Jordan by Buckethead: From Live Improvisation to Guitar Hero Legend
In the world of virtuoso guitar, few tracks carry as much weight among gamers and musicians as Jordan. Performed by the enigmatic Buckethead, this composition evolved from a flexible live piece into one of the most challenging digital hurdles in rhythm gaming history.
The Evolution of the Track
Before the studio version of "Jordan" became a staple of the Guitar Hero II soundtrack, it existed primarily as a live instrumental. During these early performances, Buckethead would often omit the formal guitar solos. Instead, he used the track as a foundation for improvisation or interpolated other songs, frequently incorporating "Post Office Buddy" from the album Giant Robot.
One of these early live iterations was released in 2007 under the title "Vertebrae" on the Praxis live album Tennessee 2004. However, following the release of the official studio version, Buckethead began integrating the structured solos into his live renditions of the song.
The Guitar Hero II Challenge
To fit the needs of the video game Guitar Hero II, an alternate version of "Jordan" was specifically re-created. This version is legendary within the gaming community for its extreme difficulty on the Expert setting. The complexity is driven primarily by the intricate guitar solos, specifically the sections labeled "Guitar Solo B" and "Guitar Solo C."
For players on the Xbox 360, mastering this track provides a significant milestone. Completing "Jordan" on Expert difficulty unlocks the Kick the Bucket Award, an achievement worth 30 gamerscore.
Inspiration and Legacy
The track's origins are rooted in Buckethead's personal admiration. According to Marcus Henderson, the resident guitarist for the Guitar Hero series, the song is named after basketball legend Michael Jordan. This tribute extends to the single's cover art, which references the iconic Jumpman logo associated with the Air Jordan brand.
Henderson also noted that Buckethead considers "Jordan" to be one of the finest recordings of his career.
Key Facts
- Naming: The song is a tribute to basketball star Michael Jordan.
- Gaming Difficulty: Recognized as one of the hardest tracks in Guitar Hero II on Expert.
- Xbox 360 Achievement: The "Kick the Bucket Award" (30 gamerscore) is granted for completing the song on Expert.
- Live History: Early versions omitted solos and were sometimes titled "Vertebrae" (as seen on the Tennessee 2004 album).
- Visual Reference: The single cover utilizes imagery inspired by the Jumpman logo.
| Version/Context | Key Characteristic | Notable Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Early Live | Improvisational | Often interpolated "Post Office Buddy" |
| Praxis (2007) | Live Recording | Released as "Vertebrae" on Tennessee 2004 |
| Guitar Hero II | Re-created Studio Version | Extreme difficulty in Solo B and C sections |
| Xbox 360 | Gamerscore Achievement | "Kick the Bucket Award" (30 points) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the song "Jordan" named after?
The song is named after the legendary basketball player Michael Jordan, a huge fan of whom Buckethead is.
Why is "Jordan" considered difficult in Guitar Hero II?
It is considered one of the most difficult tracks on Expert difficulty due to the high complexity of its guitar solos, particularly the "Guitar Solo B" and "Guitar Solo C" segments.
What is the "Kick the Bucket Award"?
It is an Xbox 360 achievement worth 30 gamerscore, awarded to players who successfully complete "Jordan" on Expert difficulty in Guitar Hero II.
Did the song always have the same structure?
No. In early live performances, Buckethead would omit the solos and instead improvise or play other songs, such as "Post Office Buddy." The structured solos became more common in live sets after the studio version was released.
Where can I find the live version titled "Vertebrae"?
The live version titled "Vertebrae" can be found on the Praxis live album Tennessee 2004, released in 2007.