Guitar Hero exploded onto the scene, and its tracklist was the initial spark that ignited a global phenomenon. For many, the original Guitar Hero wasn’t just a game; it was an introduction to a wide range of rock and roll anthems, and a chance to live out guitar fantasies in their living rooms. Let’s dive deep into the tracklist of the game that started it all, Guitar Hero 1.
Guitar Hero 1: The Complete Tracklist Breakdown
Guitar Hero 1 presented its setlist in a tiered structure, challenging players to progress through increasingly difficult song categories. Here’s a detailed look at each tier and the iconic songs that defined them:
1. Opening Licks
This tier was designed as an accessible entry point, featuring recognizable and energetic rock tracks perfect for warming up your fret hand.
- I Love Rock ‘N Roll – Joan Jett and the Blackhearts
- I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones
- Thunder Kiss ‘65 – White Zombie
- Smoke on the Water – Deep Purple
- Infected – Bad Religion
2. Axe-Grinders
Stepping up the challenge, “Axe-Grinders” introduced more complex riffs and faster tempos, requiring players to sharpen their skills.
- Iron Man – Black Sabbath
- More Than a Feeling – Boston
- You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’ – Judas Priest
- Take Me Out – Franz Ferdinand
- Sharp Dressed Man – ZZ Top
3. Thrash and Burn
As the name suggests, “Thrash and Burn” turned up the heat with faster, more aggressive tracks that demanded precision and stamina.
- Killer Queen – Queen
- Hey You – The Exies
- Stellar – Incubus
- Heart Full of Black – Burning Brides
- Symphony of Destruction – Megadeth
4. Return of the Shred
“Return of the Shred” focused on guitar virtuosity, featuring songs with intricate solos and demanding fretwork.
- Ziggy Stardust – David Bowie
- Fat Lip – Sum 41
- Cochise – Audioslave
- Take It Off – The Donnas
- Unsung – Helmet
5. Fret-Burners
Pushing players to their limits, “Fret-Burners” included tracks known for their speed, technicality, and overall intensity.
- Spanish Castle Magic – Jimi Hendrix
- Higher Ground – Red Hot Chili Peppers
- No One Knows – Queens of the Stone Age
- Ace of Spades – Motörhead
- Crossroads – Cream
6. Face-Melters
The final tier, “Face-Melters,” was the ultimate test, packed with legendary guitar anthems designed to melt faces and challenge even the most seasoned Guitar Hero veterans.
- Godzilla – Blue Öyster Cult
- Texas Flood – Stevie Ray Vaughan
- Frankenstein – The Edgar Winter Group
- Cowboys From Hell – Pantera
- Bark at the Moon – Ozzy Osbourne
A Quick Glance at Guitar Hero 2 & 3 Setlists
While Guitar Hero 1 set the stage, the sequels expanded the musical landscape even further. Guitar Hero 2 built upon the foundation with an even more extensive tracklist, featuring classics like “Sweet Child O’ Mine” and “Free Bird,” enhancing the gameplay and song selection. Guitar Hero 3: Legends of Rock took it to another level, introducing boss battles and iconic tracks such as “Welcome to the Jungle” and “Cult of Personality,” solidifying the franchise’s place in gaming history.
Conclusion
The Guitar Hero 1 Tracklist wasn’t just a collection of songs; it was a carefully curated selection that introduced a generation to rock music and guitar culture. It was the starting point of a cultural phenomenon, paving the way for countless hours of plastic guitar shredding and solidifying its legacy in the world of music games. The impact of this initial tracklist is undeniable, and it remains a nostalgic and influential set of songs for fans worldwide.
