I've never been big on gaming of any kind, but I really fail to see the point in Guitar Hero...

Can someone explain it to me?

That is my frustation with my son. He has all of the real gear and won't touch it 4 this silly game. I don't get it.

It's easier and it's a game... that is all...

I'm teaching a buddy's 10-year-old daughter to play guitar. I made sure that she told me what her favorite song was ("Love Story" by Taylor Swift - just like every other 10-year-old girl, LOL) and then I told her that in her second lesson, I'd teach her how to play it.

I figured if I didn't do that, she'd lose interest. Who cares about playing "Mary Had a Little Lamb"? If I could get her playing a real song in about the time it would take to learn a Guitar Hero song, I figured I could keep her on the instrument.

So far, so good!

RenHoek said:

It's much easier, it's a game and it's much less expensive.

There is a sign outside the music store near where i live. It reads "Hero's play real guitars". Obviously this is in reference to the phenomenon of guitar hero and the impact it may be having on sales of real instruments. Whilst i understand the fun of am occasional game, I think it is bizarre that some people dedicate so much time to it. They have indeed become technical wizards but on an instrument that has no practical application or use.

They're are NOT the same thing, that's why.

Yeah, whenever friends ask me if I've played the game, I tell them: Whenever I want to play, I really just play a guitar.

MattyJam said:

Can't explain it, but I am SO with you on this one. If people spent even half the time and effort with a real guitar as they did with Guitar Hero, we just might see this generation's Hendrix spring up out of somewhere.

Sowhat said:

A starter acoustic really isn't all that pricey, but the game plus the system to run it on is working into several hundred dollars. Cheaper it is not.

why dont people really murder and steal real cars instead of playing Grand Theft Auto??

roodboi said:

and there it is.

I got nothing against it. The way I look at it is that more people will be interested in learning the real thing after having the 'fun' with Guitar Hero. Anything that promotes playing music is a good thing IMO.

and not for nothing, but Rock Band exposes my kids to music they would not hear elsewhere easily. Because of that game, all four of our children walk around humming "Psycho Killer" by The Talking Heads.

Listening to better music is a ok with me.

I've never played Guitar Hero; only Rock Band once. Might there be some good in these games insofar as they do expose a new generation to music they'd not otherwise hear... and they also somewhat bolster kids' familiarity with orchestration, fingering exercises, time signatures, the thrill of performing, etc? It's not the real thing, of course, but it seems a fun, potentially useful introduction.
[Edited 2/7/09 8:48am]

roodboi said:

I'm in ... let's GO

I watched Hitman with my son last night - i'm READY man

3121 said:

That would bug the hell out of me. If I make a sign that says "Heroes learn how to spell," would you give it to them for me?

Anyway, I play both a real guitar and Guitar Hero/Rock Band. It's not the same. Most people who don't "get" those games have never played them with a group of friends. Bottom line: it's fun (with or without alcohol).

meow85 said:

Very true although i'm not knocking guitar hero. I am sure it is fun.

roodboi said:

roodboi said:

They do. I aslo like to kill space invaders.

This would be cool if it actually helped you to learn how to play the instrument for real.

phunkdaddy said:

Oh yeah, it's definitely fun, and it does expose younger people to music they otherwise might not be bothered to seek out. But playing Guitar Hero really isn't the same thing as playing a guitar, and it sort of irks me how some people will spend hours and hours playing the game without even thinking of picking up the real thing. Some, like Graycap's son, have access to, or even have their own instruments lovingly bought by relatives for them, and still won't give the real noisemaker a second glance.

JerseyKRS said:

Bingo!

I do both. And guess what? from time to time I also go to the bathroom.

It's a game, that has to do with pretending to play guitar. And I think this game is very good for kids because it helps them develop rhythm and coordination in a fun way.
[Edited 2/7/09 16:20pm]

ArielB said:

Wait... so there's a Virtual Crapper game??? Is it available for the PS2???

RenHoek said:

Only for the wii. You use the remote in wiping motion.

roodboi said:

..or join the NFL instead of playing Madden?

RenHoek said:

basically!

Learning an instrument takes time and effort, but anyone can pick up this game, grab a few friends to play with, and be amused for hours

thekidsgirl said:

'zactly!

They tested Joe Perry & Slash on Guitar Hero since they're in the game, and they said that it takes two completely different mindsets to play a real guitar vs a video game. Both couldn't hack the game. Their fingering & hand/eye coordination was off. I think some people are just naturally gifted when it comes to music, and others no matter how hard they try, just won't get it. Same with those video game whizzes.....like that 16 year old who the "ultimate" guitar hero.

http://www.blender.com/Ki...rebar-digg

16 year old kid drops out of high school to play Guitar Hero professionally. I do think that's taking it too far. I read the article, and the parents come off as stage parents, pushing him for endorsements & crap. I mean, winning huge prizes and $1,000 checks for winning at Guitar Hero is great (I admire his skills), but not worth dropping out of high school.

uPtoWnNY said:

They like being apart of football, but don't have a single athletic bone in their body.....kinda like Dennis Miller & Tony Kornheiser. lol