce. However, if you start with chord playing, even beginners can reach a band-ready level surprisingly quickly.

• Initial cost: 30,000-50,000 yen (starter set)
• Practice location: Electric guitars OK at home with headphones, acoustic guitars need volume consideration
• Demand: Medium. Guitarists are oversaturated, but lead guitarists are scarce
• Time to minimum performance: 3-6 months (3 months if focusing on chord playing)

Drums — Recommendation ★★★☆☆

The heart of the band. Demand is highest, and the drummer shortage is severe. Even beginner drummers are often welcomed. However, the downside is that home practice is difficult (you need electronic drums or practice pads).

• Initial cost: Sticks 2,000 yen + practice pad 3,000 yen (minimum)
• Practice location: Studio individual practice (500-1,000 yen per hour) or electronic drums
• Demand: Highest. Drummers are in high demand
• Time to minimum performance: 2-3 months (once you can play 8-beat, you can join sessions)

Keyboard — Recommendation ★★★☆☆

If you have piano experience, you're immediately useful. Even without experience, chord playing can be learned relatively quickly. When keyboards are added to bands, it adds depth to the sound, so they're often welcomed.

• Initial cost: 30,000-80,000 yen (stage piano or synthesizer)
• Practice location: Home OK (with headphones)
• Demand: High. More bands are including keyboards
• Time to minimum performance: Immediate for piano players. 3-6 months for beginners

My recommendation: If you're unsure, start with bass or vocals. High demand makes it easy to join bands. Even people thinking "I really want to play guitar but..." can totally start with bass or vocals to gain band experience, then switch to guitar later.

Practice Period Guidelines Before Joining a Band

"How much practice before I can join a band?" — This is the most common question I get. I'll answer honestly.

Part	Minimum Timeline	What You'll Be Able to Do
Vocals	1 month~	Sing 3-4 songs while reading lyrics
Bass	2-3 months	Play through 3-4 songs with root playing
Guitar	3-6 months	Basic chords (C/G/D/Em/Am) at sing-along level
Drums	2-3 months	Play 3-4 songs with 8-beat + fill-ins
Keyboard	3-6 months	Play through songs with chord playing (left hand bass + right hand chords)

The important thing is don't wait for "perfect" before jumping in. Jump into a band at 70% completion. The remaining 30% will develop within the band. From what I've seen, far more people never join bands because they keep saying "just a little more practice..."

Spring is the perfect season to start something new. Acting immediately when you get the idea is best.

Finding Band Members — How to Find Beginner-Friendly Bands

After practicing your instrument a bit, next comes finding members. Let me introduce several ways beginners can find teammates.

Method 1: Search for "beginners welcome" on member recruitment sites

The most reliable and efficient method. Use filters for "beginners welcome" and "no experience OK" on member recruitment sites. Membo offers multilingual support and lets you narrow down by area and genre.

Tips for beginners when applying:

• Write "I'm a beginner" honestly — Hiding it will be obvious when you play together. Being upfront from the start is easier for everyone
• Show enthusiasm with "I practice every day" — Passion matters more than skill level
• Write specific favorite artists and songs — Musical compatibility becomes a deciding factor

Method 2: Music school band courses

A two-birds-one-stone approach where you learn instruments while gaining band experience. Having a teacher provides peace of mind. However, additional tuition fees apply (around 10,000-20,000 yen per month).

Method 3: Session bars and jam sessions

Session bars where strangers play improvised music together. Many venues hold "beginner sessions" specifically for newcomers. When I restarted bands in my 50s, I began at session bars. It's nerve-wracking, but the people you meet there are genuine music lovers.

Method 4: Social media and video posts

Post your performance videos on X or Instagram to recruit members. Even beginners can attract like-minded people by posting "practice records."

From my experience, the easiest way for beginners to find members is the combination of "member recruitment sites + session bars." Attacking from both online and offline angles dramatically increases your chances of meeting people. Those wanting to play with international members should also check this article.

First Studio Practice — Preparation and Mindset

Once your band is set, it's time for studio practice. Everyone gets nervous about their first studio session. But it's okay — everyone's been through this.

What to bring

• Your instrument (for vocals, having your own mic is better, but studios have them)
• Cable (connection cable for guitar/bass. Studios have them too, but having your own is reassuring)
• Tuner (smartphone app is fine)
• Earplugs: Beginners often overlook this, but it's crucial. Studio volume can permanently damage your hearing. Get music-specific earplugs for live music (2,000-3,000 yen)
• Lyrics/chord sheets (smartphone or paper)
• Drinks

Studio etiquette

• Be punctual: Be in the lobby 5 minutes early. Lateness is the #1 destroyer of band trust
• Don't turn up too loud: Nervous beginners tend to crank volume. Match levels where you can hear other members
• Don't pretend to know: Ask honestly about things you don't understand. "How do you do that?" isn't embarrassing
• Tune individually before playing together: If tuning is off, everything becomes a mess

First session mindset

Don't try to "play well" on your first session. Focus on just three things: "make sound," "match the rhythm," "listen to others" — that's enough. Don't stop if you make mistakes. Follow along and play through to the end. That alone makes a proper "band practice."

5 Common Beginner Mistakes and Solutions

In my 30 years of bands, I've seen beginner members fall into certain patterns repeatedly. To avoid the same mistakes, let me warn you ahead of time.

Mistake 1: Starting with difficult songs

"I want to do X JAPAN's Kurenai!" — I get the feeling. But when beginner bands tackle difficult songs right away, nobody can play them properly and everyone gets frustrated. It's 100 times more fun to perfect an easy song first. I recommend starting with bands like CHERRY SPICE, MONGOL800, or similar.

Mistake 2: Skipping individual practice

"I'll just figure it out during band practice" — this inconveniences other members. Those 2 hours at the studio are expensive. Do individual practice at home for things you can practice alone. At minimum, run through the songs the day before studio practice.

Mistake 3: Not listening to other members

Beginners are often so focused on their own instrument that they can't hear other members. Match the timing of the drum kick. Bass locks in with drums. Guitar doesn't interfere with vocals. The essence of bands is "everyone creating one sound together."

Mistake 4: Spending too much on equipment

Some people buy a 100,000 yen guitar and 50,000 yen effects before starting. If you don't continue, it's all wasted. A 30,000-50,000 yen starter set is plenty at first. Buy better gear after you improve. Tell music store staff "I'm a beginner" and they'll recommend appropriate items.

Mistake 5: Giving up too quickly thinking "I'm not cut out for this"

Some people quit after 3 months saying they have "no talent." Don't judge after 3 months. You understand the fun of instruments after 6 months. You understand the real joy of bands after a year. Amazing scenery awaits beyond those initial obstacles.

Personal Stories: Friends Who Started from Zero Musical Experience

In my 30+ years of bands, I've met many teammates who started with no musical experience. Let me share a few stories.

Salary man who started bass at 35

"I should have done bands in college" was his constant refrain. He applied to my band saying "I'm a beginner but please let me play bass." His first studio session was shaky even with basic 8-beat root playing. But he never missed his daily 30-minute practice, and after 3 months he could play through songs properly. At our live show 6 months later, he stood confidently on stage. He now says "life would have been boring without bands."

College girl who started drums "to play her favorite band's songs"

She started drums wanting to copy her favorite band's songs. She bought practice pads and learned from YouTube videos. After 2 months she started individual studio practice, where she met members and formed a band. She was welcomed because "drummers are precious." Six months later she was performing at live houses.

50-something who started guitar as a "post-retirement hobby"

This guy was interesting. He strategically started guitar thinking "10 years until retirement. If I can play by then, I'll spend retirement immersed in bands." He applied to working adult band member recruitment writing "currently practicing." He found a band that accepted him saying "if you're motivated." He now lives fulfilling days as a weekend band member.

What they all had in common was none of them waited until they were "perfect." They jumped in incomplete and grew within their bands. That's the fastest route.

Summary: Take Your First Step Today

Here's what you need to join a band from zero musical experience:

1. Choose an instrument: When in doubt, bass or vocals. High demand makes joining bands easier
2. Practice 2-3 months: 30 minutes daily is enough. Don't seek perfection
3. Find members: Search Membo for "beginner welcome" bands
4. Jump into the studio: Mistakes are fine. Make sound. Listen to others
5. Keep going: You'll understand the fun after 6 months. Your world changes after a year

I'm still doing bands in my 60s. Regardless of nationality, gender, or age, I want to keep doing sessions and bands where we communicate through music alone for my entire life — this feeling hasn't changed since my 20s.

If I hadn't jumped in back then with just the feeling "I can't play instruments, but I want to," I wouldn't be who I am today. So I say: "Can't play" isn't a reason not to start.

Check out music stores today. Browse band member recruitment on Membo. Search for nearby session bars.

The moment you take that first step, you're already a band member.

Find members at Membo. You'll find beginner-welcome band mates.