Recently, I finally realized a long-standing desire and bought myself an electric guitar!
However! My knowledge and skills in playing the classical guitar turned out to be partially unsuitable for full play due to the specifics and features of the instrument.
And then the obvious solution was to open YouTube and see how to do it right.
But other than that. In the bins of memory there remains something almost forgotten with the name RockSmith, once seen on Steam. I find out that there are newer versions, namely Rocksmith 2014. I go to the game page and see: the game costs 800 rubles, but to play you need a special cable for 1990(!)r. Yes the price tag is 27.777(. )r. for all the DLC "delighted". There are a lot of famous performers and there are also famous songs, but there are fewer of them than on console analogues. Game page.
Aerosmith – Walk This Way
· Alice Cooper – No More Mr. Nice Guy
· Alice In Chains – Stone
· Arctic Monkeys – R U Mine?
· Avenged Sevenfold – Bat Country
· Bob Dylan – Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door
· Boston – Peace Of Mind
· Def Leppard – Pour Some Sugar On Me (2012)
· Deftones – My Own Summer (Shove It)
· Iron Maiden – The Trooper
Fang Island – Chompers
Foo Fighters – Everlong
· Gold Motel – Brand New Kind Of Blue
· Green Day – X-Kid
· Jack White – Sixteen Saltines
· Joe Satriani – Satch Boogie
· Kiss – Rock And Roll All Nite
La Sera – Love That’s Gone
· Magic Wands – Black Magic
· Mastodon – Blood and Thunder
· Minus The Bear – Cold Company
· Monster Truck – Sweet Mountain River
Muse – Knights Of Cydonia
· Nirvana – Heart Shaped Box
· Oasis – Don’t Look Back In Anger
Pantera – Cemetery Gates
· PAWS – Sore Tummy
· Queen – We Are The Champions
Radiohead – Paranoid Android
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· Ramones – Blitzkrieg Bop
Ratt – Round And Round
· Red Fang – Wires
R.E.M. – Losing My Religion
Rise Against – Savior
· Rush – The Spirit Of Radio
· Screaming Females – Rotten Apple
Slayer – War Ensemble
· Splashh – All I Wanna Do
System Of A Down – Hypnotize
· Tak Matsumoto – Go Further
· The Dear Hunter – Stuck On A Wire Out On A Fence
· The Kinks – You Really Got Me
· The Police – Every Breath You Take
· The Rolling Stones – Paint It, Black
· The Shins – For A Fool
The Smashing Pumpkins – The Chimera
· The Who – My Generation
· Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers – Mary Jane’s Last Dance
· Weezer – Say It Ain’t So
· White Zombie – Thunder Kiss ‘65
There were no Beatles at all in the simple version, which already hinted at something bad. Twisting his finger at his temple, he began to look for ways to get the game cheaper and get acquainted.
I found this option.
Before starting the game, you need to disconnect all recording devices except the line input.
1.Delay. It so happens that the pirated version of the game works normally only with the crap built-in audio speakers, so if someone is already planning to plug a guitar into their cool M-Audio with ASIO support for 100,500 money, relax, cry a little and read on. I’ve seen posts on the Internet about how individuals managed to make external sound systems work with the game, but not everyone was able to. So if you have the desire and the device, it’s worth the bother, potentially this will allow you to avoid soldering work in the future.
First, a few words about playback equipment: no digital, only analog, only hardcore! Because all the cheap DSPs, DACs and ADCs installed in simple receivers and audio speakers give a noticeable sound delay, which when playing the guitar is not only noticeable, it simply does not allow you to play normally, confusing the player himself. Owners of active speakers without a processor and passive ones with an external analog amplifier have nothing to worry about. But if there is a receiver as an amplifier for the speakers, then we leave S/PDIF with HDMI to rest. Also, if the receiver has a built-in processor (allows you to set a delay in the distance to the speakers, to obtain a clear panorama in the event of an “incorrect” location of the listening point) – you need to turn everything to zero, electronic equalizers to the OFF position. We take a regular lace 3.5 jacks on tulips and connect the computer to the receiver. It also makes sense to disable all enhancements on your computer.
Now about the game itself. There is a Rocksmith file in the game directory.ini with a bunch of parameters, among which are those that interest us:
You need to empirically select the optimal values for your configuration. The values indicated above suited me.
We pressed the buttons on the receiver, unchecked the boxes on the computer, and tinkered .ini file. We start the game, hit the string, it’s playable? Great, on to the next point. Unplayable? Let’s further tinker with the game settings and, if absolutely necessary, try installing the asio4all driver (I didn’t need it).
2.Guitar signal level. The first thing to do is go into the recording devices and set the line input level to 100. Also, some people find it helpful to set the highest signal quality on the next tab. If the level is not enough, then you won’t be able to play normally. The thing is that different songs are played in different guitar tunings, and when you select a song with a different tuning, the game opens a guitar tuning screen that you can’t miss. It looks like this: we hit the string, the game reads the tone and tells where to turn the pegs. When the tone is correct, the string should sound for a while until the circle is filled. And of course, if the signal is weak, the circle will never be filled. Sometimes it helps to quickly hammer the string with a pick without stopping picking, but this can take minutes. Special crap with the first and second strings. The guitar I honestly obtained does not have outstanding characteristics and sensitivity, and besides, there is a dependence on sound equipment. I tried using a file dump and a laptop. In the first case, there were no problems with the signal level, but there were galas with registration of hits on the strings, when it was impossible to miss + for some reason the software distortion built into the game did not start. And in the second it’s exactly the opposite, so it was decided to gamble on the laptop. After 10 minutes of fretting the strings in attempts to tune the guitar even in E standard, not to mention lower tunings, I realized that it was time to get the soldering station out from under the layer of dust from the mezzanines. T.To. I’m not a guitarist and I buy devices like processors, gadgets, etc.n. I don’t need it, I decided to solder an ultra simple guitar preamp. As it turned out, this device even has a name – “Booster” and you can even buy it. I found a couple of simple diagrams, drew them in multisim – one worked, and I chose it:
I bought parts and a battery from the nearest radio store
and cord jack 3.5 to jack 3.5 both male. Everything cost about 300r. I assembled it on a piece of assembly without much difficulty and declared aesthetics:
Before plugging this thing in anywhere, so as not to burn anything, I checked with a multimeter that there was no voltage at the input and output – everything was ok. I plug it into the receiver directly – it works as it should, aleluya. Well, I think now the nerd period will finally begin, I plug it into the laptop, launch the game, and… I hear a fierce slaughter instead of notes.
3.Noise background. The game uses software distortion, and each song has its own. After the signal level was raised, a microphone effect, a sound loop, or whatever it is scientifically called, began to be observed. The sound from the microphone comes out of the speakers, enters the microphone, is amplified again, comes out of the speakers, and so on. A brain-exploding whistle begins. Same thing here. As a result, a high-frequency background appears even if you do not touch the strings, because.To. the guitar is a little loud at rest. There are no problems with pure sound, but as soon as the “software gadget” is connected, the achtung begins completely. After consulting with guitarist Nikolai, it became clear that we needed a gadget called Noisegate. Which cuts off the entire signal below the level set by the knob. Google said that there is one super popular circuit that everyone collects called MXR noisegate. But it is no longer as simple as a booster, so I began to be overcome by doubts, laziness and a chip on my shoulder..
But don’t let your efforts go to waste?! It was decided to solder this crap too, especially since the original pdf file contains a sketch of the printed circuit board, which simplifies the assembly by an order of magnitude. I found 4 diagrams of the same thing but drawn differently in different years and on different op-amps with transistors. I drew them all one by one in multisim – none of them worked. "LOL?" – I thought. On the forums people write that they assembled it and everything is ok, and nearby others write that it is not, that there are errors in the circuit and after some modifications with a file everything went as it should. “Fuck it!" – I thought. I went to the store and bought everything except the field-effect transistor, which, as it turned out later, is more difficult to find in this universe than the amber room. Like its counterparts. That’s why people soldered everything in there, some of them worked, some didn’t. I bought BF245C and 2N5458, according to the seller’s grandfather, they are completely identical (why I gave 2 then is unclear). The parts cost ~500r. Assembly took about 4 hours, and this was born:
I turn it on – it doesn’t work. "Suka!" – I thought. 2 days of research, measurements, experiments and smoking forums gave nothing but a headache. It was almost impossible to make a mistake during assembly, etc.To. all the equipment was exactly according to the list, I decided that the field worker was to blame. I rummaged through the bins – the field-effect transistor is truly exclusive, I couldn’t find it. It was already starting to curl up, and then the second field switch that I bought caught my eye, which of the two “absolutely” identical ones differed supposedly only in pinout. There wasn’t much to lose, I threw out the old one, soldered in the new one, and then the unthinkable happened – it worked. I remembered the seller’s obscenities and decided to test it in the game. The noise really disappeared… Only this crap has stifled the signal level so much that the chain guitar-booster (at maximum volume turns into a slight overload)-noisegate at the output gives a signal a little stronger than just a guitar plugged in directly. But, fortunately, this is enough for a comfortable game, so I hammered in the bolt and finally started sharpening the game! This is such a sad story. All the best!
P.S. The next day I wondered why the signal was jamming so much. I scoured the forums and didn’t come across a similar problem, but I decided to try installing a field device that worked for people – KP303G. I come to the store, and the sales girl, looking at me like I’m shit, says that only drug addicts have been carrying domestic equipment for a long time, while twirling her finger at the weight. “But there are analogues, I’ll pick them up right now,” he says. Some kind of transistor gets me, I grab it and leave. At home I open the package, and there: drum roll: BF245C, with which I did not start.
But I have a fairly simple sound system (and I’m not a radio amateur!), so I took my version of the game from the most budget version and I know where. Which, as expected, led to a delay in processing sound from the guitar (due to the “tablet” game), but not fatal. There was no bleeding from the ears.
The game has started, the guitar is recognized. Forward!
When you first start the game, you will carefully ask the owner about his level of training:
-did you play the first Rocksmith?
-how the player himself evaluates his skills (At the same time, for each of the 5 difficulty levels there will be an intelligible video explanation of what to expect at this difficulty);
-which path the player wants to take (There are solo, rhythm and bass to choose from.);
-left-handed or right-handed;
-even what is the location of the pegs(!).
Next, we quickly go through the calibration and setup of the tool.
And let’s start learning.
In video tutorial format they show and explain in detail which finger and which string to pinch. I don’t presume to judge the perseverance of beginners, but I wouldn’t recommend starting to learn to play Rocksmith. It’s akin to learning from a self-teaching book. And I have not met a single tutorial from which at least someone learned to play correctly. I don’t dispute the advantages of video lessons over book ones. To Rocksmith’s credit, everything is shot from good angles and in great detail. In this sense, the game for beginners should be a test. Arms with Dark Souls go smoking! It will hurt a lot. The first few weeks will be a nightmare, if someone dares to study on their own, the process may take a long time.
It’s a completely different matter when people who have been playing guitar for at least a year start playing in Rocksmith. Interesting techniques and the joy of discovering new chords will await these people
For example. This will certainly be a good incentive not to give up studying, but also by gradually learning the songs and “moves” of your favorite and famous performers, you will be able to decide on the future path of a musician. I really liked that in addition to long tracks of songs, the game offers a decent set of mini-games and training modes Guitarcade. Among which there are many colorful and exciting. What looks fun and will allow you to take your mind off working for many hours zadr learning the desired song.
The game also has a mode Score Attack, where the player is punished for mistakes by not allowing him to finish playing the track to the end. There are 4 levels of difficulty: on easy you will be forced to play 30% of the song, on normal – already under 60, hard – you can play almost without errors with all the notes, Master is available only to talented padawans who have learned the song by heart.
Let’s move on. Session Mode – the main surprise of RockSmith 2014. In the menu, we select musical instruments as “helpers”, such as additional guitars of various types, drums, synthesizers, drum machines and other electronics (in total there are over 50 (!) tools). We set the tempo, mood, keys, room (this is important for the sound), turn different sliders, click switches, and finally start the rehearsal.
Then let’s start playing. What exactly? Yes, just come up with a melody and start repeating it, and artificial intelligence will adjust to your tempo, helping you maintain it. Also, depending on the selected settings, the game will hint which notes are best to play at the moment, so composing your own melodies will be a piece of cake.
So here’s what I want to say to all of this:
No matter who you are, this game is worth your time. If you also have friends who are ready to listen to, or even play, good music on a Friday evening, for example, then Rocksmith is the right choice! This game taught me something new. And that made me happy and surprised.
The creators of the game claim that in 85 lessons they will teach you how to play the guitar. I don’t have the opportunity to check this, unfortunately.
Try it! And remember how you learned to play or think about what you would like to learn.
Best comments
There’s a concert going on.
The vocalist thinks: “Now, I’ll take this upper “E” and everyone will see the light! Wow!
The guitarist thinks: “Now, I’m about to release a solo album like this, everyone’s going to freak out.”! Yo !“
The drummer thinks: “Well, now I’ll create a fill for 16 bars, everyone will be stunned.” !“
The bassist thinks: "Salt". To. Salt. To. Salt. Mi. Re. “
Then, to put together a team, you will have to find a plutonium drum and radon keys! Well, and those who cut themselves on them. Here he is that maniac intellectual!
my opinion.
Guitar pro 5 and tablature “Deep purple smoke on the water” is the best start for a guitarist.
Wow, how complicated and serious everything is here, and the discussion is even more so. Here’s my neighbor several years in a row Only one strummed “smoke on the water”. This is called an integrated approach to self-learning) Now I’ve switched to “iron man”. Growing)))
Author, my advice to you, I’m certainly not a professional guitarist, but still, don’t even think about learning through rocksmith, it doesn’t teach, but entertains, yes, you can learn how to put on chords, play some techniques, such as: suspenders, harmonics, pull-offs and hammer-offs, etc., but it’s better to do it with a teacher, well, if you’re financially pressed at all, then learn on your own, and during this time save up and go to classes. If you don’t have the goal of playing super-cool as an “insert performer,” then go for it.
I myself have the goal of playing super duper, so I gave up on Rocksmith and I don’t think it’s a serious idea, why? I’ll describe it further.
1) Understanding what you are playing. On the screen there is a neck, strings and flying numbers, ugh, let there be a tablature, it’s easier to explain, so, it flies quickly or not, depending on what tempo the song is at, you need to play this or that chord or fifth, let’s say, well, you press and strum on the guitar, you get a buzz, you call yourself “insert artist,” you begin to praise yourself, but leaving yourself alone with the guitar, you quickly forget what you just played, the brain does not have time to remember, because the head is busy with the fact that you need to hit the note as quickly and accurately as possible.
2) Hearing. Still, you need to learn to record songs by ear, it develops, lol, oddly enough, your hearing, it will be easy to take consonance (chords, fifths) yourself, even though they have already been composed a long time ago. It will be easier to compose your own compositions, because you know how this or that note sounds, you have a melody playing in your head, you can easily play it.
3)Sound and sound production. Alas and oh, every day we are offered tube sound, cool sound, but all this turns out to be cotton wool, except for VST plug-ins, which are simply the most expensive replacement for sound recordings, but there is no limit, and there is room for improvement, for beginner players and those far from the sound of amplifiers, we are considering a guitar, an electric one, yes, it won’t matter what the sound is, the main thing is to cut the hand, for more advanced people who have a little understanding of this, everything will be feel sick, and the nausea will appear in the ears.
4) Development of playing skills. When I studied tablature, in 2012, now I rarely look at them, based on point 2), every other week I felt an increase, be it in technique, studying other people’s works, or in losing a game, but when I started playing rocksmith, I realized that I was just wasting all these skills and not developing them.
Therefore, I think this is not serious, but as I already said, if you just want to have fun in the evening, play a different song, just relax, not torment yourself with musical theory and other boring bullshit, then go for it, the game is simply created for this, but there are some cases: once, I advised a friend to play, I admit, when the game came out in 2012 I was impressed, and advised everyone to try it, I had two electric guitars at home, one for my main one, the other for the standard building, I gave the second one to him, because I rarely play in E or drop in D, but that’s not the point, he learned and began to boast, saying that he was already succeeding, I already realized that rocksmith was not mine, and told him that well done, keep learning. After some time, he also understands that he can do better and faster, he began to continue training without rocksmith, and I will say that he began to play well further, almost a week later I hear new feats, how he learned a new, more complex song to perform, of course I ask you to show him how he performs and I see the progress myself. In my experience, a person just wanted to have fun, but decided to start practicing the electric guitar more deeply, gives an impetus.
The starting list of songs is a little surprising – a good half are generally bearded alternatives. Except maybe the Rolling Stones, and maybe Oasis. From hard rock only Monster Truck – Sweet Mountain River. Somehow very strangely selected songs, but the truth is clearly with an emphasis on the presence of riffs. Yes, a special cable is a cunning way for youngsters to make money in a way that is not the most trivial for the gaming industry… But those who have comprehended the zen of the blowtorch, as they say, “spitted”. By the way, the asio4all driver is still useful and really suitable for such programs, not only Rokesmith, but also for all sorts of special software programs for playing with computer speakers and headphones (which is not the best idea for serious sound lovers, and in general many guitarists will confirm that a lot depends on the power and “liveness” of the sound when learning). But Rokesmith himself, I don’t know how useful and useful he really is. The game was released in 2012 for Europe, but not much time has passed since then, but somehow no one has talked about a panacea for beginning guitarists since then. But, it seems, the 2014 version is aiming for the very game that many have dreamed of – learning how to hack from scratch tsoya in the yard rock riffs. If she can cope with the latter, then, in principle, guitarists will not care about the list of “native” songs – once you get the hang of playing notes, you can go to any resource with backing tracks and play whatever your heart desires. True, there was some cool bullshit there – using guitar chords to bring down crowds of zombies on the screen (that was a really cool feature, I played something like that =), without all this fluff about a real training simulator, etc.d.)
Oh wow. Anyway, overdrive is cool, you can’t live without it in the monster arena. You can’t defeat Nemesis, not to mention the dark APs, so 🙁
Yes, Rokesmith 2014 is very similar to the game that can teach you from scratch. There was an idea that the local knights of overdrive and distortion would be interested in this game. Well, in order to get the hang of something, a beginner needs to spend at least six months of intensive training no further than the V fret.
