Ready to shred? Guitar Hero Live promised a revolution in rhythm gaming, and while its lifespan was shorter than some hoped, the soundtrack remains a vibrant tapestry of rock, pop, and everything in between. For those who still crave the thrill of perfectly timed fret presses or are newly discovering this iconic game, the question remains: what are the best songs Guitar Hero Live has to offer? This list dives deep into the game's diverse catalog, considering not only the iconic tracks that defined a generation but also the hidden gems that might have slipped under the radar. Whether you're a seasoned pro looking for a nostalgic trip or a curious newcomer eager to explore what makes Guitar Hero Live unique, we've compiled a definitive ranking of the most exhilarating, challenging, and downright fun songs to play. Get ready to rock out – because the ultimate Guitar Hero Live playlist awaits.
| Song | Artist | Album | Listens |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Counting Stars | OneRepublic | Native | 4B+ |
| 2. The Lazy Song | Bruno Mars | Doo-Wops & Hooligans | 3B+ |
| 3. Sweet Child O' Mine | Guns N' Roses | Appetite For Destruction | 2B+ |
| 4. Thunderstruck | AC/DC | The Razors Edge | 1B+ |
| 5. Bangarang |
Skrillex Sirah | 951M+ | |
| 6. Sweater Weather | The Neighbourhood | I Love You. | 805M+ |
| 7. Seven Nation Army | The White Stripes | Elephant | 664M+ |
1. Counting Stars (OneRepublic)
Guitar Part: Counting Stars features a memorable and challenging guitar riff, perfect for showcasing skills in Guitar Hero Live. The arpeggiated chords and soaring melody provide a rewarding experience for players of all levels.
Rhythm and Tempo: The driving beat and steady tempo make it ideal for achieving high scores in Guitar Hero Live. Its consistent rhythm makes it easy to follow along and maintain a strong performance.
Overall Experience: The song's blend of catchy melody and challenging guitar parts offers a highly satisfying and engaging Guitar Hero Live experience. Its familiarity will also aid in quick memorization of the fretboard patterns.
2. The Lazy Song (2011)
Guitar Part: "The Lazy Song" features a catchy, upbeat guitar riff that's incredibly fun to play along to, making it a great choice for Guitar Hero Live players of all skill levels.
Rhythm and Tempo: The song's relaxed yet driving rhythm translates well to the game's gameplay, offering a satisfying challenge without being overly complex.
Overall Experience: Its instantly recognizable melody and playful vibe make it a highly enjoyable and memorable experience within the Guitar Hero Live environment.
3. Sweet Child O' Mine (Appetite For Destruction)
Iconic Guitar Riff: Sweet Child o' Mine boasts one of the most recognizable and challenging guitar intros in rock history, making it a perfect fit for Guitar Hero Live's demanding gameplay.
Technical Proficiency: The song's structure allows for a satisfying progression of difficulty, testing players' skills throughout the track and providing a rewarding experience.
High Score Potential: Mastering the complex solo and maintaining accuracy throughout the fast-paced sections provides a clear path to achieving a top score in Guitar Hero Live.
4. Thunderstruck (The Razors Edge - 1990)
Opening Riff: Thunderstruck's iconic opening riff is instantly recognizable and incredibly challenging, making it a thrilling experience to master in Guitar Hero Live.
Sustained Rhythm: The song's relentless driving rhythm provides a perfect foundation for complex guitar parts and keeps the energy high throughout the entire track.
High Score Potential: The combination of challenging guitar sections and a relatively straightforward drum track makes it perfect for achieving a high score in Guitar Hero Live.
5. Bangarang
High-Energy Gameplay: Bangarang's frenetic pace and intense drops translate incredibly well to the Guitar Hero Live experience, providing a thrilling and challenging rhythm game session.
Memorable Guitar Riffs: The song features iconic, easily recognizable guitar riffs that are both fun to play and satisfying to master, making it a standout track for Guitar Hero Live.
Crowd-Pleasing Factor: Its energetic vibe and catchy hooks make it a great choice for players looking to impress friends or compete in high-score challenges.
6. Sweater Weather (The Neighbourhood - 2025)
Guitar Riff Complexity: "Sweater Weather" boasts a memorable, moderately challenging guitar riff perfect for Guitar Hero Live's intermediate difficulty levels, offering a satisfying blend of rhythm and melodic phrasing.
Vocal Melody and Timing: The song's vocal melody is catchy and well-suited to the game's rhythm-based gameplay, making it easy to follow along and score well.
Overall Gameplay Experience: The combination of the riff and vocal melody creates a highly enjoyable and rewarding experience within the Guitar Hero Live framework, making it a strong contender for high scores.
7. Seven Nation Army
Iconic Guitar Riff: Seven Nation Army's instantly recognizable, hypnotic bassline, played on a guitar, forms the backbone of the song and is incredibly satisfying to play in Guitar Hero Live.
Simple Yet Effective Structure: The repetitive structure and straightforward arrangement make it incredibly easy to learn and master, perfect for high scores in Guitar Hero Live.
High-Energy Performance: Its driving rhythm and powerful sound translate exceptionally well to the high-energy gameplay of Guitar Hero Live, creating an exhilarating experience.
8. The Pretender (Echoes, Silence, Patience & Grace)
Killer Guitar Riffs: "The Pretender" boasts a legendary, instantly recognizable guitar riff that's incredibly fun and rewarding to play in Guitar Hero Live, perfectly capturing the song's raw energy.
High-Energy Gameplay: The fast tempo and dynamic changes throughout the song translate to a thrilling and challenging Guitar Hero Live experience, keeping players engaged from start to finish.
Star Power Moments: Certain sections lend themselves perfectly to maximizing Star Power, allowing for impressive score multipliers and adding an extra layer of excitement to the Guitar Hero Live playthrough.
9. Paint It, Black (1966)
Guitar Riff: Paint It, Black boasts one of the most iconic and instantly recognizable guitar riffs in rock history, perfectly suited for Guitar Hero Live's gameplay.
Tempo and Rhythm: The song's driving rhythm and moderately fast tempo provide a thrilling and challenging experience for players, demanding precision and timing.
Overall Difficulty: While challenging, the song's structure allows for a satisfying sense of accomplishment upon successful completion, making it a rewarding addition to any Guitar Hero Live setlist.
10. Dani California (Stadium Arcadium)
Killer Guitar Riffs: Dani California boasts a memorable, instantly recognizable guitar riff that's perfectly suited for shredding in Guitar Hero Live. The fast-paced, complex melodies make for a challenging yet rewarding experience.
Energetic Rhythm: The song's driving rhythm section provides a solid foundation for the frenetic guitar work, creating a high-energy experience ideal for the fast-paced gameplay of Guitar Hero Live.
High Score Potential: The relatively straightforward structure, combined with iconic riffs and a strong beat, makes Dani California a prime candidate for achieving a high score in Guitar Hero Live.
11Basket Case
Green Day
1994
Dookie
12R U Mine?
Arctic Monkeys
2012
AM
13The Kill
Thirty Seconds To Mars
2004
14American Idiot
Green Day
2004
American Idiot
15I Will Wait
Mumford , Sons
2012
16In Too Deep
Sum 41
2001
17My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark
Fall Out Boy
2013
Save Rock And Roll
18Helena
My Chemical Romance
2005
Three Cheers for Sweet Revenge
19Song 2
Blur
1997
Blur (Special Edition)
20No One Knows
Queens of the Stone Age
2002
Songs For The Deaf
21Lonely Boy
The Black Keys
2011
El Camino
22Tribute
Tenacious D
2001
23The Anthem
Good Charlotte
2002
24Gold On The Ceiling
The Black Keys
2012
25Cult of Personality
Living Colour
1988
26I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor
Arctic Monkeys
2005
Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
27Take Me Out
Franz Ferdinand
2004
Franz Ferdinand
28Always with Me, Always with You
Joe Satriani
1987
Surfing With The Alien
29In Due Time
Killswitch Engage
2013