Best music games (hardware as well as software) for band instruments that make learning to play a musical instrument easier and more entertaining. Using controllers you can play piano, guitar, bass, piano, drums, sing (mic), and start jamming right away. These games help improve music theory, sight reading, ear training, improvisation but in a fun manner. You can play these alone or in a group (even as a party game).
Games make learning fun
Games such as ‘Guitar Hero’ and “Rock Band” made people rock (using their guitar controller) and made them play world-famous rock anthems. Since then, such games have been enjoyed by gamers of all types, tastes, and ages, by children as well as grown-ups.
Most of these products include game controllers and computer-based software, in which players use a guitar-shaped game controller to play lead, bass guitar, rhythm guitar, drums and vocals on a number of rock music songs. You can play songs, riffs, and exercises.
In order to enjoy these games, you need controllers and accessories such as:
- Controller
- Grip Controller
- Foot Pedal for RockBand/Guitar Hero
- Replacement Housing Case
A Guitar controller is basically a simplified version of a real electric guitar. It typically features colored buttons on the neck of the guitar and a strum bar near the base.
These allow players to mimic the experience of playing guitar by pressing buttons and strumming a plastic “strum bar”, instead of using strings.
Most games are such that you need to press the correct button at the right time while strumming the strum bar; you have to maintain the timing with the music. The more accurately you play while playing along with the song, the higher your score.
You also get controllers for other instruments.
The good thing about these games is that it lets you experience the joy of playing an instrument without having to put in a lot of effort.
Here are some more benefits of playing these games:
- Provides Entertainment: Playing these games is fun, it provides players with a sense of accomplishment as they progress through the levels and earn higher scores. You can get started without any prior musical knowledge or skill, and still have lots of fun.
- Improved Music sense: Playing these games helps improve hand movements and improves music sense as it develops your sense of rhythm and timing, which is an important concept in playing real instruments as well.
- Play like a Band: Multiple players can play these games. You can have your friends on the guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and mic, and have a blast.
Most games are designed for total beginners but then you will also find stuff for intermediate-level players. Most of these guitar game products have settings that control the difficulty of the game.
- Beginning players can learn the basics of music such as recognizing notes and key signatures, playing chords, reading music, etc.
- Intermediate players can play some cool guitar riffs and songs.
But remember that these gadgets have colored buttons, instead of guitar strings. So, even though you may learn the basics of music, it will take some time to get used to a real musical instrument.
Related: Various ways to learn to play the guitar.
Popular Controllers and Accessories for Music Games
The guitar/keyboard (which is the controller/remote) will work so long as it’s for the same console (from the same company). They are usually compatible with the same games.
So basically, the Nintendo guitar is unlikely to be compatible with the Sony product.
Wireless Guitar for Wii Guitar Hero and Rock Band Games
Wireless 30-inch long Guitar controller (smaller than a normal adult guitar) compatible with All Wii Guitar Hero Games and Rock Band 2 or 3 (not compatible with Rock Band games that requires a microphone to play, such as Rock Band 1 and others). The buttons on new guitars tend to be stiff initially but they become alright after playing for a while.
USB Microphone for Rock Band, Guitar Hero Games
Excellent quality and easy-to-use microphone for use with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Karaoke games. It features a 13ft long cord providing you with plenty of space to move around. It has a wide dynamic range that enables it to hear even soft voices with clarity while singing your music games.
Rock Band Rivals Band Kit for Xbox One
This kit includes an officially licensed Wireless Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller (foldable guitar), drum kit, and distortion-free microphone. It includes Rock Band 4 game software and Rock Band Rivals expansion download code.
Rock Band Wireless Keyboard for PlayStation
You can use this 25 velocity-sensitive key keyboard controller to play the Keyboard, Guitar & Bass Parts of the games.
You can use it on a tabletop or strap it over the shoulder like an electric guitar (comes with a strap).
The controller features 4 action buttons: D-pad, select, start, and PS Button.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
Leave a Reply