A video game, somewhat of a guitar simulation. Players use a controller shaped like a guitar, though only 3/4 the size, and 1/4 the weight. There are 5 "fret buttons", and a "strum bar." The game is played by holding down corresponding fret buttons and then "strumming" the notes as they scroll by on the TV screen. Hammer-ons and pull-offs are also possible. The songlists usually consist of popular classic rock songs like
Ziggy Stardust and
Killer Queen, or 80s hard rock/metal like
Sweet Child O' Mine and
Madhouse, though occasionally you'll find some modern stuff like
Laid To Rest (Lamb of God) and
Beast and the Harlot (Avenged Sevenfold)
While it's a great game, many elitist real guitar players see it as a lazy man's alternative to the real guitar, often expressing their dislike for the game and saying at the end "go get a REAL guitar!1!" The thing is, IT'S JUST A VIDEO GAME. I'm pretty sure neither of us has ever seen a person who, after 5-starring a song on Expert, truly believes he can play it on a real guitar.
And either way, what's wrong with enjoying it? I have the game, both GH1 and
GH2, AND I have a real guitar. I practice it every day. Why should I not be able to enjoy the GAME? It's just a hobby. Who says that, by playing a video game about playing a musical instrument, that means you HAVE to go play the REAL thing? Face it, some people just want to have fun, not feel obligated to spend thousands of dollars and years of their life in practice and devotion. The two are completely different.
You might as well say "why play NFL Madden when you can play football for REAL?? Why play Flight Simulator when you can fly a REAL plane?? Why play Halo when you can shoot down aliens for REAL??" Notice how the last one makes very little sense? It's the same with Guitar Hero.
If you honestly hate the fact that people can attract audiences with this game, then why don't YOU play YOUR real guitar? And if you do, why waste your time coming up to people who play this game? you focus on your stuff, and they focus on theirs.
Example:
Guitar Hero Hater: Man Guitar Hero sucks! Who wants to play with a stupid plastic toy guitar when you can play a REAL guitar?!? All you n00bs are gay!
Guitar Hero Player: Yea, ok... what if I told you I just want to have fun? I don't think I can play the real guitar, but I truly have no interest in it. Is that such a bad thing?
Guitar Hero Hater: Pff you're such a fag. Guitar Hero shouldn't even exist. Only REAL guitar players should get any recognition!
Guitar Hero Player: Oh really? And what about you? Do YOU play real guitar? I want to see your "skills"
Guitar Hero Hater: Uhh..
fuck off, man. I got a
Gibson Les Paul. I can play.. uhh...
Seven Nation Army. Yea, there you go. I'm better than you.
*at this point, the guitar hero hater has fallen to the floor with a bullet in his head*