The base score is a value used in calculating song ratings. Values are held within the games themselves.
The Base-ics[]
The base score for any given song is obtained by hitting every single note in the song at a x1 multiplier. (To obtain a sample base score figure, pick a song on Easy and deliberately overstrum after every ninth note, while holding sustained notes as little as possible.)
Base scores are obviously different for each difficulty level.
The Cutoff Equation[]
In the Guitar Hero series, the only way to know how many stars you got on a song or how many points you need to reach a certain amount of stars is the Cutoff Equation. Average multipliers are used in calculating the review rating you receive at the end of a song. Achieving an average multiplier of 2.0 (or, equivalently, a total score of double the base score) will earn you a 4-star review. 5 stars are obtained for an average multiplier of 2.8 in Guitar Hero II, Guitar Hero: Rocks the 80s and Guitar Hero III, or 3.0 in Guitar Hero. Determining the locations of the 4- and 5-star cutoffs make it possible to mathematically determine the base score for any given song at any given difficulty.
You need to know:
- Base Scores
- Star Multiplier Table
- Your Difficulty of the song of choice
The Formula[]
To get the minimum cutoff score for a song, all you have to do is multiply the base score by the correct Star Multiplier (see the list below). In other words, follow this formula:
BS x M = Cutoff Score
Star Multiplier Table (post Guitar Hero I)[]
According to the table below, your average multiplier has to be at least the amount on the right to get a certain amount of stars.
- 3 Stars: x1.0
- 4 Stars: x2.0
- 5 Stars: x2.8
- 6 Stars: x3.6
- 7 Stars: x4.4
- 8 Stars: x5.2
- 9 Stars: x6.0
Star Multiplier Table (Guitar Hero I)[]
- 3 Stars: x1
- 4 Stars: x2
- 5 Stars: x3
- 6 Stars: x4
- 7 Stars: x5
- 8 Stars: x6
- 9 Stars: x7
