So you want to understand the difference between Guitar Hero and the Fretlight guitar? Simple. The Fretlight guitar is a real guitar with real strings, real components and makes real sound. Guitar Hero is a plastic toy guitar with lighted buttons and bears no resemblance to playing a real guitar, though it is a fun game.

 (Guitar Hero guitar)

Truth be told - neither product need be mutually exclusive of the other. Guitar Hero is much like the old Simon game where buttons lit up indicating that you need to press them. Guitar Hero demands that you push certain buttons in order (by color) so as to attain a high score. It makes pretending to be a rock star fun. There's no doubt that for the young gamer, it can be a blast. And those that succeed at the game may think they are ready to instantly play a real guitar - but, in reality, playing a real guitar is far different than simply pushing buttons.

The Fretlight guitar is a real guitar with cleverly hidden LED lights under the fretboard that show you where to put your fingers to press the given string or strings to form a note, or chord. You still have to make the sound by strumming or plucking as with a conventional guitar but the Fretlight's technology lets you bypass the step of bobbing your head back and forth from chord/scale diagram/sheet music to the neck of your guitar.

The Fretlight guitar system has a wide compliment of software for every level of player from the absolute beginner to the accomplished professional. There's an old saying when embarking on the hobby of learning and playing the guitar - you never stop learning. Whether it's songs, slowed down using the Fretlight M-Player software so you can master each part or a lesson from the Fretlight Lesson Player, the Fretlight will help you become the real guitar player you've always dreamed of being.

Conclusion: if you just want to push some buttons and pretend to be a rock and roller, Guitar Hero is for you (don't forget you need to have a game system such as Xbox to make it work). if you want to learn the real thing and give yourself the best shot at actually playing and enjoying the guitar, the Fretlight Guitar by Optek Music Systems will do the trick every time. Check out the Fretlight Backlot on ebay now.

Optek Music Systems, Inc.
800-575-6511