Guitar Hero II
Guitar Hero II

Full Song List & Tiers

View the full Guitar Hero II song list and their tiers. Learn the career mode progression and master challenging tracks to achieve rock stardom.

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Full Song List & Tiers

Welcome, shredders! This comprehensive section details every song available in Guitar Hero II (Arcade), organized by their respective tiers in Career Mode. Mastering these tracks is key to becoming a true Guitar Hero legend. We'll provide actionable strategies, highlight tricky sections, and guide you through each tier to rock stardom.

Each tier represents a progression in difficulty and venue size. To unlock the next tier, you must successfully complete a certain number of songs within your current tier. Remember, the arcade version often features slightly tweaked note charts and scoring compared to console counterparts, so practice is paramount!

Tier 1: Opening Licks

These are your introductory tracks, designed to get you comfortable with the basics. Focus on timing and strumming accurately. Don't be afraid to use Star Power (tilt your guitar controller up) during sustained note sections to maximize your score and multiplier.

  • Song 1: "Killing in the Name" - Rage Against the Machine
    • Strategy: The main riff is straightforward. Pay attention to the bridge section for some quick hammer-ons and pull-offs (HPOs). Activate Star Power during the chorus for easy points.
    • Key Section: The "F*** you, I won't do what you tell me!" breakdown is a good opportunity for consistent strumming and building your multiplier.
  • Song 2: "Message in a Bottle" - The Police
    • Strategy: This song introduces more intricate strumming patterns. Focus on the rhythm guitar parts. The pre-chorus and chorus have some quick note changes that require precision.
    • Key Section: The iconic main riff is repetitive but can be tricky to maintain a perfect streak on. Keep your strumming hand steady.
  • Song 3: "Woman" - Wolfmother
    • Strategy: A great track for practicing sustained notes and vibrato. The main riff is heavy but manageable. Look out for the solo, which has some fast, but predictable, patterns.
    • Key Section: The solo is your first real test of speed. Break it down into smaller phrases if you're struggling.

Tier 2: Amp Warmers

The difficulty ramps up slightly here. You'll encounter faster strumming, more frequent HPOs, and longer note sequences. Maintaining your multiplier becomes more crucial.

  • Song 1: "War Pigs" - Black Sabbath
    • Strategy: This epic track features a slower tempo but dense note charts, especially during the verses and instrumental breaks. Focus on hitting every note to build your Star Power meter.
    • Key Section: The main riff after the intro is a good place to activate Star Power for a significant score boost. The solo is long and requires endurance.
  • Song 2: "Sweet Child o' Mine" - Guns N' Roses
    • Strategy: The intro riff is iconic and a great HPO exercise. The verses are relatively easy, but the chorus and solos demand quick finger work.
    • Key Section: The final solo is a notorious challenge. Practice the ascending and descending patterns repeatedly. Consider saving Star Power for this section if you're aiming for a high score.

Tier 3: String Snappers

Welcome to the intermediate level! Expect complex solos, rapid-fire HPOs, and sustained strumming sections that will test your stamina. Precision and timing are key to surviving these tracks.

  • Song 1: "Carry On Wayward Son" - Kansas
    • Strategy: This progressive rock anthem features intricate arpeggios and a challenging solo. The intro and outro solos are particularly dense with notes.
    • Key Section: The main guitar solo is a true test of HPO proficiency. Break it down into smaller segments and practice them until they're muscle memory.
  • Song 2: "The Trooper" - Iron Maiden
    • Strategy: Fast-paced and relentless, "The Trooper" demands constant attention. The galloping rhythm and dual-guitar harmonies translate into quick, alternating note patterns.
    • Key Section: The iconic intro riff and the subsequent solos are packed with notes. Conserve Star Power for sections where you feel you might drop your multiplier, or for high-scoring solo sections.

Tier 4: Thrash and Burn

These songs are designed to push your limits. Expect blistering solos, complex chord changes, and sustained fast strumming. Mastering these tracks is a significant achievement.

  • Song 1: "Hangar 18" - Megadeth
    • Strategy: Prepare for a barrage of notes. This song is a masterclass in thrash metal guitar. The solos are long, technical, and feature rapid alternate picking and sweeping patterns.
    • Key Section: The multiple solos are the make-or-break points. Practice each solo individually in practice mode if available, focusing on the finger transitions.

Tier 5: Return of the Shred

You're nearing the top! These tracks are incredibly demanding, requiring near-perfect execution and stamina. Only the most dedicated Guitar Heroes will conquer this tier.

  • Song 1: "Free Bird" - Lynyrd Skynyrd
    • Strategy: The first half is a gentle warm-up, but the extended outro solo is legendary for its difficulty. It's a marathon of sustained, fast strumming and HPOs.
    • Key Section: The entire outro solo. This is where you'll spend most of your practice time. Focus on maintaining rhythm and hitting every HPO. Save all your Star Power for this section and deploy it strategically to maintain your multiplier and score.

Tier 6: Relentless Riffs

The final gauntlet. These are the hardest songs in the game, designed to challenge even the most seasoned players. Victory here means you've truly mastered Guitar Hero II (Arcade).

  • Song 1: "Through the Fire and Flames" - DragonForce
    • Strategy: The ultimate test of speed, accuracy, and endurance. This song features incredibly fast strumming, complex HPO sections, and a relentless barrage of notes. There are very few breaks.
    • Key Section: The entire song is a key section! However, the main solo and the final breakdown are particularly brutal. Focus on maintaining a consistent strumming hand and precise finger placement for HPOs. Star Power management is critical here; deploy it during the most challenging, high-scoring sections to maximize your chances of survival and a high score.