The gameplay remains the same as in other games of the series: players use their instrument controllers to play guitar, bass and drum parts and sing vocal parts, matching notes on the screen in rhythm with the music. Vocal harmonies are also featured, allowing three players to sing certain parts together. The game offers Quick Play and Career modes. In Quick Play, all included songs can be played from the start, while Career mode moves through several setlists, unlocking more songs along the way.
The game features 44 tracks (including the entirety of Green Day's best-selling albums Dookie , American Idiot and 21st Century Breakdown ) and selected tracks from other albums. On the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions, the tracks can be exported for use in other Rock Band games.