Rock Band 4 continues the Rock Band series where players simulate playing music using instruments designed to mimic real instruments. The game has backwards compatibility for the instruments and content of previous games, allowing players to use their wireless guitar and drum controllers from PS3 and Xbox 360 versions. For the PS4, a new USB dongle is used, while for the Xbox One, a new one is included with the game. The gameplay is identical to earlier games, where one or more players use the instruments and microphone to play and sing through songs by following cues on the screen. The score is based on accuracy, with certain sections marked with coloured notes that can be completed successfully to fill an Overdrive meter, which can double the score multiplier for a short time.
A new feature called Freestyle solos allows players to improvise individual instrument solos without prompts on the screen. The player must follow general rules to score, and this feature can be disabled or followed by a predetermined solo. Other new features include drum fills for the drums and octave boosts for vocals when playing on 'hard' or 'expert'.
The main career mode introduces a starting band that needs to make it to the top by completing gigs with various risks and rewards, such as fan attendance and money earned. Players can customize their band's instruments, clothes, and members, and choose how to travel around. The game also features quick play and a new mode called "shows", where songs are broken up into sets and players can vote on the songs.
