Best music games (hardware as well as software) for band instruments that make learning to play a musical instrument easier and more entertaining. Using controllers you can play piano, guitar, bass, piano, drums, sing (mic), and start jamming right away. These games help improve music theory, sight reading, ear training, improvisation but in a fun manner. You can play these alone or in a group (even as a party game).
Games make learning fun
There were many who always dreamt of playing a musical instrument but just could not make the commitment; however, games such as ‘Guitar Hero’ made people rock (using their guitar controller) and made them play world-famous rock anthems.
Since then, such games have been enjoyed by gamers of all types, tastes, and ages, by children as well as grown-ups.
Whether you are just starting or have played in the past, you can improve your skills on the instrument using a fun approach so that learning doesn’t become boring.
Most of these products include game controllers and computer-based software.
For example, the Guitar Hero series (also referred to as the Hero series) is a series of music rhythm games, in which players use a guitar-shaped game controller to simulate playing lead, bass guitar, and rhythm guitar across numerous rock music songs.
These games allow multiple players to use instrument controllers to play lead and bass guitar, drums, and vocals on a number of rock music songs. You have different play modes – you can play songs, riffs, and exercises. These also allow you to do a lot of customization (your avatars, etc.).
What is a Controller?
Guitar controllers are basically simplified versions of real electric guitars. A guitar controller typically features five colored buttons on the neck of the guitar and a strum bar near the base.
These allow players to mimic the experience of playing guitar by pressing buttons and strumming a plastic “strum bar”, instead of using strings.
Most games are such that you need to press the correct button at the right time while strumming the strum bar; you have to maintain the timing with the music. The more accurately you play while playing along with the song, the higher your score.
You also get controllers for other instruments.
Benefits of Playing these Games
The good thing about these games is that it lets you experience the joy of playing an instrument without having to put in a lot of effort.
It’s surprising to see how quickly kids learn when it’s related to video games. Though most kids would complain to go for an actual music lesson, there are many who excel at playing the Guitar Hero game.
Here are some more ways in which these games benefit you:
- Provides Entertainment: Playing these games is fun, it provides players with a sense of accomplishment as they progress through the levels and earn higher scores. You can get started without any prior musical knowledge or skill, and still have lots of fun.
- Improved Music sense: Playing these games helps improve hand movements and improves music sense as it develops your sense of rhythm and timing, which is an important concept in playing real instruments as well.
- Play like a Band: Multiple players can play these games. You can have your friends on the guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, and mic, and have a blast.
Most games are designed for total beginners but then you will also find stuff for intermediate-level players. Most of these guitar game products have settings that control the difficulty of the game.
- Beginning players can learn the basics of music such as recognizing notes and key signatures, playing chords, reading music, etc.
- Intermediate players can play some cool guitar riffs and songs.
But remember that these gadgets have colored buttons, instead of guitar strings. So, even though you may learn the basics of music, it will take some time to get used to a real musical instrument.
Related: Various ways to learn to play the guitar.
Guitar Games (Rock Band, Guitar Hero)
Music-themed games such as “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band” were smash hits when they were launched, and even though they might not be as popular today, the fact is that music and gaming are intrinsically linked right and there are many who still use them.
.’Rock Band’ Guitar and ‘Guitar Hero’ are still popular gaming-based guitar products out there, among teens and children.
These come with controllers (designed to look like a guitar) that have several buttons on them. Using these, you can play the notes and the various effects.
In order to enjoy these, you need controllers and accessories such as:
- Controller
- Grip Controller
- Foot Pedal for RockBand/Guitar Hero
- Replacement Housing Case
The guitar/keyboard (which is the controller/remote) will work so long as it’s for the same console (from the same company). They are usually compatible with the same games. So basically, the Nintendo guitar is unlikely to be compatible with the sony product.
Wireless Guitar for Wii Guitar Hero and Rock Band Games
Wireless 30-inch long Guitar controller (smaller than a normal adult guitar) compatible with All Wii Guitar Hero Games and Rock Band 2 or 3 (not compatible with Rock Band games that requires a microphone to play, such as Rock Band 1 and others). The buttons on new guitars tend to be stiff initially but they become alright after playing for a while.
USB Microphone for Rock Band, Guitar Hero Games
Excellent quality and easy-to-use microphone for use with Rock Band, Guitar Hero, and Karaoke games. It features a 13ft long cord providing you with plenty of space to move around. It has a wide dynamic range that enables it to hear even soft voices with clarity while singing your music games.
Rock Band Rivals Band Kit for Xbox One
This kit includes an officially licensed Wireless Fender Jaguar Guitar Controller (foldable guitar), drum kit, and distortion-free microphone. It includes Rock Band 4 game software and Rock Band Rivals expansion download code.
Rock Band Wireless Keyboard for PlayStation
You can use this 25 velocity-sensitive key keyboard controller to play the Keyboard, Guitar & Bass Parts of the games.
You can use it on a tabletop or strap it over the shoulder like an electric guitar (comes with a strap).
The controller features 4 action buttons: D-pad, select, start, and PS Button.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock Wireless Bundle
This bundle comes with games, a wireless controller with a guitar strap and decals. Engage in boss battles and defeat opponents to achieve legendary status. This game features over 70 hit songs including several original tracks recorded exclusively for this game.
With these games, you learn the basics such as notes, timing, string placement, concepts of frets and so on.
But remember, you are NOT actually strumming or using a pick, so you won’t get the “feel” of playing a real guitar, but the knowledge gained from these games will help you when you get started on a real guitar.
You can get a good beginner guitar (real one) with strings and start practicing on it.
Piano games for kids, makes learning the piano easy
There are more ways to learn the piano, besides going through instructional books. Learning using piano games is one such fun method.
You can always use a keyboard controller (mentioned under the Guitar Hero and Rockband games) to learn the basics of piano/keyboard playing (playing the notes, simple chords, following the rhythm, and so on).
In addition, there are a few more music-learning video games that teach how to play the piano.
- Piano Games Mini: Music Instrument & Rhythm: This is inexpensive, it teaches the basics and simple songs, but the games come with ads.
- Scene It? Music Edition DVD Game: Real songs and video clips, trivia questions, quiz, and on-screen challenges will take players on a journey through four decades of music and pop-culture.
These games teach you how a piano works, provide you with drag-and-drop features to help you learn better, it even lets you compose your own music by dragging notes onto the staff. Virtual Piano takes you one step ahead. Play and record your own compositions on this virtual piano.
In order to learn the piano, you also need to practice on a real instrument.
DIY cardboard musical instruments can be used with music apps
Cardboard pianos can be used with music apps/games
DIY cardboard gizmos and musical instruments seem to be the rage right now. Lot of gaming companies now allow you to create your own folding paper piano that can be used with music apps. These cardboard pianos can be synced with your favorite MIDI music apps.
Nintendo Labo
Provides a unique mix of digital and analog gaming that kids will likely love. I guess, in this case, they want to say that “play” is far more important than having the best graphics. The cardboard Piano Toy turns the Switch into a portable synthesizer for kids. The keys are responsive and you can play multiple notes.
Yudo KAMI-OTO – Carton USB-MIDI Keyboard
Kami-Oto is a USB MIDI controller made of cardboard. There’s a main circuit board, and cardboard black and white keys that you can play. Takes about 30 minutes to assemble.
There are two models, one that uses micro-USB and one that uses Bluetooth. Comes with an integrated sound generator and tiny speaker for playing without an app.
Yudo KAMI-OTO – Carton USB-MIDI Keyboard
Piano Tiles 2
Piano Tiles 2 is a mobile game that can be played on your smartphone, pad or tablet. Piano Tiles 2 Online provide 7 different music, once you finish one, you can unlock the next.
Ear Training Through Games
Theta Music Trainer: A fun and useful ear training software that has several ear training games.
Theta Music Trainer is an ear-training software that features a nice collection of fun and engaging music games.
“Basic musicianship skills are often best developed by working away from your instrument initially, in short bursts of concentrated practice.” The games found on the site aim to provide a total workout for the ear. The variety and design of the games are fun and in turn, boost motivation,” says their site.
Key features:
- They keep on adding New Games
- Personal Trainer that analyzes your progress and recommends additional games to strengthen weaker skills.
- Music Teachers can create Assignments, which can be tracked and graded online.
- Educational discounts for teachers
- Its multilingual – English, Japanese, Spanish with more on the way.
It provides (Flash-based) ear training games in various categories:
- Melody – Exercises that helps you learn to recognize notes, intervals, tunes, etc.
- Harmony – Games based on multiple/simultaneous notes (chords, chord sequences, etc.)
- Rhythm – Games based on timing that helps you understand rhythm better (note lengths, rhythm notation, etc.)
- Sound – then there are games based on sound (instruments, mixing, timbre, etc.)
The games/aural exercises start from beginner levels and becomes more challenging for the experienced musicians.
They even have a 30-day basic ear training course that takes you through a specific “set of aural exercises” that is designed to take not more than 20 minutes each day.
You can try out a few games for free to get a feel for how the games work, and how they teach. The advanced levels can be accessed for a very reasonable monthly fee, with special discounts available for music teachers.
Lego Guitars: Minifig guitars, Video games
Lego Guitars: Real playable guitars made from lego, lego minifig guitars, and lego guitar video games.
Lego has been around for ages and takes education very seriously, they have several products for pre-school children as well. And now you do get cool guitars made out of LEGO building bricks.
Most of these include all of the functioning parts, such as head, body, pick-ups and bridge. Because these are for small kids, usually they don’t come with a set of strings.
(Note: Lego pieces are not suitable for children 3 and under due to choking hazard)
Watch: Here’s how to make a lego guitar for your minifigure
Lego minifigure musical instruments
You get musical instruments that are designed to fit seamlessly with your LEGO Minifigures. You can also brick-build various minifig-size musical instruments – piano, guitars, drum set, saxophone, and more.
How to Make a Real Lego Guitar
And because Lego is popular even with adults, you do get real guitars made of lego that you can actually play. This Youtube user made a custom MIDI adapter for the LEGO guitar, to make it play beautiful and produce realistic sounds via a synthesizer. He used Arduino and a Bluetooth receiver. The EV3 sends Bluetooth messages to Arduino that implements a MIDI interface to the synthesizer. If you can understand Russian, you can enjoy the first part of the video below, otherwise, just skip to around 10 minutes to hear the guitar solos and power chords.
Checkout the links NXT version 1 and NXT version 2 for more instructions.
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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