I like it as a video game, not as an alternative to playing guitar. It feels totally different. I'm actually better at the hard/expert levels than the medium/easy levels because you play every note. Which is easier than hitting one button per five notes.

And at least my friends know who I'm talking about when I say that I play stuff like Cream and SRV. They probably wouldn't otherwise.

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I have only played those games a couple times. I suck hard at them, especially at the songs i actually know how to play on guitar.

Although i don't enjoy playing, i don't hate the genre.

Things i do like about those games:

- At least a portion of players will try make the transition to real guitar, and a portion of those will actually stick with it!

- They expose players to a lot of quality music they probably wouldn't listen to otherwise.

- This renewed interest in rock has opened up a whole new generation to my smug know-it-all-ness regarding music. i can impose my own visions of cool, using my built over time store house of music/band knowledge/trivia while emasculating them for their own opinions, just by overpowering their limited knowledge with my extra 20-some years of music knowledge!!!

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I'm not an expert, but I play one on the internet.

+1

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I noticed that they're selling Rock Band in Guitar Centers now.

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Calling an illegal alien an undocumented immigrant is like calling a drug dealer an undocumented pharmicist.

I was playing Guitar Hero one day, and I had this really crappy part in the song 3s and 7s (Queens of the Stone Age), and so I quit the song and went into practice mode. While in practice mode I had an epiphany; I was practicing a video game.

For the kind of time I was spending with my Xbox 360, I figured I could gain a reasonable proficiency with a real isntrument. I bought a guitar with an unexpected financial windfall (My Epiphone LP-100), and I've been playing almsot two years now.

And no, Rockband/Guitar Hero/Band Hero are not the same as playing a real instrument, but it's something I can do with my wife and twin boys (they're 16; one plays bass, the other acoustic guitar) and even my daughter when she's home from college.

I was 36 when I picked up a guitar for the first time and it was in large part to the enjoyment I got from these games.

YMMV.

I hate that and Guitar Hero. I see no interest is playing some cute "game" when I can play any of those songs on a real guitar. It's like a professional singer thinking karaoke is "fun".

I like how the non guitar playing rockband heroes throw their stupid analogy of,"I know real guitar players who can't even play rockband/guitar hero." Really? Nice plastic Les Paul you have there.

One more pet peeve are kids who look at you like you are an idiot cause you can't play fast enough on the game.

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10-4 good buddy, over and out!

There seems to be a lot of arrogance in this thread. For example, Can't an Nfl'er play Madden or an Nhl'er play Nhl 10? Come on, why so much disdain for a video game? Think of the game as an interactive music catologue. So many people I know listen to older music because of this game. Kids I know, know "Pride and Joy" because of this game. Let's look at the positives. Kids and adults alike will always play video games, why not Rockband over Halo or some other far fetched shooting game?

Where's the love?,

Bo

In a way you are correct Bo. I do apologize for being so arrogant and holding so much disdain for your little game. I'm just sick and tired of comments like, "YOU SUCK, huh, huh, I shred you at this game and you've been playing guitar forever."

Talk about arrogance.

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10-4 good buddy, over and out!

Firstly, it's not "my little game". I just enjoy the concept of it. Second, next time your friend says something so stupid, challenge him to a real guitar off. Should end with laughter, but show him who's boss.

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2008 MIM Strat
2007 MIA Strat

LOL! Classic, you got it.

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10-4 good buddy, over and out!

I read my post again, I'm sorry if it sounded harsh. I'm very passionate about anything music related.

Bo

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2008 MIM Strat
2007 MIA Strat

+1

Glad I don't play video games.

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"I won't be wronged, I won't be insulted, I won't be laid a hand on. I don't do these things to other people, and I require the same from them."-John Wayne

*sigh*

Guitar Hero/Rock Band is a double edged blade.

Pros:
-Exposes people to music that they may never have listened to otherwise.
-Potentially inspires some to pick up "real" instruments for the first time.
-Fun for the whole family.

Cons:
-Counter-intuitive for the actual rhythm and timing of the songs.
-Mindless button mashing. Essentially tapping buttons corresponding to the color on the screen. (You could actually play it with the sound muted if you wanted).

These games teach you absolutely nothing of value with regard to the actual playing of a musical instrument. At least if you play something like NFL or MLB games you learn the rules, strategy, and plays of those sports and in turn you maybe understand the real life game better. You could log 1000+ hours on Rock Band and you won't even have a clue of what a note is.

I've tried them and hated the experience every time. I watch people enjoying the games and then I try it and as was previously mentioned, the timing is so alien that I literally can't play it. I think there's even a story about how Slash himself tried out his "signature" controller and he failed at one of his own songs.

And frankly, if your gutiarist actually used a whammy bar as much as you do in that game you'd probably punch him in the face.

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