31 Best Guitar Hero Songs

Can’t You Hear Me Knocking? by The Rolling Stones

Song Year: 1971

The Rolling Stones have had no trouble turning out hit after hit throughout the years. This song from their album Sticky Fingers later turned up on Guitar Hero II. Like any Rolling Stones song, this one has some complicated guitar sections that will take some practice to move past.

In addition to being challenging, the original version of this song is over seven minutes long! Thankfully, it is trimmed down for the game.

Killing in the Name by Rage Against the Machine

Song Year: 1992

Rage Against the Machine has always been known for its explosive music, and becoming a song choice on Guitar Hero was a surprise due to its strong lyrics. However, the tune became an instant hit on the platform by people of all ages.

The questionable lyrics come from the fact that the song discusses police brutality and unethical behavior that comes from those in power.

Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd

Song Year: 1973

You may hear this song everywhere, including its neverending rotation on the radio. However, another place you will have it is Guitar Hero. In the game, you will find yourself immersed in the guitar segments as you learn to be a member of the band.

The meaning of this song is to remind people that you are free to go wherever you choose and be who you want to be.

The Seeker by The Who

Song Year: 1971

Would Guitar Hero really be the conglomerate of music it is without a song by The Who? Thankfully, we won’t ever have to know, thanks partly to it being included in Guitar Hero III.

Coming off of the group's album Meaty, Beaty, Big, and Bouncy, the song talks about a person who is so unhappy in their own life that they make the lives of those around them worse.

Ace of Spades by Motorhead

Song Year: 1980

This rock song is deserving of its spot on the Guitar Hero franchise. In fact, the tune is so popular it appears in more than one of the games. It’s safe to say that certain parts of the song are challenging, which makes it both frustrating and fun.

The song's lyrics speak to the vulnerability that comes with gambling, with the abrupt potential of losing everything or nothing at all.

Raining Blood by Slayer

Song Year: 1986

You can find this hit song by Slayer on Guitar Hero III. Coming from the band’s album of a similar-sounding title, Reign in Blood, the song has some heavy lyrics that lend themselves well to the many guitar segments.

When you get into the song's meaning, it’s about an individual seeking revenge and the catastrophic means he takes to get it.

Devil Went Down to Georgia by The Charlie Daniels Band

Song Year: 1979

While this song by The Charlie Daniels Band is highly popular for its solid croon and fun lyrics, it is brutal to play on Guitar Hero. Once you get into the solos, you will wonder why you ever liked the song, to begin with.

You can find this hit on Guitar Hero III. Just stretch out your fingers before playing!

Heart-Shaped Box by Nirvana

Song Year: 1993

From the band’s album In Utero comes this top-notch song that later received its place in Guitar Hero fame. You can find it on Guitar Hero II, where you can spend time learning to play the jam yourself.

While musician Kurt Cobain claimed the song was inspired by children suffering from cancer, it was later discovered that the lyrics actually spoke to his wife, Courtney Love, and her nether regions.

Cherry Pie by Warrant

Song Year: 1990

This classic rock song by Warrant, released on an album of the same name, is the summertime anthem we have all grown to know and love. Therefore, it’s only fitting that it has a place of honor on Guitar Hero II.

While you may think the tracks are difficult to accomplish, players are often surprised at how easy it is to play the song.

Carry Me Home by The Living End

Song Year: 2000

This indie rock band may be newer to the music scene than some of the classics on this list, but they are just as deserving of their Guitar Hero nod. You’ll find their song from the album Roll On listed on the tracks for Guitar Hero II.

Be prepared before you go in for the play, though. Those who have attempted it say that the most complicated parts are right at the song's beginning.

Top Guitar Hero Songs, Final Thoughts

Everyone who has played one of the games knows that a Guitar Hero song can quickly get stuck in your head. When that happens, you want to repeatedly play that selection to hear it again. This guide highlights the best Guitar Hero songs on the various game versions for your reference.