Guitar Hero 3 Setlist: The Ultimate Guide

Introduction

Guitar Hero 3, released in 2007, is widely regarded as one of the most iconic video games of all time. Its innovative gameplay and diverse setlist captivated audiences worldwide, propelling the Guitar Hero franchise to new heights. This article delves deep into the Guitar Hero 3 setlist, providing an exhaustive analysis of its impact on the music industry and the gaming community.

The Setlist

The Guitar Hero 3 setlist comprises 45 songs from various musical genres, including rock, metal, punk, and blues. The majority of the tracks are licensed from prominent artists, while a few original songs were created exclusively for the game. Notable inclusions include:

• Through the Fire and Flames (DragonForce)
• Sweet Child O' Mine (Guns N' Roses)
• B.Y.O.B. (System of a Down)
• Cherub Rock (Smashing Pumpkins)
• Paint It Black (Rolling Stones)

Impact on the Music Industry

The Guitar Hero 3 setlist had a profound impact on the music industry. By introducing players to a wide range of new and classic songs, the game helped revive interest in older bands and exposed a new generation of listeners to emerging artists.

According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), sales of physical albums featuring songs from the Guitar Hero 3 setlist increased by over 25% in the year following its release. Moreover, the game acted as a catalyst for the resurgence of vinyl records, as many players sought out the original recordings of their favorite tracks.

Impact on the Gaming Community

Guitar Hero 3 also had a transformative effect on the gaming community. It popularized the concept of rhythm games and paved the way for a new era of music-based gaming. The game's challenging difficulty levels and innovative cooperative multiplayer mode fostered a sense of camaraderie among players and sparked intense competitions at tournaments worldwide.

Setlist Analysis

Genre Distribution

The Guitar Hero 3 setlist is predominantly composed of rock and metal tracks (64%), with punk and blues accounting for a smaller percentage (28% and 8%, respectively). This distribution reflects the game's target audience, which primarily consisted of fans of heavy music.

Difficulty Levels

The difficulty levels of the songs in Guitar Hero 3 vary significantly. The easiest track, "Hey" by the Pixies, is accessible to beginners, while the most challenging song, "Through the Fire and Flames" by DragonForce, requires exceptional dexterity and precision. This range of difficulty allows players of all skill levels to enjoy the game.

Notable Exclusions

Despite its extensive setlist, Guitar Hero 3 noticeably excludes certain popular rock and metal bands, such as Metallica, Nirvana, and Led Zeppelin. The reasons for these omissions are complex, but they are believed to be related to licensing issues and contractual disputes.

Setlist Evolution

Throughout the years, the Guitar Hero 3 setlist has undergone several revisions and additions. The original 45-song setlist was expanded to 56 songs with the release of the Legends of Rock expansion pack in 2008. Subsequent DLC packs added even more tracks, bringing the total number to over 80.

Future of Setlists

The Guitar Hero franchise continues to evolve, and so does its setlist. Recent iterations of the game have incorporated a wider range of musical genres, including pop, country, and electronic music. As technology advances, it is likely that future Guitar Hero setlists will continue to expand and diversify, embracing the latest trends in music and gaming.

Tables

Top 10 Most Popular Songs

Genre Distribution

Difficulty Levels

Song Additions in DLC Packs