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Back in 2005, the world was introduced to a new way to play video games: Guitar Hero. Ever since its initial release, the series has spawned four games (and more to come) on countless platforms, as well as millions of units sold and a place in pop culture history. Some people, however, have yet to get into this phenomenon. Well, now is your chance, as any questions you have had about Guitar Hero are about to be answered.

What is Guitar Hero?
Guitar Hero is a music/rhythm game where players simulate playing the guitar using a guitar peripheral, playing and rocking along to songs that are the finest examples of the instrument’s usage. With a guitar in hand, players can conquer dozens of hit songs on a variety of difficulty levels.

What platforms is Guitar Hero available on?
Guitar Hero I, II, and III,  and Guitar Hero: Rocks the 80s are available on the PlayStation 2. Guitar Hero II and III are on the Xbox 360. And Guitar Hero III is available on the PlayStation 3 and the Wii .

What comes with Guitar Hero when I purchase it?
Guitar Hero comes with one game and one guitar. Each release in the main series will come with a brand new model of guitar. The game is also available for purchase by itself, as are the guitars.

How do I play the game?
During a song, colored notes come scrolling down the screen. Players must hit the corresponding note as well as strum the strum bar when the notes hit a certain part of the screen. Players are rewarded for combos and long streaks of notes. When enough starshaped notes are pressed, players can activate “Star Power,” which doubles, quadruples, even octuples the players’ scores.

Can I use previous Guitar Hero guitars for the newer releases?
As long as it is on the same platform, yes. All guitars for Guitar Hero work with every version per system.

Can I use my Rock Band guitar for Guitar Hero?
Unfortunately, no. Only Guitar Hero guitars may be used in Guitar Hero.

Can I use my Guitar Hero guitar for Rock Band?
Yes, with the exception of the PlayStation 3, which does not support that use.

Will third party guitars work with all iterations of the series?
Unfortunately, that depends on the guitar. Some will work with all games, others will only work with earlier ones, others with only later ones. Usually, the third party guitar’s maker’s website should say something about it if the information on the box is out of date.

Are the guitars wired or wireless?
All games are available with both wireless and wired guitars.

Can I download songs for use in the game?
Both Xbox Live and the PlayStation Network feature downloadable songs for all versions available. The PlayStation 2 versions do not offer downloadable content, and neither does the Wii.

Can I upload and use my own songs for the game?
No. The process of having a song for use in the game is an extremely complicated process and would be practically impossible in the game.

Is there multiplayer mode?
Yes. With a second guitar, players can play co-operatively (with the second player playing bass or rhythm guitar) or against each other in a variety of multiplayer modes. Guitar Hero III introduces co-operative career mode as well.

Is there online multiplayer?
The Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii versions all contain online multiplayer. The PlayStation 2 versions do not.

If I just want the game, no guitar, can I play with a controller?
Yes you can. However, it is considered by many to be not only difficult and clunky, but defeating the purpose of the game.

Does the game support alternative control schemes for left-handed people?
Yes, there is a lefty switch available.

With the Wii’s unique ways of playing games, does Guitar Hero III on the Wii offer anything different?
There are a few differences with the Wii version. First of all, the Wii remote plugs into the guitar and is actually a part of the unit. As for differences, when you make a mistake, the sound comes out of the Wii remote instead of being on-screen to further alert you of your error. The tilt function is slightly more responsive than other versions as it is the Wii remote detecting the tilt. And finally, when you engage in star power, the remote, and as a result, the guitar, all vibrate to enhance the experience.

Just a note about the writer of this guide:

Thumbmonkey  is a small company dedicated to providing its customers with a reliable, friendly and affordable source for their gaming fun! We carry a wide selection of video games and accessories for most of the major video game platforms.

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