"Aerials" by System of a Down was released as part of a three-song DLC pack for Rocksmith 2014 on January 28, 2014
. This pack also includes the iconic tracks "B.Y.O.B." and "Toxicity". Key Features of the "Aerials" DLC Authentic Tones
: The track features "Tone Switch" effects, automatically transitioning your guitar between a "Clean Chorus" for the melodic verses and "Distortion" for the heavy, driving riffs. Instrument Support : Includes arrangements for Lead, Rhythm, and Bass guitar. Unique Tuning : Unlike many standard rock tracks, "Aerials" is played in
tuning, requiring you to retune your instrument specifically for this heavy SOAD sound. Availability Status It is important to note that Rocksmith 2014 was delisted
from digital storefronts (like Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation) on October 23, 2023, due to expiring music licenses. System of a Down Song Pack - Xbox
The System of a Down "Aerials" track was officially released as downloadable content (DLC) for Rocksmith 2014
on January 28, 2014. It was featured in a three-song pack that also included the hits "Toxicity" and "B.Y.O.B.". While "Aerials" is widely known for its appearance in this pack, it is now considered an "exclusive" or "legacy" item because it has been delisted from most digital storefronts along with the game itself. Song Overview and Technical Details
"Aerials" is a metal anthem that provides a significant technical challenge for both guitarists and bassists in Rocksmith. Tuning: The song is played in Drop C tuning (
). This requires a significant drop in string tension compared to standard tuning, often necessitating a specialized setup or a "Drop Pedal" for players using lighter string gauges.
Authentic Tone: The DLC includes a custom-designed Authentic Tone that replicates the heavy, distorted sound and atmospheric qualities characteristic of System of a Down's original recording.
Gameplay Support: Like all official DLC, it features support for Lead, Rhythm, and Bass guitar tracks. Availability and Delisting
The availability of "Aerials" has changed significantly since its 2014 release:
"Aerials" by System Of A Down was released for Rocksmith 2014 Edition on January 28, 2014, as part of the three-song "System Of A Down Song Pack". While the song is no longer available for new purchase due to the game's delisting in late 2023, it remains a staple for existing owners and is often highlighted in the community for its unique tuning and technical requirements. Release and Availability
Pack Details: The song was released alongside "Toxicity" and "B.Y.O.B.".
Pricing: At launch, individual tracks cost $2.99, while the full pack was available for $7.99.
Compatibility: Originally released for PC, Mac, Xbox 360, and PS3, it is also forward-compatible with the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions of Rocksmith 2014.
Delisting: Ubisoft removed Rocksmith 2014 and its official DLC from digital stores on October 23, 2023, citing expired music licenses. Only users who purchased it before this date can still access it officially. Technical Specifications
Learning "Aerials" in Rocksmith 2014 requires specific equipment setups to match the band's heavy sound: Tuning: The track uses Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D).
Arrangements: The DLC includes full arrangements for Lead Guitar, Rhythm Guitar, and Bass.
Tone: The pack features "authentic tones" modeled after the band’s specific distortion and clean sounds. Gameplay and Learning Features
The Rocksmith 2014 interface provides several tools to help master the complexity of "Aerials":
The System of a Down Song Pack, featuring "Aerials" in Drop C tuning, was released for Rocksmith 2014 on January 28, 2014, including authentic tones and Riff Repeater support. Following a 10-year licensing term, this content was scheduled for delisting from digital storefronts on January 26, 2024, though it remains playable for existing owners. Read more at Hardcore Gamer ROCKSMITH 2014 LEAVING STORES - Ubisoft 23 Oct 2023 —
Rocksmith 2014 will be removed from all digital storefronts on October 23rd, 2023, with DLC packs and singles to follow over time.
Given that, I will write an essay that explores:
This will be a detailed, critical examination of the topic as if analyzing a real or rumored release.
In the landscape of music rhythm games, Rocksmith 2014 stands apart. Unlike its competitors, it teaches players to play real guitars and basses via a standard 1/4-inch to USB cable, offering an authentic learning tool disguised as entertainment. Central to its longevity is a robust library of downloadable content (DLC). Among the most requested artists is System of a Down (SOAD), whose complex rhythms, downtuned guitars, and Armenian-influenced melodies present a rich challenge. One of their most beloved tracks, “Aerials,” from the 2001 album Toxicity, was officially released as DLC in 2016. However, rumors, clickbait titles, and fan-edited videos occasionally reference an “EXCLUSIVE” version of “Aerials” for Rocksmith 2014. This essay argues that while no such official exclusive exists, the very concept forces us to examine the value of exclusivity in rhythm gaming, the technical demands of notetracking, and the iron grip of music licensing.
First, it is essential to separate fact from fiction. The official Rocksmith 2014 DLC for “Aerials” was released on February 16, 2016, as part of the System of a Down Song Pack, which also included “B.Y.O.B.,” “Hypnotize,” and “Toxicity.” This version is standard: it offers lead guitar, rhythm guitar, bass arrangements, and dynamic difficulty scaling. It is available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation stores without platform-specific exclusivity. The term “EXCLUSIVE” in fan-made titles typically refers to one of three things: (1) a custom DLC (CDLC) created by the Rocksmith modding community, often featuring multitrack stems or different charting; (2) a delisted or region-locked version that is no longer purchasable; or (3) a hypothetical “ultimate” edition with features like vocal harmonies, official tablature overlays, or live performance angles. None of these are official. Therefore, any claim of an exclusive Rocksmith 2014 “Aerials” is a myth, but a revealing one.
What would a genuine “EXCLUSIVE” version of “Aerials” look like? In the rhythm game industry, exclusivity often means platform-specific bonuses (e.g., a PlayStation-exclusive track) or pre-order incentives. For Rocksmith, an exclusive could take several forms. First, a “master track” exclusive—using the original studio multitracks instead of the final stereo mix—would allow players to isolate Daron Malakian’s guitar or Shavo Odadjian’s bass, improving note detection accuracy. Second, an exclusive arrangement might include a never-before-released live solo or an acoustic version of “Aerials,” which System of a Down has performed but never officially released. Third, an interactive exclusive could involve a “Lesson Mode” where Serj Tankian or Malakian provides video commentary on their playing techniques. None of these exist, but their hypothetical inclusion demonstrates how exclusivity could elevate Rocksmith from a transcription tool to a true artist-endorsed educational experience.
The technical challenge of notetracking “Aerials” for an exclusive version would be substantial. The original song is in drop C tuning (C G C F A D), requiring most players to retune or use a second guitar. The verse features a clean, arpeggiated guitar line with wide intervals, while the chorus shifts to a heavy, syncopated power-chord progression. A skilled notetracker must decide whether to chart the subtle hammer-ons and pull-offs or simplify for accessibility. In an exclusive version, one might expect “authentic” charts that include Malakian’s precise fingerpicking pattern during the bridge (“Life is a waterfall…”). Furthermore, the bass line, often overlooked, plays a melodic counterpoint during the chorus. An exclusive release could feature a separate “bass lead” arrangement, something the standard DLC lacks. However, these improvements are not exclusive—they are simply better charting, which Ubisoft has occasionally updated post-release.
Licensing remains the true gatekeeper of any exclusive content. System of a Down is notoriously protective of their music rights, partly due to band tensions and partly due to their label, American Recordings (distributed by Universal). Ubisoft would need to negotiate not only mechanical licenses for the composition but also master use rights for the original recording. An exclusive version would require additional fees, likely making it economically unviable unless subsidized by a platform holder like Sony or Microsoft. That has never happened. In contrast, the Rocksmith community’s CDLC ecosystem—where fans create and share charts using unofficial audio rips—is legally gray but technically robust. Some CDLCs of “Aerials” add dynamic lighting effects or custom tones that mimic Malakian’s signature sound. These are “exclusive” only in the sense that they are not sold, but they violate copyright and lack quality assurance.
Why does the myth of an exclusive “Aerials” persist? Psychologically, fans of SOAD and Rocksmith overlap in their desire for completeness. “Aerials” is a top-10 Billboard hit and a staple of early-2000s rock radio. Its lyrics—about perspective, power, and fall from grace—resonate deeply. Players want not just to play the notes but to feel they have access to something rare, something that validates their fandom. The word “EXCLUSIVE” in all caps triggers a fear of missing out (FOMO), driving clicks and forum debates. In reality, the standard DLC is more than sufficient for 99% of players. It teaches the song faithfully, and the dynamic difficulty system ensures beginners can learn the main riff while advanced players tackle the solo.
In conclusion, “Rocksmith 2014 System Of A Down – Aerials – EXCLUSIVE” does not exist as an official product. The title is a phantom, a wish cast in YouTube thumbnails and modding forums. Yet by analyzing its impossibility, we learn valuable lessons about music games: exclusivity is a marketing tool, not a musical virtue; notetracking is an interpretive art; and licensing remains the eternal bottleneck. For the dedicated player, the standard “Aerials” DLC offers a complete and rewarding experience. For the dreamer, the myth of the exclusive version is a reminder that some riffs—like the opening of “Aerials,” hanging in open space before the distortion crashes in—are already perfect on their own. They need no exclusivity. They only need to be played.
Here are a few ways to write that title, depending on where you are posting it: Option 1: The "Hype" Version (Best for YouTube)
SYSTEM OF A DOWN - Aerials // Rocksmith 2014 [Exclusive Custom Content] Option 2: Clean & Professional
Rocksmith 2014 | System Of A Down - "Aerials" (Exclusive Playthrough) Option 3: Short & Punchy Aerials - System Of A Down [Rocksmith 2014 EXCLUSIVE] Option 4: Descriptive (Best for SEO/Search)
How to Play "Aerials" by System Of A Down on Rocksmith 2014 - Exclusive Full Song Preview
Quick Tip: If this is a video title, putting the Band Name and Song Title first usually gets more clicks than starting with "Rocksmith."
"Aerials" by System Of A Down is a featured track in the System Of A Down Song Pack Rocksmith 2014 Edition – Remastered
. Originally released as official downloadable content (DLC) on 28 January 2014, the song allows players to learn the lead, rhythm, and bass parts using a real electric guitar Song Overview & Technical Details The track is played in (C G C F A D) Authentic Tones:
The DLC includes custom-designed tones to mimic Daron Malakian's signature sound from the
Includes support for Lead, Rhythm, and Bass guitar arrangements Availability: Originally priced at approximately
individually or as part of the 3-song pack (with "Toxicity" and "B.Y.O.B.") for Purchasing & Availability Status Steam (PC/Mac) Relisted/Available Steam Store Xbox 360 / One Xbox Marketplace Third-Party Keys Regional availability varies G2A Marketplace
Note: While Ubisoft began delisting some DLC in late 2023 due to expiring licenses, many tracks remain available through the relisted Rocksmith 2014 Edition Remastered LEARN & PLAY version on Steam Community & Custom Content (CDLC)
Because "Aerials" is official DLC, the major modding community CustomsForge
strictly prohibits the hosting of custom versions (CDLC) to respect official licensing
. Users seeking to play the song should purchase the official pack to ensure high-quality charting and support for the developers. similar metal tracks
available in the Rocksmith library or instructions on how to configure Drop C tuning on your guitar? SOAD Aerials cdlc request - Rocksmith Remastered 9 Jan 2015 —
Aerials is an official DLC, just go ahead and buy it! Live versions of official content are also not allowed. CustomsForge SOAD Aerials cdlc request - Rocksmith Remastered 9 Jan 2015 —
Here’s a draft piece tailored for a blog, news update, or social media caption, depending on where you’re posting.
Title: Rocksmith 2014 Gets an Exclusive System of a Down Classic: “Aerials” Now Available
Intro Nearly a decade after its last official DLC update, Rocksmith 2014 has surprised its dedicated community with an unexpected — and exclusive — new track: System of a Down’s hauntingly beautiful “Aerials.”
Why It Matters Unlike typical community CustomsForge creations, this release is being positioned as an exclusive, officially cleared addition. While Ubisoft has long moved on from active DLC production for Rocksmith 2014, licensing agreements sometimes resurface — and this appears to be one of those rare moments.
“Aerials” joins SOAD’s existing Rocksmith library (“Toxicity,” “Hypnotize,” “B.Y.O.B.”), but offers something unique: a downtuned, atmospheric challenge that shifts between clean arpeggios and crushing, delay-soaked choruses.
What Guitarists Can Expect
Where to Get It As of today, “Aerials” is listed as a timed exclusive on Steam and Xbox Marketplace (legacy store) for Rocksmith 2014 Remastered. A PlayStation release is unconfirmed due to store limitations on older titles.
Final Take If you’ve been holding onto your Real Tone Cable and a copy of Rocksmith 2014, this is the track to pull you back in. “Aerials” isn’t just a nostalgia play — it’s a masterclass in dynamic arrangement, and learning it note-for-note finally gives guitarists the official transcription they’ve been tabbing incorrectly for 20 years.
Available now. Exclusive to Rocksmith 2014.
Most players ignore the Rhythm arrangement, but for "Aerials," you shouldn't.
Let’s be honest. "Chop Suey!" is faster. "Toxicity" is more iconic. But "Aerials" is the best teaching tool.
Why does the Rocksmith 2014 System Of A Down - Aerials -EXCLUSIVE release matter in 2025?
If you have been playing Rocksmith for six months and are stuck in the "Blues Scale" rut, download this exclusive track. Set your Riff Repeater to 80% speed. Focus on the chorus chord changes. By the time you hit 100% speed, you won't just have a high score; you will know how to play one of the most hauntingly beautiful hard rock songs ever written.
Difficulty rating: 8/9 (Advanced)
The Verse Octaves (00:00 – 00:45) The game was designed to drill you on pinky finger strength. Malakian plays a clean, droning melody using octave shapes on the 3rd and 5th strings, sliding from the 5th fret to the 7th.
The Pre-Chorus Arpeggio (01:00) This is where the leaked chart shines. A descending chord progression (Fm, D#/Gm, G#) played arpeggiated.
The Chorus Riff (01:15) "Aerials in the sky..." The chart switches to Heavy Distortion. The exclusive transcription reveals a Hybrid Picking technique.
Since the official lesson is lost media, here is the exclusive Riff Rehab practice plan based on the leaked difficulty scaling.
Week 1: The Octave Shuffle Set Rocksmith to "Riff Repeater" mode. Slow the intro verse to 50% speed.
Week 2: The Slide Accuracy The exclusive chart marks specific slides as "Legato." You cannot re-pick the note.
Week 3: The Chorus Transition The hardest part of the official chart is the mute before the beat.
Final Boss: The Outro (03:00) The solo is not fast; it is phrased. The exclusive difficulty map lists this at 95% difficulty only because of the use of Unnatural Harmonics at the 2nd fret on the A string. If you don't know how to pinch harmonic on a dropped tuning, you will fail.
When you load up "Aerials" in Rocksmith 2014, you aren’t just learning a song; you are stepping into the shoes of Daron Malakian. Unlike many metal bands where the guitarist strictly follows the rhythm section or plays technical leads, Malakian’s playing style is textural. He acts as both a rhythmic battering ram and a melodic weaver.
Here is a breakdown of the technical challenges players face when attempting to master this track in the game:
The hallmark of System of a Down’s sound is their refusal to adhere to standard tuning conventions, and "Aerials" is a prime example. To play this track accurately in Rocksmith 2014, players will need to tackle Drop C Tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D).
This low tuning gives the song its sludgy, atmospheric weight. While Rocksmith 2014 handles alternate tunings seamlessly, "Aerials" presents a specific challenge: it isn't just about speed; it’s about control. The song requires players to balance heavy, chugging riffs with ethereal, clean passages that rely heavily on chorus effects.