Whats the impact of Guitar hero/ Rock band on music?

johnson1010 · Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:22 am

It seems like these kind of games are re-introducing children to a lot of older music, and even getting some interested in instruments who might not otherwise.

What do you all think the impact of these games might be?

Krysondra · Fri Aug 14, 2009 9:05 am

In my experience, the greatest impact of these games is the social gatherings that they create.

Beyond that, they are seen as Just Games. Songs the player likes are good while songs the player dislikes are just something to be gotten through.

And of the few people I met who got attracted to the actual instruments, they were frustrated by the difficulty of the real thing and the costs.

So, I think the greatest impact is social gatherings based on music - nonviolent (in most cases), generation gathering, socialness.

johnson1010 · Fri Aug 14, 2009 10:35 am

Do you think that it helps expose kids to music they would like from before their time though?

Maybe they are more ac/dc fans than the stones, but maybe without the game they would never have even given either of these bands a shot.

Interbane · Fri Aug 14, 2009 4:46 pm

My boss' son plays and knows and likes songs he otherwise wouldn't. Same for myself. Some off the beaten path songs I'd never otherwise hear about I really like.

geo · Fri Aug 14, 2009 8:54 pm


	johnson1010 wrote: Do you think that it helps expose kids to music they would like from before their time though?

Yes, in my experience it does. My 16-year-old son plays this game with various friends and though we are worlds apart musically, he has taken interest in some of the old dino rock music I listen to. Specifically, Steely Dan, Paul McCartney, Steve Miller, Los Lobos, etc. One of his favorite (non rap) songs now is Hotel California and we've actually discussed the lyrics. When we're on vacation this summer we took one of my son's friends and on the drive I started playing The Allman Bros. Band's Brothers and Sisters album. My son's friend said, Mr. H____, is that the Allman Brothers? So, yes, I think some of the great old classics are getting a fresh listen by a new generation.

Otherwise, I'm not that impressed with Guitar Hero/Rock Band. Why not take up real instruments is what I always say. But they sure have fun with it. It's good fun and as krysondra said it's something of a social event.

Mr. Pessimistic · Sat Aug 15, 2009 6:49 am


	geo wrote: Otherwise, I'm not that impressed with Guitar Hero/Rock Band. Why not take up real instruments is what I always say. But they sure have fun with it. It's good fun and as krysondra said it's something of a social event.

Well, it IS a game first. Might as well ask "Why not just take up war instead of a "Navy Seals" game!

:smile:

I think the game does introduce the kids to the old music...the best music IMO...and thus is a good thing. The ONLY instrument that has any use from the game to the actual is the drums. You really have to learn coordination on the game the does translate to the real thing. Not exactly, but good enough to get a young drummer going.

My son is an example. Played the game a while, we got him a set for Xmas and he was quite good from the get go.

I cannot play the game too long. It just irks and also bores me since I am not good at it. Since I really play guitar and bass, I find my fingers trying to play the actual melodies, not the color coded keys!

poettess · Sat Aug 15, 2009 7:52 am

My fifteen year old is a whiz at Guitar Hero...I mean expert all the way...and we play a bit together, even though I'm not quite at her level. But one thing I have noticed is that she is way more cognizant of older music. She chose a song to sing for her choir finale at school last year, they call it the Rox concert where kids can form their own group/band and perform whatever song they like. Well, she chose Heartbreaker by Pat Benatar because of Guitar Hero. Not only that, but she had no shortage of band members who wanted to participate because they love the song too.

I think its a great generational bridge for kids and adults as well as an opportunity for them to realize some wisdom that has come before instead of just thinking they know it all. I find the game fun and interactive, way better than us sitting on the couch and watching a movie.

Krysondra · Sat Aug 15, 2009 9:45 am


	Mr. Pessimistic wrote: I cannot play the game too long. It just irks and also bores me since I am not good at it. Since I really play guitar and bass, I find my fingers trying to play the actual melodies, not the color coded keys!

I get bored with the game because I have HORRIBLE hand/eye coordination. In short, I suck.

My boyfriend, however, really plays guitar, and he became an absolute pro in hours. I wonder why the experience is so different. We were expecting a bomb, but it never dropped.

Mr. Pessimistic · Sun Aug 16, 2009 12:53 pm

Krysondra wrote:


	Mr. Pessimistic wrote: I cannot play the game too long. It just irks and also bores me since I am not good at it. Since I really play guitar and bass, I find my fingers trying to play the actual melodies, not the color coded keys!

I get bored with the game because I have HORRIBLE hand/eye coordination. In short, I suck.

My boyfriend, however, really plays guitar, and he became an absolute pro in hours. I wonder why the experience is so different. We were expecting a bomb, but it never dropped.

I guess if I applied myself I would get much better. But I play in a band, so my time is devoted to that. My take is, and this is only my personal preference, why waste my time playing the game when I can play for real! If I am not playing, I have tons of stuff on my plate including practicing realy bass/guitar.

Krysondra · Sun Aug 16, 2009 5:14 pm

I heard that. I would much rather listen to the BF play his guitar than the game. It's so much more entertaining and soothing to me, but he doesn't play anywhere near as much as he used to. Too many hobbies.... Bah.

tylergarland · Sun Aug 16, 2009 8:06 pm

I actually have the belief that the Rock Band/Guitar Hero scene has caused some of the curious who would normally experiment in learning music now have something lesser, but otherwise, catchy to experience music. They may no longer search out a teacher or friend, but may remain satisfied nonetheless with beating their friends. I am not against rock band, but substitutes never replace the real deal.

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