Released in November 2005 by Harmonix and published by RedOctane, the original Guitar Hero 1 song list launched a cultural phenomenon that reshaped rhythm-action gaming. Long before full band peripherals or massive online song libraries, the PlayStation 2 title relied on a tight, 47-track setlist spanning classic rock, heavy metal, and indie tunes. If you're looking for the complete master tracklist, tier structure, and the licensing quirks that make the original game unique, you're in the right place.
The soundtrack is split into 30 master tracks recorded by the original artists and 17 cover versions meticulously re-recorded by WaveGroup Sound. Navigating these tracks requires understanding the game's strict career progression, tier difficulties, and licensing history.
The Complete Guitar Hero 1 Tracklist by Tier
The game organizes its career mode into six distinct tiers, starting from introductory garage venues and ending in massive stadium arenas. Each tier increases in note density, chord complexity, and speed.
Opening Licks
The first tier introduces basic fret transitions, single-note strings, and early sustained notes.
- "I Love Rock 'N Roll" by Joan Jett and the Blackhearts (Cover)
- "I Wanna Be Sedated" by The Ramones (Cover)
- "Smoke on the Water" by Deep Purple (Cover)
- "Bark at the Moon" by Ozzy Osbourne (Cover)
Axe-Grinders
Moving into the second tier, players face faster alternate picking and basic chord shapes.
- "Cowboys from Hell" by Pantera (Cover)
- "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand
- "Stellar" by Incubus
- "Sharp Dressed Man" by ZZ Top (Cover)
- "Killer Queen" by Queen (Cover)
Thrash and Burn
This tier acts as a significant difficulty wall for intermediate players, introducing rapid hammer-ons and pull-offs.
- "Iron Man" by Black Sabbath (Cover)
- "More Than a Feeling" by Boston (Cover)
- "DataXYZ" by ZZ Top
- "Frankenstein" by The Edgar Winter Group (Cover)
- "Fat Lip" by Sum 41
Return of the Shred
The fourth tier marks the halfway point, featuring longer, more demanding guitar solos.
- "Higher Ground" by Red Hot Chili Peppers (Cover)
- "Metal Health" by Quiet Riot (Cover)
- "Them Bones" by Alice in Chains
- "Ace of Spades" by Motorhead (Cover)
- " Crossroads" by Cream (Cover)
Guitar Battle
Entering the final stretch of the main setlist, these tracks demand precise finger placement and stamina.
- "Godzilla" by Blue Oyster Cult (Cover)
- "Bark at the Moon" by Ozzy Osbourne (Cover - note: distinct master vs cover track placements)
- "Texas Flood" by Stevie Ray Vaughan (Cover)
- "Unsung" by Helmet
- "Bark at the Moon" by Ozzy Osbourne (Master track)
Encore
The final tier tests elite players with grueling finger gymnastics across the neck.
- "The Breaking Wheel" by The Red Octane (Original)
- "Sail Your Ship to the Wind" by Count Zero (Original)
- "Caveman Skank" by The Dinorats (Original)
- "Hey You" by The Exies
- "Summary Execution" by The Power of Om (Original)
(Note: The game features several bonus tracks unlockable via the in-game store, including indie tracks from bands like Freezepop, Anarchy Club, and Megasus).
Master Tracks vs. Cover Songs
One of the most defining aspects of the original Guitar Hero development cycle was budget constraints. Harmonix couldn't afford master recordings for every legendary guitar anthem they wanted to include.
As a result, WaveGroup Sound was hired to produce sound-alike covers. Some covers, like "Bark at the Moon" or "Smoke on the Water," became legendary in their own right, sometimes praised by fans for matching or even exceeding the clarity of aging 1970s master tapes. However, other covers faced criticism for vocals that sounded noticeably distant from the original artists. This limitation pushed Harmonix to secure significantly larger licensing budgets for Guitar Hero II and Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
Unlockable Bonus Tracks
Beyond the main career setlist, players earn cash in the game store to buy bonus songs. These tracks were primarily sourced from independent rock bands, many of which had close ties to Harmonix developers.
- "All of This" by The Dead Kennedys (featuring members of Incubus)
- "DDL" by Freezepop
- "Get Ready 2 Rokk" by Freezepop
- "Sail Your Ship to the Wind" by Count Zero
- "Speed Zone" by Megasus
- "She's Not Dead" by Bloodhound Gang
These indie tracks served as an unexpected springboard for underground alternative bands, giving them global exposure through console gaming.
Why the Original Tracklist Matters Today
While later titles in the franchise ballooned to hundreds of on-disc tracks and massive downloadable libraries, the original 47-song collection remains a masterclass in pacing. Every song serves a distinct learning purpose. "Smoke on the Water" teaches rhythm keeping; "Take Me Out" introduces complex syncopated strumming; and heavy metal tracks push hand-eye coordination to its absolute limit.
For a deeper look into how rhythm games influenced modern music consumption, you can read historical industry analyses on IGN or explore music licensing breakdowns on Rolling Stone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Guitar Hero 1 use cover songs instead of original tracks?
Harmonix operated on a limited budget during the development of the first game. Securing master recording rights for classic rock anthems from major record labels was cost-prohibitive, forcing the team to rely on studio cover bands for roughly half the tracklist.
What is the hardest song on the Guitar Hero 1 setlist?
Most veteran players agree that "Bark at the Moon" by Ozzy Osbourne and "Cowboys from Hell" by Pantera present the steepest difficulty curves due to their relentless fast-note runs and punishing solo sections.
Can you play Guitar Hero 1 songs in later games?
While some tracks were later exported or re-released in subsequent sequels like Guitar Hero II or Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, licensing restrictions prevent the original game from being directly imported into modern hardware without emulators or fan-made community mods.
Who developed the original Guitar Hero?
The game was developed by Harmonix Music Systems and published by RedOctane. Neversoft did not take over franchise development until later sequels like Guitar Hero III.
