How to Win Boss Battles in Guitar Hero

"Boss battles" in Guitar Hero are songs in which you have to play "against" a famous guitar player. You compete not only by playing your own part of the song well, but by using "attacks" on your opponent, which you gain when playing difficult passages competently. These boss battles are universally considered to be the most difficult part of the game, and you will need to prepare in order to win them.

Instructions

1. Use the "Practice" mode on the boss battle song. You can enter this mode as soon you start a boss battle; or, if you've already lost one, you can enter it from the song-selection screen.

2. Slow down the song to "Slowest" at the first "Practice" menu. Play through the song slowly a few times to get used to how it works. Most boss battle songs are not traditional "songs" but wild guitar solos, so they often aren't as intuitive as songs you know well. While you do not have to memorize the songs, you should become as familiar with them as you can.

3. Pay special attention to the passages in which stars appear on the fretboard. Playing these without an error will give you attacks in the game that will cause your opponent to play poorly.

4. Be prepared for the attacks your opponent will use on you. Remember that you can stop the attack's effect by pressing the Whammy Bar, the highlighted button on the screen, or by tilting the guitar controller repeatedly.

5. Enter a boss battle after you've practiced the song slowly a few times.

6. Remember to use your attacks by tilting the controller. It's best to wait to use them until just before your opponent's section begins, so you can get the most use out of them.

7. Expect to repeat a boss battle a few times before actually winning it.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay focused on your own fretboard on the screen. Many people are initially confused by seeing their opponent's fretboard as well.