Play a Real Instrument for God’s Sake! Rock Band 3
I heard something this morning that has given me hope in the musical based video game model that has been so popular these past few years. Video games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band have been, for the last few years, fooling kids everywhere into thinking they are actually rock gods. The reality is that kids who play these games are massively lazy dorks. Maybe, just maybe the next Rock Band title, Rock Band 3, will change all of that. This is a quote from Dhani Harrison in a recent Chicago Tribune interview.
“I’m working on ‘Rock Band 3′ and making the controllers more real so people can actually learn how to play music while playing the game… Give me a couple years, it’s going to happen.” –Dhani Harrison, Consultant for Harmonix and MTV games.
I’ve been waiting for some development like this that would make playing these games acceptable. I’ll be honest; they look fun. But, I can’t in good conscience play them or allow my kids to play them. We have 8 guitars in this house. They are going to learn to play those before I’m about to let them into the dork kingdom of pretend music. I would love to play one of those games, if only the controller were something more than 5 buttons that don’t correspond to anything musically. While I can play the guitar (sort of), I’m sure I would stink at one of these games. Does that mean the kid who beats me should feel smug? No, he should be ashamed of himself. Who’s going to pick up a girl with a miniature 5 buttoned plastic guitar that goes click clack? And don’t say picking up girls isn’t a major factor in learning the guitar.
Cracked.com did a funny Photoshop countdown, If Video Games were Realistic. We have to keep some amount of perspective on the video games. They aren’t intended to be realistic. Rock Band 3 is not going to be absolutely realistic either. But, to have a game that actually tries to teach something is impressive and, I think, quite responsible. It’s possible that a kid will play the game, get interested in music and actually go out and buy a real guitar. If a Rock Band 3 can do that then I’d be sold.
“It’s more important that kids learn how to actually play the guitar,” – Prince, when asked why he turned down an offer from Guitar Hero.
Rock Band 3 video game release date unknown, definitely not 2009.
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Does this mean my boxing moves won’t translate either? I better stop oicking fights.
I would think the same can be said for being a pretend soldier, farmer and countless other things. Sometimes things are just about fun. Bryce may be massively lazy but he is neither a dork or delusional.
And, uh, I know there are folks who picked up dates from their Rock Band (or equivalent) prowess.
It’s called a “game” for a reason.
But then again, I’m a video game dork in a lot of ways, so I’m biased.
Paradox13VA´s last blog ..An Antidote: Jumbotron Dance Succeed
obviously I’m making generalizations and not singling anybody out. World of Warcraft is not exclusively played by nerdy white guys, but it mostly is, so making a generalization is fair. It’s also fair in this case. I made it clear I thought games are primarily for fun and don’t need to be absolutely realistic. This is the problem with saying anything controversial — that somebody will be offended.
Paradox, I love video games too. But, in this case it’s much better to actually play the instrument. I’d like to have a contest with anybody who thinks they can pick up more dates with guitar hero than with an actual guitar. There are loads of games that are stupid just as there are many that are good. Unlike war games or fantasy games where nobody is going to realistically pick up a gun and start shooting people or ride on dragons, kids could easily pick up a guitar and learn for real. It might be a “game” but it’s pointless when the controller looks like a guitar, is hooked to a box that makes it sound like a guitar, but isn’t actually a guitar. Why not have a real guitar instead?
I think it’s fantastic that you have a firm stance on this and that you are seeking to give your boys a bit of “culture.”
P.S. Rock Band 3 sounds like a much better concept than the previous versions. It WOULD be nice if these musical games actually…um…taught music.
Stephanie´s last blog ..at least a hundred a week
I agree, Stephanie, While I understand it’s all just for fun, I think there should at least still be some musical value in a music game. And it doesn’t seem like it would be terribly difficult for a game developer to do — to make a game somewhat educational.
Great Article! My stance exactly!! I loved the cracked comics btw! Freakin hilarious!!
I will admit though. My friend got me sucked in to playing rock band when I visit. It’s a bunch of fun… but I refuse to do the guitar and bass on that game. I have a guitar at home I’m trying to learn and I think about the time invested and what you could actually learn… opportunity cost is expensive! And it hurts my pride when I pretend I’m a rock star with a plastic guitar. I have refused to buy it myself but I will indulge when I visit friends (purely for social reasons).
But on the flip side… I love doing the singing. It’s like karaoke. I think it actually does help you learn. Well, to be more exact it forces you to admit your true skill level which will help you improve. The gage on really does help you hit the right notes… The drums I suck at so I have concluded they too must help you learn to how to play in real life (otherwise I would be awesome at them). If designed just a bit more appropriately could actually teach drums too.
I predict a VERY well made game that will have an emphasis on teaching eventually, vs. only meant for entertainment. It will sell big… the technology is already available, but not all on the same system. It feels like a puzzle that will be put together but everyone has only one piece and refuses to share. I have most of the pieces (bought separately)… wish they would all already be put together. Such a freaking’ shame! It pry won’t be on a major system like xbox until it has already proven commercial success other places.
(dang it kieth, I’m on a rant again… sorry)
Here it is, the pieces that I feel could easily but made into the ultimate teaching tool for music (guitar for starters)
1) proper training tool: guitarscalesmethod (dot) com
He has the best I’ve seen… must be a genius because his other stuff is “wow” too. Seriously… (**All his different stuff is PURE GENIUS. It’s sad he hasn’t marketed his product differently… I think he could be the number 1 music teaching site with a just a few tweaks to his business model.**)
2) To learn any song: guitar-pro (dot) com – comes with the ability to get ANY song… (tabs or full composure).
3) A guitar… there is one specifically I’m thinking of that I’d have to find but it plugs into the computer and can tell you when your are off key and how you are off. (but the guy that made guitar scales method actually created a software that can do that too with any guitar).
The only thing that is missing from these three things is a specific set of songs to learn that cover the basics and progressively get more complicated. You don’t even need to “buy” the songs but know what to learn because guitar pro 6 can get you the tabs for free!!
So I look forward to my future kids having it easy… and cheap (compared to the costs of a weekly music lesson).
….oh one more thing Kieth. I may not have had any “date” with Rock Band… But I have had MANY MANY ‘after hours’ able to take place because the girls were wanting (willing) to come over to play Rock Band. I don’t know if I could have done what I did by saying “wanna come over to my house and watch me play guitar” (esp. if there are friends involved). Rock Band is GREAT for um…… warming up ”social interactions” with newly formed acquaintances. {Yes phrase will work… How Very PC of me.
} Would you be willing to have a contest on “after hours” vs. “Dates” hahahaha!! j/k of couse… or am I?