Video games have been a huge thing in this day in age for younger people. Being young myself, I've enjoyed playing on the Xbox 360 and on the Nintendo Wii. While I have no problem with playing games, in actuality, I think playing video games is a better way to spend time rather than being out on the streets doing who knows what. Nevertheless, I've noticed something that games like Rockband, and Guitar Hero can take something very valuable away from the young people who play. That is their ability to play real actual music.
I have a cousin who plays the guitar. He was taking lessons, and was actually progressing in the area. Once Guitar Hero became such a hit, and once Rockband came out, he played the guitar less and less, and played the game more and more. Coincidence? It might be. But I can't help but see the relationship. Guitar Hero and Rockband both lets people play musical instruments. However, you don't actually learn how to play music. You are playing a game. There's quite a difference, and most young people won't see past it. Even my brother, who plays the drums both in school and for fun, have yet to allow Guitar Hero/Rockband take place of actually playing a real instrument. He doesn't own either games, but he does play them when we are with someone who does.
Is this the same for other people too? I don't think it's anyone's fault really. In fact I think it's all because these games are just more fun and therefore more attractive for the younger generation. I feel that if we want younger people to be more interested in life outside of these games, it's important to be encouraging, and find more ways to get them interested in working to be talented.
That's it right there. It is important to be encouraging, and if your friend has given up on his guitar lessons to focus on playing a video game - then that's not a failure on the part of the game - but of him, his mentors, his teacher, his parents - and anyone else who is in charge of his motivation. Ultimately, it's his choice.
As an owner of every Guitar Hero game out (I own every one for PS2 and XBox 360) and two copies of Rock Band (PS3 and XBox 360), I completely disagree that it takes anything away from anyone. My husband plays the guitar, and does so very well. He also plays the saxophone and playing Rock Band sometimes gets him into the mood to whip out the sax and start playing - remarking at how many good songs were left off the game. I've other friends do the same. I even have a friend who went to buy the sheet music for one song so he could play it on guitar and compare the hand motions between that and the game.
To me, it's no different than the golf games or the tennis games they have out for Wii Sports - you're not playing the actual game - and if you can't see past the difference, you probably shouldn't be on the game. That's my take on it, anyway.
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"when you have nothing else to say, "Fwonk" is always the perfect thing."
"yeah well, fwonk"
--Devon
Fanaile Essence
Though I think its different for younger people anyway. No matter how you go about it with them, they'll still rather play the game rather than the instrument. I think its the nature of the games really. It's just much more attractive than having to go take lessons and all the work that it entails to play a real instrument. That includes the sports games on the Wii. I enjoy those games too. In fact my brother started his knack for playing tennis because of the Wii. I suppose it works both ways, but for kids... I think it's difficult to shy them away from the games and push them to do the actual sport/instrument.
I play five instruments and love Guitar Hero both at the same time, and I'm 19 years old. I really don't think it takes any ability away. Playing Guitar Hero just makes me want to learn every song on the game on my real guitar. And Guitar Hero is just plain addictive.
I also think Guitar Hero can be helpful in playing real music when you get to the higher levels. It's not real but you still have to play the correct rhythm and all which helped me when I wanted to learn the songs for real.
And if someone stops playing music because he wants to play GH, so what?
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“I hope the departure is joyful and I hope never to return.” - Frida Kahlo
Pubic hair is natural
And if someone stops playing music because he wants to play GH, so what?
I suppose you're right in the sense that you can't force someone to choose one or the other. Especially if they're young and you can't ignore the possibility that GH may inspire them to pick up the guitar again one day. But it's still disheartening to know that someone would rather learn how to highten their skills in a game rather than the actual instrument.
The gaming industry has definitely capitalized on the fact that it's much more fun to pretend to play music than to actually learn how to play music. We enjoy these games, and I think we'd all agree that there's nothing wrong with enjoying these games! I sense, though, a concern about the upcoming generation losing interest in the art of real music. I think it's a legitimate concern. True, there are many people who enjoy music video games and also play real instruments. I wonder, though, how many of them were proficient in playing those musical instruments before they picked up the video games?? I find it hard to believe that someone who has decent musical skill would completely forsake real instruments for the video games. The games simply won't be as satisfying. On the flipside, it wouldn't surprise me if playing the games actually inspired many to try their hand at real instruments.
I find it hard to believe that someone who has decent musical skill would completely forsake real instruments for the video games.
I could see it happening. I love Guitar Hero almost as much as real guitar.
“I hope the departure is joyful and I hope never to return.” - Frida Kahlo
Pubic hair is natural
I enjoy playing Guitar Hero, but I see it sort of takes away from people who actually play an instrument. That instant gratification. It's ok if you want to be a rock star for three and half minutes, but really, is it better to give a man a fish?, or teach him to fish.
I'm not sure anything sums up a real show. A good one anyone. You can feel pretty down when your band just forgets that it's going into a chorus.
The "band" experience is memorable (I highly suggest it). Learning an instrument takes a lifetime. You have so much potential in creative output when you are in a band. It's not for everyone, but for some, it's like the catalyst to creative endeavors.
Learning an instrument isn't for everyone. It takes a lot of time, patience, practice. A good two years will go by until things start to "click". I still know people who've been playing for around five years and say "What should I play?"