Top Rocksmith Alternatives for Guitar Learning and Gaming
Rocksmith, a music video game by Ubisoft, revolutionized guitar learning by allowing players to plug in virtually any electric guitar and play. Its unique real-time feedback and song-based approach made it incredibly popular for aspiring guitarists and seasoned players alike. However, for various reasons—be it platform compatibility, specific features, or simply a desire for something new—many users seek out strong Rocksmith alternative options. This article explores some of the best replacements that offer similar or even enhanced experiences for learning, practicing, and playing guitar.
Best Rocksmith Alternatives
Whether you're looking for a more robust learning platform, a pure gaming experience, or something in between, these alternatives provide excellent ways to plug in and rock out.
Yousician
Yousician offers a fast and fun way to learn and master various instruments, including guitar, bass, and piano. It's a fantastic Rocksmith alternative, available on Freemium, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, and iPad. Its features include interactive chord detection, comprehensive lessons, and play-along tabs, making it an excellent educational tool for all skill levels.
Clone Hero
Clone Hero is a free rhythm game that serves as an excellent gaming-focused Rocksmith alternative. It can be played with any 5 or 6 button guitar controller, game controllers, or even just a standard computer keyboard. Available on Free, Mac, Windows, and Linux, it provides endless gameplay and dedicated guitar support, perfect for those who enjoy the pure rhythm game aspect.
Melodics
Melodics is a desktop app designed to teach users how to play MIDI keyboards, pad controllers, and drums. While not strictly guitar-focused, its emphasis on rhythm and external instrument plugging makes it a valuable Rocksmith alternative for those looking to expand their musical skill set. It's a Freemium application available on Mac and Windows.
Bemuse: Beat, Music, Sequence
Bemuse: Beat, Music, Sequence is a Japanese guitar hero/DJ hero-like game and a solid free Rocksmith alternative. It's an online web-based rhythm game with full controller support, including support for BMS's. Available on Free, Mac, Windows, Linux, Web, Chrome OS, and iPad, it features a scoreboard for competitive play.
Play drums online
Play drums online is an online rhythm game where you can play the drums along with YouTube videos. While not a guitar game, it’s a free web-based Rocksmith alternative focusing on rhythmic gameplay and MIDI support, offering a different but equally engaging musical experience.
Songs2See
Songs2See Game allows you to play along with over 50 included songs or your favorite tracks with interactive scores, learning modes, and fingering assistance. As a Commercial Rocksmith alternative available on Mac and Windows, it emphasizes music composition and interactive learning.
Pickup Guitar Club
Pickup Guitar Club aims to teach guitar skills through fun and rewarding songs rather than traditional lessons. It's a Commercial web-based Rocksmith alternative focusing on education and music composition, offering a unique approach to learning popular tunes.
Phase Shift
Phase Shift is a free music/rhythm game for Windows, supporting online play, custom songs, and unlimited players. With features like drums, guitar support, and online multiplayer plugins, it's a comprehensive gaming-centric Rocksmith alternative for those seeking a highly customizable experience.
FourChords Guitar Karaoke
FourChords Guitar Karaoke makes learning favorite songs and hits fun and easy, even for beginners. This Freemium Rocksmith alternative is available on Android, iPhone, Android Tablet, iPad, and Steam, focusing on simplified guitar learning through popular music.
FATpick
FATpick is an interactive guitar tab player that provides real-time feedback on accuracy and timing, allowing you to use any guitar and play any song without time limits. As a Commercial Rocksmith alternative available on Mac and Windows, it features custom songs, guitar support, interactive chord detection, and play-along tabs, offering a robust practice tool.
The best Rocksmith alternative for you will depend on your specific goals, whether you prioritize in-depth learning, pure gaming fun, or a blend of both. Explore these options to find the perfect fit for your musical journey and keep those strings ringing!