Unlockable Songs

Beyond the core setlist of Guitar Hero II, a treasure trove of additional tracks awaits dedicated shredders! These unlockable songs provide fresh challenges and expand your musical repertoire. Unlocking them often requires demonstrating mastery of the game's mechanics and progressing through the Career Mode. Here's a detailed breakdown of how to add these bonus tracks to your setlist across different versions of the game.

Understanding Unlock Mechanics: Arcade vs. Console

It's crucial to distinguish between the unlock mechanics for the Arcade version of Guitar Hero II and its console counterparts (Xbox 360, PlayStation 2). While the core gameplay remains consistent, the method for acquiring unlockables differs significantly.

Arcade Version Specifics: No In-Game Currency or Store

For the Guitar Hero II Arcade cabinet, the concept of "in-game currency" and a "Store" for purchasing unlockables does NOT exist. All unlockable content, including songs and characters, is earned directly through gameplay achievements. Once the requirements are met, the item is immediately available. This design choice streamlines the arcade experience, focusing purely on skill and progression without the need for managing virtual funds.

Direct Unlocks: In the Arcade version, successfully completing specific challenges or reaching certain milestones directly unlocks songs. There is no intermediary "purchase" step.
No "The Store": The "Store" menu option, prevalent in console versions for buying songs, characters, and gear, is absent from the Arcade interface.
Focus on Skill: Unlocks are purely performance-based, encouraging players to master songs and difficulties.

Console Versions (Xbox 360, PlayStation 2): The Store and In-Game Cash

On the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 2 versions of Guitar Hero II, unlockable songs are indeed purchased from "The Store" using in-game currency, often referred to as "Guitar Hero Dollars" or simply "cash." This system adds a layer of progression and reward management to the home console experience.

Earning Cash: Cash is primarily earned by playing songs in Career Mode, Quick Play, and even multiplayer modes. Higher star ratings, longer note streaks, and playing on harder difficulties significantly increase your earnings.
The Store: Accessible from the main menu, "The Store" is where you'll spend your hard-earned cash on several items, including unlockable songs, characters, guitars, outfits, and venues.
Two-Step Unlock: For console players, unlocking a song is a two-step process: first, meet the in-game requirement (e.g., complete an Encore), and second, purchase the song from The Store.

Given the critical inconsistency identified, this guide will now focus on the console versions (Xbox 360, PlayStation 2) for unlockable songs, as the Arcade version does not feature a "Store" or in-game currency for purchasing tracks. Arcade note that songs are unlocked immediately upon meeting the criteria outlined below.

The Encore Challenge: Earning Bonus Tracks (Console Versions)

Many of the most coveted unlockable songs are earned by successfully completing the "Encore" song at the end of each tier in Career Mode. The Encore song is a special, often more difficult, track that only appears after you've successfully passed all the regular songs in a given tier. Think of it as a final exam for your guitar skills!

Tier Completion: To even *see* the Encore song for a tier, you must achieve a passing grade (typically 3 stars or higher) on every standard song within that tier.
Encore Performance: Once the Encore song appears, you must successfully complete it to unlock a new song for purchase in the "Store" (accessible from the main menu). Failing the Encore means you'll need to replay the tier's songs and try again.
Difficulty Matters: While you can unlock songs on any difficulty, tackling Encores on higher difficulties (Hard, Expert) will often yield more in-game cash, which is crucial for purchasing these unlocked tracks.

Specific Unlockable Songs and Their Requirements (Console Versions)

Here's a comprehensive list of the unlockable songs, their corresponding Encores, and strategies to conquer them. Remember, once unlocked, these songs must be purchased from The Store.

Tier 1: Opening Act Encore

Encore Song: "Last Chance" by The Outfield (Cover)
Unlockable Song: "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "Last Chance" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $500 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "Last Chance" introduces some faster strumming patterns and a few quick chord changes. Focus on maintaining your rhythm and hitting those sustained notes for maximum Star Power. The solo is manageable, but don't get complacent.

Tier 2: Amp Warmers Encore

Encore Song: "Jessica" by The Allman Brothers Band (Cover)
Unlockable Song: "Hangar 18" by Megadeth (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "Jessica" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $750 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "Jessica" features intricate solos and quick chord changes, especially in the main riff. Practice the main riff and the solo sections in Practice Mode if you're struggling. Sustained notes are key to building Star Power.

Tier 3: String Snappers Encore

Encore Song: "Sweet Child o' Mine" by Guns N' Roses (Cover)
Unlockable Song: "War Pigs" by Black Sabbath (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "Sweet Child o' Mine" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $1000 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "Sweet Child o' Mine" is a long song with a challenging solo. Conserve your Star Power for the more difficult sections, especially the final solo, which can be a run-killer. Pay close attention to the hammer-ons and pull-offs.

Tier 4: Thrash and Burn Encore

Encore Song: "Free Bird" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (Cover)
Unlockable Song: "Psychobilly Freakout" by Reverend Horton Heat (Original)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "Free Bird" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $1250 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "Free Bird" is infamous for its incredibly long and demanding guitar solo. This is where consistent strumming and precise hammer-ons/pull-offs are absolutely essential. Don't be afraid to restart if you miss too many notes early in the solo. Strategic Star Power deployment is critical here.

Tier 5: Return of the Shred Encore

Encore Song: "YYZ" by Rush (Cover)
Unlockable Song: "Jordan" by Buckethead (Original)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "YYZ" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $1500 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "YYZ" is an instrumental masterpiece, and its Guitar Hero II rendition lives up to the challenge. Expect complex rhythms, rapid-fire note streams, and tricky chord progressions. Practice the distinct sections individually. "Jordan" is one of the hardest songs in the game, so be prepared for a significant challenge once unlocked.

Tier 6: Fret Burners Encore

Encore Song: "Carry On Wayward Son" by Kansas (Cover)
Unlockable Song: "The Light That Blinds" by Shadows Fall (Original)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "Carry On Wayward Son" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $1750 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "Carry On Wayward Son" features a mix of melodic and technical sections. The key is to maintain accuracy through the vocal sections and then brace for the more intense instrumental breaks. The guitar solo is particularly challenging due to its speed and varied patterns.

Tier 7: Axe Grinders Encore

Encore Song: "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd (Cover)
Unlockable Song: "Mr. Scary" by George Lynch (Original)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "Sweet Home Alabama" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $2000 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "Sweet Home Alabama" is a classic, but its Guitar Hero II chart has some surprisingly tricky sections, especially the solos. Focus on consistent strumming and don't let the seemingly simple riffs lull you into a false sense of security. The solos require precise timing.

Tier 8: Face Melters Encore

Encore Song: "Warriors of Rock" by DragonForce (Original)
Unlockable Song: "Through the Fire and Flames" by DragonForce (Original)
- How to Unlock: Successfully complete "Warriors of Rock" in Career Mode on any difficulty.
- Purchase Price: $2500 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: "Warriors of Rock" is a relentless onslaught of notes, serving as a precursor to the infamous "Through the Fire and Flames." Expect extremely fast strumming, complex tapping sections, and sustained bursts of notes. Star Power management is paramount. If you can pass this, you're ready for anything.

Bonus Songs (Non-Encore Unlocks)

Beyond the Career Mode Encores, several other songs can be unlocked through different means. These often involve specific achievements or simply becoming available after progressing through a certain number of tiers.

"The Number of the Beast" by Iron Maiden (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 5 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $1000 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: A classic metal track with a memorable riff. Focus on consistent strumming and hitting the sustained notes in the chorus.
"Crazy Train" by Ozzy Osbourne (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 10 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $1500 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: Randy Rhoads' iconic solo is the main challenge here. Break it down in Practice Mode if needed. The main riff is straightforward but requires good rhythm.
"Bark at the Moon" by Ozzy Osbourne (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 15 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $1750 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: Another Ozzy classic with a driving rhythm and a challenging solo. Keep your strumming hand steady for the verses and prepare for some quick fingerwork in the solo.
"Killer Queen" by Queen (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 20 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $2000 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: A more melodic track, but don't underestimate its precision requirements. The solos are intricate and require good timing.
"Iron Man" by Black Sabbath (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 25 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $2250 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: The slow, heavy riff is iconic. Focus on hitting each note cleanly. The solo is not overly fast but requires good finger independence.
"Message in a Bottle" by The Police (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 30 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $2500 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: A fun, upbeat track. The main riff is repetitive but requires good rhythm. The solo is relatively simple but fast.
"Strutter" by KISS (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 35 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $2750 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: A classic rock anthem. The main riff is catchy and not too difficult. The solo is moderate in challenge.
"Godzilla" by Blue Öyster Cult (Cover)
- How to Unlock: Complete any 40 songs in Career Mode on Medium difficulty or higher.
- Purchase Price: $3000 in-game dollars.
- Strategy Tip: A longer track with a distinctive riff. The challenge comes from its length and maintaining focus.

The "All Songs" Cheat Code (Console Versions)

For those who prefer instant gratification or want to practice specific songs without the grind, there is a legendary cheat code that unlocks all songs immediately. While using cheats might diminish the sense of accomplishment, it's a valid option for casual play or for quickly accessing tracks for practice.

Accessing the Cheat Menu: From the main menu, navigate to "Options," then "Cheats."
Inputting the Code: Select "Enter New Cheat." The code for "All Songs" is:
Blue, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Orange, Yellow

You must strum the guitar for each color input. If entered correctly, a confirmation message will appear.
Important Note: Activating this cheat will disable saving your career progress for that session. If you want to continue earning achievements or in-game cash, you'll need to restart the game without the cheat active. This cheat also does not make the songs available for purchase in The Store; it simply makes them playable.

Purchasing Unlocked Songs (Console Versions)

Once a song is unlocked through an Encore performance or other means, it doesn't automatically appear in your playable setlist. You must purchase it from the "Store" using your accumulated in-game cash. The Store is accessible directly from the main menu. Navigate to the "Songs" section within the Store to see all available tracks for purchase.

Earning Cash: Play through Career Mode songs, especially on higher difficulties, to earn more cash. Achieving higher star ratings and maintaining long note streaks will significantly boost your earnings.
Prioritize Purchases: If you're short on cash, prioritize unlocking the songs you're most excited to play or those that offer good practice for upcoming challenges. Consider playing easier songs on Expert to maximize cash gain if you're struggling with harder tracks.

Cash Rewards Table:

Difficulty	1 Star	2 Stars	3 Stars	4 Stars	5 Stars
Easy	$50	$75	$100	$125	$150
Medium	$100	$150	$200	$250	$300
Hard	$200	$300	$400	$500	$600
Expert	$400	$600	$800	$1000	$1200+

Note: These are approximate base values; long streaks, Star Power activation, and song length can further increase earnings.

By following these steps, you'll soon have a massive library of rock anthems at your fingertips, ready to be shredded!