Guitar Hero: Enemy or Ally?

Guitar Hero has often been dismissed by many a guitar player as dumbing down actual guitar playing. Claims like “It’s not like playing a real guitar.” and suggestions such as “You do know you’re not actually playing that song, right?” are often batted around on forums and in YouTube comments. But is that really the case?

Guitar Hero, as well as imitations and improvements such as Frets on Fire and Rock Band, are great tools in helping any musician practice one of the most crucial elements of music and composition. Rhythm and Timing.

When teaching guitar I have often been told that getting to grips with strumming in rhythm is a difficult task. The only real suggestions I had were to “keep practicing”, or “pat rhythms to songs on your lap to ‘feel’ it more naturally”. But now I can truly recommend Guitar Hero style games.

Unless you’re using a hand controller for playing the game (which makes the game more of a whack-a-mole kind of deal) playing the guitar-style controller comfortably sets your posture into guitar-playing stance ready to strum like the heroes of rock!

Another massive aid Guitar Hero style games can give to the beginner guitarist is the practice needed for left hand / right hand independence.

Quit hating Guitar Hero style games and go play with your mates with the knowledge that it’s good practice for the real thing!

Treat yourself.

Image from xkcd.com A webcomic of romance, sarcasm, math, and language.

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