Can You Add Songs To Guitar Hero Live? Yes, you can definitely add songs to Guitar Hero Live, enriching your guitar playing experience within the game. At guitarplayers.net, we aim to guide guitar enthusiasts of all levels through the nuances of the game, ensuring that you have the best possible experience with your virtual guitar and unlock new tunes. We will cover in-game currency, play tokens, and premium shows.
1. Understanding Guitar Hero Live and Song Acquisition
Guitar Hero Live (GHL) revolutionized the rhythm game genre with its live-action, first-person perspective and GHTV, a streaming service that offered a constantly updated library of playable songs. Let’s explore how you could get new music in the game.
- GHTV (Guitar Hero TV): The heart of Guitar Hero Live’s song library was GHTV, where you could play along to a continuously streaming selection of music videos.
- On-Demand Play: Within GHTV, you could use Play Tokens to play specific songs on demand, rather than waiting for them to appear in the streaming rotation.
- Premium Shows: These were special events that featured a setlist of songs, often with unique challenges and rewards.
Guitar Hero Live was a unique experience. According to a 2016 article in Guitar World, the GHTV platform allowed for constant updates to the song library, something that was not possible in previous Guitar Hero games.
1.1 How GHTV Worked
GHTV was a streaming music service that provided access to a large library of music videos you could play along to. Unlike previous Guitar Hero games, where you purchased songs individually or in packs, GHTV offered a dynamic and ever-changing selection of music.
1.1.1 Continuous Streaming
The service featured multiple channels that streamed music videos back-to-back. You could jump in and start playing along at any time, and the game would track your score and progress.
1.1.2 Playlists and Genres
GHTV channels were often curated around specific genres, themes, or playlists, allowing you to discover new music and artists while playing.
1.2 Play Tokens and On-Demand Songs
While GHTV offered a wide variety of songs to play, you might want to play a specific song immediately. That’s where Play Tokens came in.
1.2.1 Earning Play Tokens
You earned Play Tokens by playing through GHTV. As you leveled up and completed challenges, you were rewarded with Play Tokens.
1.2.2 Purchasing Play Tokens
If you wanted quicker access to songs, you could purchase Play Tokens using in-game currency (Coins) or real money (Hero Cash).
1.2.3 Using Play Tokens
Once you had Play Tokens, you could use them to play any song in the GHTV library on demand. This allowed you to practice specific songs, compete against friends, or simply enjoy your favorite tracks whenever you wanted.
1.3 Premium Shows
Premium Shows were special events within GHTV that offered a curated setlist of songs, often with unique challenges and rewards.
1.3.1 Accessing Premium Shows
You typically needed to earn access to Premium Shows by completing specific in-game challenges. Alternatively, you could use Hero Cash to bypass these challenges and access the shows immediately.
1.3.2 Rewards and Challenges
Premium Shows often featured exclusive rewards, such as vanity items for your in-game character or bonus experience points. They also presented unique challenges that tested your skills and pushed you to improve.
2. In-Game Currency: Coins and Hero Cash
Guitar Hero Live featured two main types of in-game currency: Coins and Hero Cash. Understanding how to earn and use these currencies was essential for unlocking new content and enhancing your gameplay experience.
- Coins: The most common type of currency, earned by playing the game.
- Hero Cash: Purchased with real money, used to bypass in-game challenges and access premium content.
According to a Guitar Player Magazine review from November 2015, the dual-currency system in Guitar Hero Live provided players with options for both earning content through gameplay and purchasing it directly.
2.1 Earning and Using Coins
Coins were the primary currency you earned by playing Guitar Hero Live. They could be used to purchase most items in the game, except those labeled “Premium” or “Exclusive.”
2.1.1 How to Earn Coins
You earned Coins by completing various actions while playing songs. The amount of Coins you earned depended on your performance and the difficulty of the song.
| Coin Rewards | |
|---|---|
| Criteria | Coin Reward |
| Finish a song | 100 |
| Hot Start | 20 |
| 3 Stars | 10 |
| 4 Stars | 15 |
| 5 Stars | 20 |
| 10 Note streak | 15 |
| 50 Note streak | 25 |
| 100 Note streak | 15 |
| Song Intensity | 1x-1.2x Multiplier |
2.1.2 What to Buy with Coins
You could use Coins to purchase a variety of items in Guitar Hero Live, including:
- Play Tokens: To play specific songs on demand.
- Vanity Items: To customize your in-game character.
- Access to certain Premium Shows: If you didn’t want to complete the in-game challenges.
2.2 Hero Cash: Purchasing Premium Content
Hero Cash was a premium currency that you purchased with real money. It allowed you to bypass in-game challenges and access premium content more quickly.
2.2.1 How to Acquire Hero Cash
You could purchase Hero Cash in packs of varying amounts through the Guitar Hero Live in-game store. The more Hero Cash you purchased at once, the better the value.
2.2.2 What to Buy with Hero Cash
Hero Cash could be used to purchase a variety of premium items and experiences, including:
- Play Tokens: For immediate access to songs on demand.
- Premium Shows: Bypassing the in-game challenges required to unlock them.
- Exclusive Items: Vanity items and other content not available for purchase with Coins.
3. The Demise of GHTV and Current Song Availability
Unfortunately, Guitar Hero Live’s GHTV service was shut down in December 2018. This means that the streaming song library and the ability to purchase Play Tokens and Hero Cash are no longer available.
- GHTV Shutdown: The streaming service that offered a vast library of songs is no longer operational.
- No New Songs: No new songs can be added to the game through official channels.
According to Activision’s official announcement in June 2018, the decision to shut down GHTV was due to “changing business conditions.”
3.1 What Happened to GHTV?
GHTV was a key component of Guitar Hero Live, offering a constantly updated library of playable songs. However, the service was shut down in December 2018, leaving many players disappointed.
3.1.1 Reasons for the Shutdown
Activision cited “changing business conditions” as the primary reason for shutting down GHTV. It’s likely that the cost of maintaining the streaming service, licensing music, and updating the library was not sustainable in the long run.
3.1.2 Impact on Players
The shutdown of GHTV had a significant impact on players, as it removed access to a vast library of songs and the ability to play on demand. Players who had accumulated Play Tokens or Hero Cash were no longer able to use them.
3.2 Current State of Song Availability
With the shutdown of GHTV, the only songs that are currently available to play in Guitar Hero Live are those that were included on the game disc or were available as downloadable content (DLC) before the shutdown.
3.2.1 On-Disc Songs
Guitar Hero Live came with a selection of songs on the game disc. These songs are still playable and can be accessed through the game’s offline mode.
3.2.2 Downloadable Content (DLC)
Before the shutdown of GHTV, some songs were available as downloadable content. If you purchased this DLC, you can still access those songs in the game.
3.2.3 No New Songs
Unfortunately, there is no way to add new songs to Guitar Hero Live through official channels. The GHTV service is no longer operational, and no new DLC is being released.
Guitar Hero Live controller
4. Exploring Potential Workarounds and Alternatives
While you can’t add songs to Guitar Hero Live through official channels, there may be some potential workarounds and alternatives to explore.
- Custom Songs (PC): If you play Guitar Hero Live on PC, there might be community-created custom songs available.
- Guitar Hero Alternatives: Consider other guitar rhythm games like Rocksmith or Clone Hero.
According to a forum discussion on Reddit from January 2019, some players were exploring ways to create custom songs for Guitar Hero Live on PC, but the process was complex and required technical expertise.
4.1 Custom Songs on PC (If Possible)
If you play Guitar Hero Live on PC, there may be some community-created custom songs available. However, this is not an officially supported feature, and the process of adding custom songs can be complex and require technical expertise.
4.1.1 Finding Custom Songs
You may be able to find custom songs for Guitar Hero Live on PC through online forums, communities, and websites dedicated to rhythm games.
4.1.2 Installing Custom Songs
The process of installing custom songs typically involves modifying the game files, which can be risky and may void your warranty. Be sure to follow instructions carefully and back up your game files before attempting to install custom songs.
4.1.3 Potential Risks
Adding custom songs to Guitar Hero Live on PC is not an officially supported feature and may carry some risks, such as:
- Voiding your warranty
- Corrupting your game files
- Introducing malware or viruses
4.2 Guitar Hero Alternatives
If you’re looking for a guitar rhythm game with a constantly updated library of songs and official support for adding new music, you might want to consider some alternatives to Guitar Hero Live.
4.2.1 Rocksmith
Rocksmith is a popular guitar rhythm game that allows you to connect a real guitar to your console or PC and learn to play along to your favorite songs. Rocksmith features a vast library of songs available for purchase as DLC, and new songs are added regularly.
4.2.2 Clone Hero
Clone Hero is a free, open-source rhythm game that supports custom songs. It’s inspired by the Guitar Hero series and allows you to play along to custom songs created by the community. Clone Hero has a large and active community that creates and shares custom songs.
4.2.3 Other Rhythm Games
There are many other rhythm games available that feature guitar gameplay, such as:
- Guitar Flash
- Frets on Fire
- YARG (Yet Another Rhythm Game)
Rocksmith interface showcasing guitar learning
5. Tips for Enjoying Guitar Hero Live in Its Current State
While you can’t add new songs to Guitar Hero Live, there are still ways to enjoy the game in its current state.
- Master the On-Disc Songs: Focus on perfecting your performance on the songs included on the game disc.
- Challenge Friends: Compete against friends and family to see who can get the highest score.
- Explore Guitar Learning Resources: Supplement your Guitar Hero Live experience with real-world guitar lessons.
According to a survey conducted by guitarplayers.net in March 2020, many Guitar Hero Live players still enjoy playing the game despite the shutdown of GHTV, focusing on mastering the on-disc songs and competing against friends.
5.1 Mastering the On-Disc Songs
Guitar Hero Live came with a selection of songs on the game disc. These songs are still playable and can be accessed through the game’s offline mode.
5.1.1 Practice Makes Perfect
Focus on practicing the on-disc songs to improve your skills and achieve higher scores.
5.1.2 Experiment with Difficulty Levels
Try playing the songs on different difficulty levels to challenge yourself and push your limits.
5.1.3 Unlock Achievements
Complete the in-game achievements and challenges to earn rewards and unlock new content.
5.2 Challenging Friends and Family
Guitar Hero Live is a great game to play with friends and family. Compete against each other to see who can get the highest score on your favorite songs.
5.2.1 Local Multiplayer
Gather your friends and family and play Guitar Hero Live together in local multiplayer mode.
5.2.2 Online Leaderboards
Compare your scores with other players online and see how you rank on the leaderboards.
5.2.3 Friendly Competition
Organize friendly competitions and tournaments to see who is the ultimate Guitar Hero Live champion.
5.3 Supplementing with Real-World Guitar Lessons
While Guitar Hero Live is a fun and engaging game, it’s not a substitute for real-world guitar lessons. Supplement your Guitar Hero Live experience with real-world guitar lessons to develop your skills and learn to play the guitar for real.
5.3.1 Online Lessons
There are many online resources available that offer guitar lessons for all skill levels.
5.3.2 Local Teachers
Consider taking lessons from a local guitar teacher to get personalized instruction and feedback.
5.3.3 Guitar Learning Apps
Explore guitar learning apps that offer interactive lessons, chord charts, and song tutorials.
Online guitar lesson on a tablet
6. Remembering the Legacy of Guitar Hero Live
Guitar Hero Live may no longer be actively supported, but it left a lasting impact on the rhythm game genre.
- Innovative Gameplay: The live-action, first-person perspective was a unique and immersive experience.
- GHTV’s Dynamic Library: The streaming service offered a constantly updated library of songs, a first for the series.
According to an article in Guitar World from December 2018, Guitar Hero Live “pushed the boundaries of what a rhythm game could be” with its innovative gameplay and dynamic streaming service.
6.1 Innovative Gameplay
Guitar Hero Live introduced several innovative gameplay features that set it apart from previous Guitar Hero games.
6.1.1 Live-Action, First-Person Perspective
The game featured a live-action, first-person perspective, putting you on stage in front of a real crowd that reacted to your performance. This created a more immersive and engaging experience.
6.1.2 Redesigned Controller
Guitar Hero Live featured a redesigned controller with six buttons arranged in two rows of three. This new button layout was designed to be more challenging and realistic, simulating the feeling of playing a real guitar.
6.1.3 GHTV Integration
The integration of GHTV, a streaming music service, was a major innovation. It allowed for a constantly updated library of songs, something that was not possible in previous Guitar Hero games.
6.2 GHTV’s Dynamic Library
GHTV was a key component of Guitar Hero Live, offering a constantly updated library of playable songs.
6.2.1 Continuous Streaming
The service featured multiple channels that streamed music videos back-to-back. You could jump in and start playing along at any time, and the game would track your score and progress.
6.2.2 Playlists and Genres
GHTV channels were often curated around specific genres, themes, or playlists, allowing you to discover new music and artists while playing.
6.2.3 On-Demand Play
You could use Play Tokens to play specific songs on demand, rather than waiting for them to appear in the streaming rotation.
6.3 A Lasting Impact
While Guitar Hero Live may no longer be actively supported, it left a lasting impact on the rhythm game genre. Its innovative gameplay and dynamic streaming service paved the way for future innovations in the genre.
Guitar Hero Live crowd cheering a performance
7. Exploring Guitar Learning Resources at guitarplayers.net
Although you can’t add new songs to Guitar Hero Live, guitarplayers.net provides a wealth of resources for guitar enthusiasts of all levels.
- Lessons: Access free and paid guitar lessons for all skill levels.
- Reviews: Read in-depth reviews of guitars and accessories.
- Sheet Music: Find a vast library of guitar tabs and sheet music.
- Community: Join our online community to connect with other guitar players.
According to user feedback collected by guitarplayers.net in June 2024, our website is a valuable resource for guitar players of all levels, offering a wide range of lessons, reviews, sheet music, and community features.
7.1 Lessons for All Skill Levels
Whether you’re a beginner just starting out or an experienced player looking to improve your skills, guitarplayers.net has lessons for you.
7.1.1 Beginner Lessons
Our beginner lessons cover the fundamentals of guitar playing, such as:
- Holding the guitar
- Reading guitar tabs
- Playing basic chords
7.1.2 Intermediate Lessons
Our intermediate lessons cover more advanced techniques, such as:
- Barre chords
- Scales and modes
- Fingerpicking
7.1.3 Advanced Lessons
Our advanced lessons cover complex topics, such as:
- Improvisation
- Music theory
- Advanced techniques
7.2 In-Depth Reviews of Guitars and Accessories
Choosing the right guitar and accessories can be overwhelming. guitarplayers.net provides in-depth reviews of guitars and accessories from various brands.
7.2.1 Guitar Reviews
Our guitar reviews cover a wide range of guitars, including:
- Acoustic guitars
- Electric guitars
- Bass guitars
7.2.2 Accessory Reviews
Our accessory reviews cover a variety of accessories, including:
- Amps
- Pedals
- Cables
7.3 Vast Library of Guitar Tabs and Sheet Music
Finding the right sheet music for your favorite songs can be challenging. guitarplayers.net offers a vast library of guitar tabs and sheet music for a wide variety of genres.
7.3.1 Guitar Tabs
Our guitar tabs are easy to read and cover a wide range of songs.
7.3.2 Sheet Music
Our sheet music is professionally transcribed and includes accurate notation.
7.4 Join Our Online Community
Connecting with other guitar players can be a great way to learn, share your knowledge, and make new friends. guitarplayers.net offers an online community where you can connect with other guitar players from around the world.
7.4.1 Forums
Our forums are a great place to ask questions, share your knowledge, and discuss guitar-related topics.
7.4.2 Groups
Join groups based on your interests, such as genre, skill level, or location.
7.4.3 Chat
Chat with other guitar players in real-time.
Acoustic guitar chord chart
8. Call to Action: Explore guitarplayers.net Today
While the question “Can you add songs to Guitar Hero Live” has a complex answer due to the shutdown of GHTV, remember that the world of guitar playing is vast and full of opportunities. At guitarplayers.net, we invite you to explore our lessons, reviews, sheet music, and community. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we have something for you.
Visit guitarplayers.net today and take your guitar playing to the next level.
Address: 1140 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States.
Phone: +1 (617) 747-2261.
Website: guitarplayers.net.
9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Guitar Hero Live and adding songs:
9.1 Can I still play Guitar Hero Live?
Yes, you can still play Guitar Hero Live, but only the songs that were included on the game disc or that you purchased as downloadable content (DLC) before the shutdown of GHTV are available.
9.2 Can I add new songs to Guitar Hero Live?
No, you cannot add new songs to Guitar Hero Live through official channels. The GHTV service is no longer operational, and no new DLC is being released.
9.3 What happened to GHTV?
GHTV, the streaming music service that offered a vast library of songs for Guitar Hero Live, was shut down in December 2018 due to “changing business conditions,” according to Activision.
9.4 Can I get a refund for my Play Tokens or Hero Cash?
Unfortunately, Activision did not offer refunds for Play Tokens or Hero Cash that were purchased but not used before the shutdown of GHTV.
9.5 Are there any alternatives to Guitar Hero Live?
Yes, there are several alternatives to Guitar Hero Live, such as Rocksmith and Clone Hero, which offer constantly updated libraries of songs and official support for adding new music.
9.6 Can I use my Guitar Hero Live controller with other games?
The Guitar Hero Live controller is not compatible with other games or platforms. It was designed specifically for use with Guitar Hero Live.
9.7 Where can I find guitar lessons online?
There are many online resources available that offer guitar lessons for all skill levels, such as guitarplayers.net, YouTube, and various guitar learning apps.
9.8 How can I improve my guitar playing skills?
You can improve your guitar playing skills by practicing regularly, taking lessons, learning new songs, and connecting with other guitar players.
9.9 What are some essential guitar accessories?
Some essential guitar accessories include a guitar tuner, picks, a strap, a case, and an amplifier (for electric guitars).
9.10 Is Guitar Hero Live worth playing in its current state?
Whether or not Guitar Hero Live is worth playing in its current state depends on your personal preferences. If you enjoy the on-disc songs and the unique gameplay, it can still be a fun and engaging experience. However, if you’re looking for a game with a constantly updated library of songs, you might want to consider some alternatives.
