Learning to play guitar is no easy task. It takes patience, practice, and a whole lot of dedication. Luckily, video games can provide a fun and interactive way to learn the instrument. In this blog post, we’ll explore some tested solutions to help you learn guitar through video games.
1. Guitar Hero and Rock Band
Guitar Hero and Rock Band are classic games that many people turn to when they want to learn guitar. While these games won’t teach you how to play a real instrument, they can help you with the basics of timing, rhythm, and finger placement.
The games come with plastic guitar controllers that mimic the feel of a real instrument. You’ll have to hit the right buttons in time with the music to score points. As you progress through the game, the difficulty level will increase, and you’ll be challenged to hit more complex notes and chords.
While these games won’t teach you how to read sheet music or understand music theory, they can help you develop the muscle memory and timing necessary to play guitar. And who knows? Maybe you’ll get so good at this game that you’ll want to try playing the real thing!
2. Rocksmith
If you’re looking for a video game that can teach you how to play a real guitar, Rocksmith is the way to go. This game comes with a special cable that connects your guitar to your gaming console, allowing you to play along with real songs.
As you play, the game will provide real-time feedback on your performance, telling you when you’re hitting the right notes and when you need to adjust your finger placement. The game also comes with a variety of mini-games that can help you develop specific skills, such as fretting or picking.
Rocksmith is a great option for anyone who wants to learn guitar in a fun and interactive way. It’s like having a personal music teacher in your living room!
3. Yousician
Yousician is another video game that can teach you how to play guitar. This app is available on mobile devices and computers and comes with a variety of lessons and exercises to help you develop your guitar skills.
The app uses your device’s microphone to listen to you play and provides real-time feedback on your performance. It also comes with a variety of gamified exercises that can help you develop specific skills, such as chord changes or fingerpicking.
Yousician is a great option for anyone who wants to learn guitar on the go. You can take lessons and practice exercises wherever you are, whether you’re on the bus or waiting in line at the grocery store.
There are many guitar apps that you can use to improve your skills and finger placement.
Alternatives for Learning to Play the Guitar
1. Guitar Lessons on YouTube
If you want to learn guitar through video content, YouTube is an excellent resource. There are thousands of lessons and tutorials available on the platform, ranging from beginner to advanced levels.
One of the benefits of learning guitar through YouTube is that you can choose your own pace and learn at your own speed. You can also search for lessons that cover specific topics or songs that you’re interested in learning.
Of course, learning guitar through YouTube does come with some downsides. You’ll have to sift through a lot of content to find the lessons that are right for you, and you won’t receive real-time feedback on your performance.
2. TuxGuitar
While TuxGuitar is not exactly a game, it is a creative software that can assist you is free, open-source software that allows you to create and play guitar tablature. Tablature is a type of musical notation that shows you where to place your fingers on the fretboard to play a song.
With TuxGuitar, you can import tablature files or create your own from scratch. The software also includes a variety of tools to help you practice and improve your skills, such as a metronome and a speed trainer.
This software is a great option for anyone who wants to learn to play specific songs or create their own music. Plus, it’s completely free to download and use!
3. JamPlay
JamPlay is an online platform that provides guitar lessons and tutorials from professional musicians. The platform offers a variety of courses, ranging from beginner to advanced levels, that cover topics such as music theory, technique, and songwriting.
The lessons are delivered through video tutorials that you can watch at your own pace. You can also ask questions and receive feedback from the instructors through a chat feature.
JamPlay is a great option for anyone who wants a structured approach to learning guitar from experienced instructors. Plus, the platform offers a free trial so you can try it out before committing to a subscription.
Closing Thoughts
Learning guitar through video games can be a fun and interactive way to develop your skills. Whether you’re playing Guitar Hero or using Rocksmith, video games can help you with the basics of timing, rhythm, and finger placement.
If you’re looking for a more structured approach, Yousician is an excellent option that provides real-time feedback on your performance. And if you’re not interested in video games at all, YouTube can provide a wealth of guitar lessons and tutorials.
Remember, learning guitar takes time and dedication. But with the right tools and mindset, you can make progress and have fun along the way. So don’t be afraid to try out different methods and find what works best for you!
And if you’re feeling discouraged or frustrated, just remember that every musician started somewhere. It’s okay to make mistakes and struggle at first. The important thing is to keep practicing and never give up.
Video games can be a great tool for learning guitar, but they shouldn’t be your only source of instruction. It’s important to supplement your learning with real-world practice, lessons from a teacher, and exposure to different types of music.
So grab your guitar, fire up a video game, and get ready to rock! With time, practice, and a little bit of fun, you’ll be playing your favorite songs in no time.