Rocksmith 2014 Edition and a Squire Affinity Telecaster

[altoncustomtech 773]

Alright, this might be a complete and total fail, it could be pure awesomeness but either way I've spent just a few dollars to see if I can do it or not.

 

Growing up I had a blast watching my dad play his guitars.  I always found it amazing how such awesome music could be played with such apparent ease.  Of course anyone who's ever played any instrument knows that EASY isn't in the equation.  While it comes easier to some than to others I don't think even the most natural of musicians could claim easy but I digress.  My dad tried several times to show me some basics and in the classic kid fashion it was too hard, too much work and I couldn't stay interested in doing it.  As I got older I tried to bring up learning with him on a few occasions for which he was more than willing but life just wouldn't allow the opportunity to happen.  Then a few years ago life threw the ultimate curve ball and he's no longer here for me to ever have that opportunity at all.  To add insult to injury his guitars were stolen shortly after the house became ours (mine, my brother's and my sister's).

 

So, we move on to 2011 and the release of the original Rocksmith.  It gets my attention but not enough make any sort of move on the purchase of the software or a guitar on which to play it.  It holds my attention enough though to read up on it from time to time, read up on reviews and actual experiences with it.  Finally here in the beginning of 2014 a alignment of planets of sorts finds me with an inside track on a sale on a highly reviewed and liked Squire Affinity Series Telecaster Special electric guitar (in butterscotch blonde no less) and a sale going on at Gamestop of the Rocksmith 2014 edition of the game ($50!).  I'm up and running on both for under $250.

 

I've only logged about 3 hours on it so far.  I went from knowing basically nothing about playing (I can't remember anything about what little dad had tried to teach me except how to play the first part of the riff for "Smoke On The Water" which could be taught to any five year old) to being able to handle fret shifts (albeit only on the low E for now), playing some basic chords, and playing some neat sustains.  Sure, basic shit I know but I figure it's not any less as far along as I would be paying a regular instructor to teach me plus I can move at my own pace.

 

For anyone who's never seen the software I would suggest at least taking a look at it.  The number of things it does, can do, and how versatile it can be is pretty amazing in my book.  If you have seen it before, or better yet if you've used it before I would love to hear your thoughts on it.

 

Like I said, it could very well be a exercise in futility but I'm hoping it's not.  If nothing else I will still have a decent guitar on which to learn from an actual instructor should I feel the need.

[nadcicle 77]

Interestingly I got this game for my wife along with a fender squire strat. It has mostly collected dust sitting in a corner, but I hope to have an htpc up soon and I'll likely take it over soon.

[Godsmack 361]

Do they have a bass program?

J

[nadcicle 77]

Do they have a bass program?

J

 

Yah there's a bass mode as well. It even lets you choose between different head stocks and number of strings. I did notice that it doesn't take in to account with the number of frets on higher fret songs. So once you pick a song with eye watering high notes you are kinda just jamin out the best you can on an invisible fret. 

[altoncustomtech 773]

Yeah, he's right.  It can teach you bass as well, though I've not played with it so I have no information as to how it does it or any limitations it may have.  I do know that it has the ability to do it even if you don't have a bass guitar.  Somehow it can simulate the bass stuff on a regular six string electric.  I've had a lot of fun with it so far, my fingertips are numb, lol.

[Godsmack 361]

Might need to look more into this.

J

[gprestonmoto 89]

Interesting. My wife wants me to teach her to play guitar and I don't really have time. LOL can you use just any guitar or is it some game guitar I'd have to buy? Squire makes real guitars so it seems I could let her touch my 59 Fender Musicmaster (I'm still debating this) and she can learn while I'm at work.

[lithium 358]

any electric works

[altoncustomtech 773]

Anything with a pickup works.  Electrics, bass, and acoustics with pickups in them.  If it plugs in it works.

 

Drew, follow that link I posted about my guitar.  I picked it up brand new from Guitar Center for $180.

[gprestonmoto 89]

Anything with a pickup works.  Electrics, bass, and acoustics with pickups in them.  If it plugs in it works.

 

Drew, follow that link I posted about my guitar.  I picked it up brand new from Guitar Center for $180.

I have a small collection of guitars, just don't know if I want my wife touching them.... $180 isn't too bad, maybe I'll get one for her to learn on.

[altoncustomtech 773]

 

Anything with a pickup works.  Electrics, bass, and acoustics with pickups in them.  If it plugs in it works.

 

Drew, follow that link I posted about my guitar.  I picked it up brand new from Guitar Center for $180.

I have a small collection of guitars, just don't know if I want my wife touching them.... $180 isn't too bad, maybe I'll get one for her to learn on.

 

 

I thought the price was great, especially after reading the reviews.  134 reviews, nothing lower than three stars (only a handful of those) and 104 of them are full 5 star reviews.  I found that fairly impressive and the regular price is $280, 35% off right now.

 

Considering you already play, if you go that route and get it for her I'd love to hear your take on the software.