My friend bought a real drum set because of this game...

[mattitude]

So, my friend never had any interest in the Guitar Hero games. When I started showing him preview videos of Rock Band a few months ago, his eyes lit up. He got as excited as me, and it was because of the drums. I was pumped. Our band had a drummer.

So I got the game and he came over to rock. He was so excited he could barely stay in his chair. So we jumped into a song. He failed us out within minutes. I suggest he try the tutorials first.

Nearly half an hour later, he barely completes the tutorials. I'd never seen anybody struggle so hard with a game, or get so frustrated. He wanted to play drums so bad, but he just couldn't get his hands to respond correctly. I just sat there the whole time, rubbing my head, wondering "Lord, what have I done... I already promised him a spot in the band, and now he doesn't have any rhythm or coordination." It was grisly.

But he kept at it. He struggled through a few songs on easy, and I could gradually trace his progression throughout the night. He was still lousy, but he was getting noticeably better. He was sucking, but he was loving every second of it.

Before I knew it, he bought the game for himself, and as far as I know, hasn't even taken the twist-tie off the guitar's cord. He played the game for days straight... and became a pretty damn good drummer in the process.

He came over last week to rock, and could comfortably play through about half of the songs on Hard. I was floored. At the rate he's going, he should have the Hard difficulty down solid within a week or two.

And the best part? A couple days ago, he bought himself a drum set. He loved drumming so much that he needed the real deal. And he'd never touched a drum before in his life. He had a drummer inside him this whole time, who knew.

Thanks Harmonix. This is probably the success story you were hoping for, and probably expecting.

(And for the record, after GH1 came out, I was ready to buy an electric guitar. I was literally at the counter checking out, and I asked "This can be re-strung for lefty, right?" And it couldn't. I told them I'd have to think about having to buy a more expensive guitar, and left. I couldn't justify it, financially. But I was this close.)

[Harsher]

I don't think they care that your friend went out and bought a 'real' drumset. They just want you to buy their game, lol. But I have to say its a shame about left-handed guitars, they cost more and are hard to find and I wish they'd create a left handed guitar for Rock Band, mainly for the whammybar so it'd be in the correct spot, though the strat is a lot easier to use the whammybar from the Les Paul.

[shoombabi]

After not being satisfied with my virtual guitaring for years, I actually purchased an Electric Bass, and I love it sooooo much. Given my success with the Expert drum career, I'm seriously considering perhaps making that an investment as well.

I'm psyched to hear that your friend got into the drums through the game. People are always saying, "Why spend the time playing a game when you can learn a real instrument instead?" I think gaming is a great avenue to explore a world that you might be unsure of, and it gives you the confidence and basic skills you need to succeed. The world needs more musicians anyway.

[Xero314]

I don't think they care that your friend went out and bought a 'real' drumset.

Harmonix may not care but all companies that licensed there name and likenesses to the game certainly do. Though I would bet that Harmonix does care, and not just because they are almost all musicians themselves, but also because it will allow cheaper licensing in the future or better yet, being paid for product placement.

[ZkDotNet]

I don't think they care that your friend went out and bought a 'real' drumset. They just want you to buy their game, lol. But I have to say its a shame about left-handed guitars, they cost more and are hard to find and I wish they'd create a left handed guitar for Rock Band, mainly for the whammybar so it'd be in the correct spot, though the strat is a lot easier to use the whammybar from the Les Paul.
Actually, they do care quite a bit. They want their games to get people interested in becoming playing real instruments. Ever see the tooltips about getting a real guitar or real drums? They're there, because that's what they'd ultimately like to see.

(But yes, buy the game too please.)

[HMXChrisCanfield]

I can't speak for everyone here but I think this is awesome. This is exactly the sort of thing that gets us fired up in the morning.

[Bakkster]

I don't think they care that your friend went out and bought a 'real' drumset.

Oh ye of little faith. You apparently don't know HMX...


I can't speak for everyone here but I think this is awesome. This is exactly the sort of thing that gets us fired up in the morning.

[Thrashdragon]

Over the years, I have played several instruments, including guitar, bass, piano, violin, and trumpet. I have never been able to play the drums worth a damn. Anything beyond the For Whom The Bell Tolls intro (duhduh duhduh DUH) was too much for me. I'm about halfway through the RB drum tour on Hard now and can tell I'm actually learning something. I can even nail a couple of songs on Expert. That's a pretty amazing thing to do with a video game.

I'm all ready to go on the road, just gotta figure out how to mount my LCD on the stage...

[Snaffles]

That is an awesome story!

This is why i think Rock Band exsists. They should use that story for an ad on TV and show a kid 5 years on, on stage in front of hundreds of thousands

Interviewer - "You want to give a shout out to anyone for being here tonight?"
drummer looks at camera
"Thanks Harmonix!" :)

ROCK
BAND

[HMXJohnlok]

I don't think they care that your friend went out and bought a 'real' drumset. They just want you to buy their game, lol. But I have to say its a shame about left-handed guitars, they cost more and are hard to find and I wish they'd create a left handed guitar for Rock Band, mainly for the whammybar so it'd be in the correct spot, though the strat is a lot easier to use the whammybar from the Les Paul.

Are you for real??? I couldn't be more thrilled, no joke. I've actually been thinking about getting a set myself, but until I get a house it's no dice. As it is, I'm on the fourth floor, and am worried about the RB drumming being too loud =P

This is awesome!

[Spikbeatz]

I think it is sweet. My boy Rod was thinking about getting an electric set too. We went to sam ash and guitar center just for s**** and giggles and we stayed in the drums section for like an hour. Just jamming away and playing some of the songs from the game!! Of course, we do better on the game than in real life but hey, that's why you need to practice right?

[No_Skill]

How about some video of your friend playing the real set? I'd love to see how he transitions to the real deal.

[XeroTalent]

That's awesome! What kit did he pick up? Hopefully not some WalMart junk, or he'll be quickly disappointed.

[TheWabbit]

My wife and I have been playing RB a lot together. I play the real piano and violin but used to have a mexican Strat that looks very much like the RB guitar. Last week wife bought me a Gibson Studio to practice on until I get better. She saw how much fun I have playing music again. Now I'm keeping my eye out for a good but cheap starting drumset for her for Xmas.

[Faustous]

I have to chime in too.

When I first heard about GH, I went out and bought a PS2 JUST to play that game. I progressed on through GH and GH2, then, against my wife's better judgement, I went out and bought a electric guitar kit! But, my biggest problem is that I have a left hand with severed tendons (chainsaw accident... no worries, I kicked it's ass later), and playing turned out to hurt and be alot more complicated than expected (I have played t. sax for 15 years and piano).

But... Rock Band... OMG... I think I might have found the rock instrument that I can actually do! I am working hard on trying to convince my wife into letting me get an electric kit and let my son (who is 3 and LOVES Rock Band) and I take lessons on drumming.

This is such a wonderful medium to open the mind to what it could do. Thanks Harmonix!!!

Now, get some damn Pink Floyd tunes and Tool.... Would pay $25 EASY for Dark Side of the Moon!

[logicalnoise]

HMX got me into electronic music with Freq and Amplitude. 12 albums later I'm a proper musician despite me not playinga ny real instruments. Even so I have considered adding a V-drum set to my kit to start adding some new twists to my music. I gave one of my cds to one of the MTV guys to give to the HMX rep traveling with the tour but i don't know if it ever reached HMX.

[derrikirred]

The game pushed me over the edge to buy a set. I've played drums off and on over the years, mostly when I was younger (my dad was a drummer). I picked up guitar really young and have been playing since... around 12 years. I started nagging the wife for drums about a year ago but when I got RB it pushed me over the edge. I made the decision to go buy a set in January. No more dancing around it.

[Brute Physics]

Well, while I haven't been tempted by anything more than the game drums...guitar has has me hooked. I always wanted to play guitar or at least try it out but never did because I pretty much told myself that I have no musical talent anyway.

So after years of GH 1 and 2 I picked up an acoustic guitar (no more than 3 months ago) for ****s and giggles and within a week learned Brown Eyed Girl and a few scales. If it wasn't for harmonix repeatedly telling me that I at least had rhythm (guitar and drums expert) I would have never gotten the courage to make some music. Thanks.

[RX King]

Rock on, everyone. I'll definitely be getting a drum set once my finances recouperate from Rock Band. :)

[CWattie]

I also have a friend who has just bought a real electronic drumkit. He has always wanted to play/learn drums. RB certainly helped push him to act on that dream. Good stuff!

[Hanover]

Yeah, Im thinking a nice set of E-Drums is in my future. I don't have the room for a standard drum kit...and you can turn the E Drums down so you don't annoy the neighbors (too much).

I think drumming is addicting...especially when you start nailing the expert songs. I accidentally let out a 'WHOOO!' once while playing OK Go's song...sometimes you just get carried away. That pivotal moment when everything snaps into place and you really truly understand the rhythm for that first time.

[Wangsandsuch]

Playing RB inspired me to go to my friend's house and lay down a brutal beat on his drum set.

[Edgehopper]

I plan on getting an electronic drum set as soon as I can afford one. GH got me to pick up guitar, and now RB gets me to pick up drums :)

[Parodygm]

I'm sure this all brings a tear to the eyes of the people at Harmonix. Being able to bring the joy of music to the masses is what it's all about. I think it's great that so many people are looking to take up the real deal and get creative. More power to you all! :)

[mattitude]

How about some video of your friend playing the real set? I'd love to see how he transitions to the real deal.

I'll see what I can do. He ordered some beginner books to train himself, but I don't think they've arrived yet. I'll let him get adjusted first. While RB may teach you some basic drum patterns, eight or nine drums and using all four limbs is drastically different from four pads, a pedal, and three limbs.


That's awesome! What kit did he pick up? Hopefully not some WalMart junk, or he'll be quickly disappointed.

I can't remember the brand, but it's a respectable one. He got a beginner kit, but he got it from a decent music store in town. They know what they're talking about there, and I'm sure they sold him a good first kit. I know he ponyed up about $400 for it.

[0tj]

Harmonix may not care but all companies that licensed there name and likenesses to the game certainly do. Though I would bet that Harmonix does care, and not just because they are almost all musicians themselves, but also because it will allow cheaper licensing in the future or better yet, being paid for product placement.

BTW what brand is doing drums on RB? GH did DW drums.

[Paradox]

BTW what brand is doing drums on RB? GH did DW drums.

Ludwig drumsets are featured in RB.


http://www.ludwig-drums.com/

[darknessmoon]

I don't think they care that your friend went out and bought a 'real' drumset. They just want you to buy their game, lol. But I have to say its a shame about left-handed guitars, they cost more and are hard to find and I wish they'd create a left handed guitar for Rock Band, mainly for the whammybar so it'd be in the correct spot, though the strat is a lot easier to use the whammybar from the Les Paul.

They do care. They even stated before the game was released that they plan on making real drummers out of people playing the game. "Want to play even louder? Get a real drum set."

Also, they don't need to make a left-handed guitar. I don't know if you can only do this when the song is playing, but I want to assume that it can be done beforehand in the options as well: There is an option that switches the guitar to "lefty mode." When this is applied, the icons on the screen get flipped, and you can use your guitar like Jimmy Hendrix! :)

The strap on the Rock Band guitar can also be adjusted accordingly for left-handed guitarists, by the way...

Back on topic, I bought the game specifically for the drums, simply because I used to drum and I missed it so... This game combines my love of drumming, video games, AND music all in one, nice little package... I love it!