# Poison

Learn how to conquer the Poison songs in Rock Band! This guide breaks down the gameplay, offering tips and strategies for vocals, guitar, drums, and bass to help you achieve rockstar status.

Alright, so you've picked up Rock Band and you're ready to shred! This guide is here to help you navigate through the game, especially when it comes to tackling those iconic Poison tracks. Think of me as your bandmate, walking you through it all. We'll cover everything from hitting those high notes as a vocalist to laying down a killer bassline or pounding out a drum solo. Let's get you ready to rock!

Walkthrough:

The game's Multiplayer Tour Mode can be a bit of a wild ride, with different cities throwing unique setlists at you, all pulled randomly from the main track list. The difficulty ramps up as you progress, so keep playing to unlock tougher challenges. If you're looking to unlock those secret songs, make sure to hit up the Bonus Tour. And for all your downloaded content, Tokyo is the place to be.

Beyond the tour, there are also some fun competitive modes: "Tug of War," where you play simultaneously, and "Score Duel," where you go head-to-head on the same song, one after the other. These are perfect for settling bragging rights!

For those of you aiming for true mastery and diving deep into expert-level play, keep an eye out for more in-depth guides focusing on specific instruments and techniques. For now, let's get into the basics for each role.

Vocal Basics

The biggest tip I can give you for vocals? Know the songs inside and out! It's not just about knowing the lyrics; it's about feeling the melody and hitting the right key. Listen to the songs multiple times before you try singing them. Seriously, no distractions – just listen. I’ve even put together a playlist to help you get familiar with all the tracks. You can find it here: http://www.playlist.com/node/23589341

A few extra vocal tips:

• Avoid clearing your throat; it can actually hurt your vocal cords. Try sipping water instead. If you find yourself needing to clear your throat a lot, it might be worth checking with a doctor.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and cut back on alcohol and caffeine.
• Give your voice breaks – think of them as 'vocal naps.'
• Don't yell or scream unnecessarily, and try to avoid talking loudly in noisy places. If your throat feels rough, give your voice a rest.
• Using a cool-mist humidifier can really help keep your vocal cords happy.
• Warm up your voice with gentle humming or lip trills before you start singing.

How to Sing in Rock Band

To really get into the performance, I highly recommend grabbing a cheap mic stand from a music store. It makes a huge difference! Rock Band shows you a pitch indicator that moves up and down. Your job is to match that pitch. Don't be afraid to hum or even just make sounds to get a feel for the range before the lyrics start. If you keep your pitch steady through a phrase, your multiplier goes up!

When there are no specific notes on screen (like during some instrumental breaks or certain rap sections), just make some noise! Sing, shout, whatever – as long as you're doing it when the lyrics would normally appear, you'll get credit.

To activate Overdrive, just yell something like 'Timmah!' or cheer. Holding the last note of a phrase can also work. Once Overdrive is active, your multiplier, and the whole band's, doubles! Make sure you keep singing or making noise during those "Big Rock Endings," or you'll lose all those hard-earned points!

Scrolling vs. Static Mode

Rock Band defaults to scrolling mode, but there's also a Static Mode where all the lyrics for a phrase appear at once, much like traditional karaoke. Many players find Static Mode easier, so give both a try to see what clicks for you.

Tambourines and Cowbells

During sections without lyrics, like guitar solos, you might get the chance to play along with optional Tambourine or Cowbell parts. You can just tap your mic, clap, snap, or even blow into it when the beat passes the target bar. It's a fun little extra!

Playing the Rock Band Guitar

Bass or Guitar?

Harmonix decided against having a dedicated solo bass career in Rock Band. You can only play bass alone in Practice or Quickplay modes; otherwise, you'll need to jump into multiplayer. Bass is generally easier, but guitar can be incredibly fun and offers more points, especially during solos. If you're thinking about singing and playing at the same time, bass might be the way to go. Otherwise, get comfortable with the guitar first – it’ll help you build skills that can even translate to 'advanced bass techniques' later on!