ianrunci Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Over the past few years guitar bands have slowly made their way to the top after years of computer generated music. I fear we are in for another computer generated reign soon. I have noticed that a lot of kids now are playing virtual guitars and virtual drums on the x-boxes now whereas before they might of picked up a real guitar. I bought my son and daughter Squire strats and marshall combos hoping I could get them interested in playing. My daughter is now having lessons at school although I doubt she will get very far with it as she has Cerebal Palsy in both arms and legs, She's only 10 but bless her at least she is having a go. My sons guitar and amp are covered in dust as he is to enthralled with the virtual instruments on his 360. I think these games might lead to a decline in the amount of new players a few years from now. What worries me is that he really thinks he is playing music as opposed to using it as a controller to play a game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joe_bass Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Respect to your daughter mate, you never know how far she may go. Mind over matter and all, theres so many kids out there with different set backs who have far exceeded expectations. I reckon (and hope) this whole Guitar Hero thing will blow over soon. Got a few mates that have been in to it, I've had a go a couple of times but every time it's just made me feel guilty that I hadn't picked up the real thing more etc etc. If your in to South Park mate there's an episode called Guitar Queero, quite a good one lol. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
allighatt0r Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 (edited) I think the games are great entertainment, but in no way a substitute for good old hard skin producing learning. It's been a common school of thought for years: The world is, and has been (since "back in my day") dumbing down. Convenience breeds laziness and stupidity. I love the game myself, I wish I could afford a copy But i agree that it's probably making some kids not bother learning the real thing. Then again, surely it must be encouraging others to pick up the real thing and become [i]real[/i] rock stars? EDIT:And regards to your daughter, my younger brother has the same condition and is definitely in my Top 5 bassists, he's surprised everyone. Edited June 30, 2008 by allighatt0r Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianrunci Posted June 30, 2008 Author Share Posted June 30, 2008 [quote name='allighatt0r' post='229745' date='Jun 30 2008, 02:41 PM']I think the games are great entertainment, but in no way a substitute for good old hard skin producing learning. It's been a common school of thought for years: The world is, and has been (since "back in my day") dumbing down. Convenience breeds laziness and stupidity. I love the game myself, I wish I could afford a copy But i agree that it's probably making some kids not bother learning the real thing. Then again, surely it must be encouraging others to pick up the real thing and become [i]real[/i] rock stars?[/quote] Thats a possibility I suppose although I think thats where the laziness kicks in heh heh. Easier to play a game Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bassassin Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I love my videogames, me, but I suppose because I'm a "proper" musician, I have no interest, beyond a bit of general curiosity, in this type of game, and have never actually played one. But the point is - they're games. Like any other game genre, they don't aim to replicate the "real" experience, they're just for fun, and I don't think they'll have any negative impact on the amount of people who get into making music. Similarly, the vast number of driving games available hasn't led to a downturn in road usage, people still join the army & go off & get blown to bits, despite being able to vicariously have that experience in a plethora of war-based games, and the FIFA & PES titles have (regrettably) not led to the demise of professional football. I'm sure the videogame media would love to be able to point at GTA, as a reason for a decrease in violent crime! And there's no "Bass Hero", is there? Jon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sk8 Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 i love playing guitar hero ( not that i've had much chance recently). It made me want to play my bass more Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ahpook Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 i don't have time to play games...i'm too busy playing my bass !! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
simondee Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 guitar hero made me want to join a band again. they're a force for good, and can also help bands actually make some cash from songs that would otherwise just be pinched off bittorrent. I guess it's like saying that footie games prevent kids from having a kickabout outside. And even if you're a proper muso, completing DragonForce on expert is one hell of an achievement... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wil Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 Its not a substitute for the real thing... Its a totally different experience and is certainly challenging, but more in terms of fast thinking. Guitar hero et al seems to be a progression onwards from those Simon memory games. Music came into it and then we got Parappa the Rappa, then Um Jammer Lammy, now Guitar Hero and Rock Band. Mind you, if I had a choice of what I had to entertain myself with on a desert island, I'd pick gaming over bass any day of the week, so I'm probably biased! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ianrunci Posted June 30, 2008 Author Share Posted June 30, 2008 [quote name='simondee' post='229828' date='Jun 30 2008, 04:28 PM']guitar hero made me want to join a band again. they're a force for good, and can also help bands actually make some cash from songs that would otherwise just be pinched off bittorrent. I guess it's like saying that footie games prevent kids from having a kickabout outside. And even if you're a proper muso, completing DragonForce on expert is one hell of an achievement...[/quote] Well look at the England team and I think that one answers itself, You don't see many kids kicking a ball about these days, they are all in their bedrooms looking pasty faced heh heh Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jobiebass Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I know what you mean, Hystaria by muse however its spelt, I played it on rock band and thought, wow thats hard, ill try it on my bass, learnt the intro then thought mehh,, and learnt it on expert on rock band instead, the time I spent on rockband learning it, I could have learnt most of the song on my actual bass. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budget bassist Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 I've borrowed guitar hero 3 from a friend, and while it's a laugh, i'm ultimately going to get bored of it in a few days and never touch it again. It's not really THAT good. I've never gotten bored of my bass in 3 years, and i hope i won't either! If people want to play their games like that then let them, it just annoys me when people get really good at guitar hero and demand the sort of attention an amazing guitarist would get, posting videos on youtube and the like. I mean for christ's sake, there's 5 buttons! on a real guitar there can be up to 144 on a 24 fret 6 string plus chords etc, there's one word for people like that, SAD! Sorry in advance if that applies to you or anybody you hold dear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jobiebass Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 [quote name='budget bassist' post='229916' date='Jun 30 2008, 06:29 PM']I've borrowed guitar hero 3 from a friend, and while it's a laugh, i'm ultimately going to get bored of it in a few days and never touch it again. It's not really THAT good. I've never gotten bored of my bass in 3 years, and i hope i won't either! If people want to play their games like that then let them, it just annoys me when people get really good at guitar hero and demand the sort of attention an amazing guitarist would get, posting videos on youtube and the like. I mean for christ's sake, there's 5 buttons! on a real guitar there can be up to 144 on a 24 fret 6 string plus chords etc, there's one word for people like that, SAD! Sorry in advance if that applies to you or anybody you hold dear [/quote] Plus the one But............... how many people post vids of themself playing other peoples basslines on youtube. Yes im guilty of that too, although the only vid on youtube I have is utter sh*te Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budget bassist Posted June 30, 2008 Share Posted June 30, 2008 (edited) Oh yeah i do that, but that's actual skill, being good at pressing 5 buttons, i suppose it's kinda of a skill, but who the f*** cares if you're good at a video game? Edited June 30, 2008 by budget bassist Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bullet-Rule Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 In my eyes, 'Rock Band' and 'GH' series are games. Nothing more, nothing less. For this reason, there won't be a decline in people learning REAL instruments. In fact, I think some could be influenced by these games to pick up a bass, guitar or drum kit and play. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Finbar Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Really like GH2. Wanted GH3 really badly, and finally got to play it the other night. But it bored me. I thinkt he novelty has worn off. Especially as they're making songs harder, meaning I fail more. As a gamer, I demand instant gratification! Rock band though, is genius. Not because it makes you feel like you're playing in a real band, but because it is just great fun when theres about 5 or 6 of you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cantdosleepy Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 Things that make you a better bassist, a spectrum with best use of time at the top: Playing a gig / Practicing with a teacher having a jam learning new songs practicing alone studying theory playing Guitar hero having sex posing with bass in front of mirror posing naked in front of mirror playing Grand Theft Auto smelling your bass cooking food reading a novel self-touching whilst listening to Weather Report cutting off your hands posting online about basses In terms of computer games or non-bass-related passtimes, I think guitar hero can be a little helpful. But it doesn't have to be - it's a computer game. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neepheid Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 I will say that playing it bass finger style gives you a serious speed advantage over people who twang the thing with their thumb. I had a go at New Year - my mate got me to do all the difficult ones Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jobiebass Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='neepheid' post='230611' date='Jul 1 2008, 03:27 PM']I will say that playing it bass finger style gives you a serious speed advantage over people who twang the thing with their thumb. I had a go at New Year - my mate got me to do all the difficult ones [/quote] Plus the one. My mates girlfriend (who id love to punch in the face) thinks that because she can play "In Bloom" on easy and get 90% then she said "Id be REALLY good on a real guitar, Daniel, buy me a guitar, a fender one" (actual words she uttered) god I hate that money grabbing W***E. anyways I digress, er... whats my point again? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budget bassist Posted July 1, 2008 Share Posted July 1, 2008 [quote name='Cantdosleepy' post='230598' date='Jul 1 2008, 03:03 PM']Things that make you a better bassist, a spectrum with best use of time at the top: Playing a gig / Practicing with a teacher having a jam learning new songs practicing alone studying theory playing Guitar hero having sex posing with bass in front of mirror posing naked in front of mirror playing Grand Theft Auto smelling your bass cooking food reading a novel self-touching whilst listening to Weather Report cutting off your hands posting online about basses In terms of computer games or non-bass-related passtimes, I think guitar hero can be a little helpful. But it doesn't have to be - it's a computer game.[/quote] haha nice list, made me chuckle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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