Rocksmith

Anyone into Rock music or a similar genre will have always dreamed of playing their favourite songs on a guitar to an audience of fans and admirers. Obviously that requires learning to play and then being successful musician, with the first a necessary hindrance to those who lack the motivation. 

Learning to play an instrument has always been a desire of mine, to a degree. I tried my hand at the piano when I was young, though more out of my parents wish for me to learn than my own. On repeated occasions I have also given the guitar a go, though never with any real success. Most of the time I lost interest or just felt I wasn't really getting anywhere. I practiced a few chords and songs, and then just stopped. 

My interest though was sparked again recently after a friend mentioned Rocksmith. I'd seen the adverts and heard what it could supposedly do but hadn't really followed it up fearing it might just be another guitar hero in disguise. After being reminded though, I decided to see what it was all about. Obviously it hasn't been out long enough to really know whether it can take someone from part-time amateur plucker to this generations Jimi Hendrix but some of the reviews gave me an idea. What it was not was just another game that told you how to play a giant guitar shaped plastic controller, but a tool that might actually teach you something, an ambition which in itself I admired

The screen views resemble Guitar Hero but the notes are actual chords - much trickier!

For the most part, the reviews are always positive however the game seems to favour the more expereinced players, as it is generally them who are keener to learn. Your typical gamer is more likely to get bored or frustrated and switch over to something he/she knows is good at or can pick up more quickly. No one though said it was impossible. 

Though the £45 price-tag was not entirely appealing, I decided to give it a go and see whether it could actually work. After playing around with it last night, although I don't know any notes I can accompany the Rolling Stones' 'Satisfaction' with a few chords mastered... I think. At the very least I can play a simplified version of the memorable intro. So far, the pacing of the game seems right being constantly challenging but not so much that I just want to give up. Scoring each song also helps encourage me to do better with each attempt. 

From the 30 minutes I have played with it so far I can say I'm happy with it and am keen to continue. It will be interesting to see though where I am after just a week of having it, and not only whether I can keep it up, but whether it will continue to hold my interest.

More to follow eventually...