Of A Down - Aerials -exclusive: Rocksmith 2014 System

Are you ready to plug in, drop that C, and learn the exclusive version of "Aerials"? Fire up Rocksmith 2014, load the CDLC, and let the waterfall begin.

Have you already mastered this track? Tell us your high score percentage in the comments below, and subscribe for more exclusive Rocksmith deep dives.

Rocksmith 2014 System Of A Down - Aerials -EXCLUSIVE System of a Down has always been defined by their ability to blend frantic aggression with haunting, melodic beauty. No track exemplifies this duality better than Aerials, the closing masterpiece of their seminal 2001 album, Toxicity. For guitarists and bassists using Rocksmith 2014, mastering this track isn’t just about hitting notes; it is about capturing the atmospheric soul of Armenian-inspired alternative metal.

The exclusive Rocksmith 2014 experience for Aerials offers players a deep dive into Daron Malakian’s unique rhythmic sensibilities. To play this song correctly, you must first drop your tuning. The track utilizes Drop C tuning (C-G-C-F-A-D), a staple for the band that provides that signature low-end growl while allowing for open-string drones that are essential to the song’s Eastern-influenced melody.

The song begins with a clean, hypnotic arpeggio that requires precision and a light touch. Rocksmith’s Riff Repeater is an invaluable tool here, allowing you to slow down the tempo to ensure every note in the intro rings out clearly. The challenge in the opening section lies in the timing; the rhythm is fluid, almost breathing, and rushing the notes will strip the song of its tension.

As the track transitions into the heavy choruses, the dynamic shift is massive. This is where the exclusive Rocksmith 2014 tone modeling shines. The software automatically switches your virtual rig from a crisp, chorused clean tone to a wall of high-gain distortion. Moving from the delicate plucking of the verse to the thundering power chords of the chorus provides a physical rush that few other songs in the Rocksmith library can match.

For bass players, Aerials is a masterclass in foundational playing. Shavo Odadjian’s bass line doesn’t just mimic the guitar; it provides a percussive heartbeat that drives the song forward. The syncopation between the kick drum and the bass notes in the mid-tempo sections requires a steady hand and a keen ear for the pocket.

One of the most rewarding aspects of the Aerials DLC is the "hidden" outro. In the original recording, the song transitions into a hidden track often referred to as Arto, featuring traditional Armenian instruments and chanting. While the Rocksmith arrangement focuses on the core instrumentation, the lingering echoes of the final chords provide a perfect moment to practice your sustain and vibrato techniques.

Whether you are a beginner looking to understand Drop C tuning or an advanced player wanting to perfect your dynamic control, the Rocksmith 2014 System Of A Down - Aerials -EXCLUSIVE pack is an essential addition to your digital library. It captures the essence of a modern metal classic and provides the tools necessary to perform it with the intensity it deserves. To help you master this System of a Down classic: Check your intonation before tuning down to Drop C.

Use Riff Repeater on the bridge section to nail the rapid tremolo picking.

Focus on the dynamic contrast between the verses and the chorus.

If you want to dive deeper into the technical side, let me know: Your current skill level (beginner, intermediate, or pro) If you need help with Drop C tuning stability Other System of a Down tracks you want to learn Rocksmith 2014 System Of A Down - Aerials -EXCLUSIVE

Before you launch the track, understand what you are plugging in for. System Of A Down doesn’t play in standard E. For "Aerials," guitarist Daron Malakian utilizes Drop C Tuning.

The main riff of "Aerials" is deceptive. It looks simple on the note highway, but it requires immense control.

Unlike the standard Drop C tuning of many SOAD songs, “Aerials” was charted in Drop C# (C# G# C# F# A# D#) .

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.

Because this is an exclusive community file and not an official Steam purchase, here is the safe workflow to avoid malware and corrupted saves.

You will need:

Step-by-Step:

Warning: Do not pay for this file. Exclusive means community-shared, not paywalled. Any website selling this CDLC is scamming you.

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. Are you ready to plug in, drop that

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.

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. Let’s be honest

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 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 —