Guitar Hero exploded onto the gaming scene, becoming a cultural phenomenon that resonated far beyond just video game enthusiasts. Spanning numerous editions from 2005 to 2015, the franchise captivated millions. However, for PC gamers, access was limited. Most Guitar Hero titles were exclusive to consoles like Xbox and PlayStation, leaving PC users with only a handful of official releases.
But fret not, aspiring rockstars! The landscape has shifted. Thanks to dedicated communities and innovative platforms, playing Guitar Hero on your PC is not only possible but more versatile than ever before. The gaming world has seen a significant move towards PC, and the Guitar Hero community is a testament to this, fueled by passionate fans and platforms like Clone Hero.
In this guide, brought to you by guitarplayers.net, we’ll explore all the avenues for you to shred your favorite tracks on your computer. We’ll cover everything from official PC versions and emulation to the thriving world of fan-made alternatives, ensuring you know exactly How To Play Guitar Hero On Pc, including the necessary software and hardware.
If you’ve been dreaming of rocking out on Guitar Hero on your PC, your encore starts here!
Is Playing Guitar Hero on PC Possible?
Yes, absolutely! Playing Guitar Hero on PC is indeed possible. While it may require a bit of setup depending on the method you choose, the doors are wide open for PC gamers to experience the thrill of this iconic rhythm game. You’ll need a compatible controller and the game itself, but the pathways to rocking out on PC are diverse.
There are several approaches you can take:
- Official PC Releases: Three official Guitar Hero titles were released for PC: Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, and Guitar Hero: World Tour. These offer the most straightforward experience, if you can still find copies.
- Emulators: Emulators allow you to play console versions of Guitar Hero on your PC. This opens up access to almost every Guitar Hero game ever released.
- Clone Hero: This is a free, fan-made game inspired by Guitar Hero, designed specifically for PC. It’s incredibly popular and offers a vast library of community-created songs.
Each method has its own advantages and we’ll delve into each one to help you find the best way to start playing Guitar Hero on your PC.
Why Guitar Hero on PC? The Enduring Appeal
Guitar Hero is more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon. It’s a franchise that has permeated popular culture, appearing in movies, books, and most importantly, inspiring countless individuals to pick up a real guitar. Its impact transcends the boundaries of gaming and music, becoming a recognizable and beloved part of modern pop culture. Show someone a Guitar Hero controller, and chances are they’ll instantly know what it is.
This widespread recognition is no accident. By early 2008, Guitar Hero had already surpassed $1 billion in North American sales alone, with over 16 million copies sold. This staggering figure doesn’t even include downloadable content or additional game releases. By 2009, global sales reached an astonishing $2 billion, making it the third-largest video game franchise worldwide, only behind Super Mario and Madden NFL. Guitar Hero had found its way into over 15 million households.
The game’s appeal extends beyond home entertainment. Guitar Hero competitions are held globally, both online and in person, some offering substantial prize money. Even in more casual settings, bars and pubs frequently host Guitar Hero karaoke nights, further cementing its social and cultural relevance.
Perhaps most significantly, Guitar Hero has inspired millions to explore real musical instruments. A 2012 study in the British Journal of Music Education revealed that games like Guitar Hero can help develop actual musical skills and, at the very least, make learning real instruments more appealing to children. Another study by UK group Youth Music found that an incredible 2.5 million out of 12 million children in the UK were motivated to learn real instruments after playing Guitar Hero and similar games. These are remarkable statistics that highlight the game’s positive influence on music education and engagement.
Method 1: Playing Official Guitar Hero PC Games
For a genuine, out-of-the-box experience, the official PC releases of Guitar Hero are the most direct route. While not every version of Guitar Hero made it to PC, three standout titles were officially released for Windows, offering a taste of the original Guitar Hero magic on your computer.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, despite being the third installment in the series, was the first to officially grace PCs. Released in 2007, developed by Neversoft and published by Activision, it remains a fan favorite. Legends of Rock introduced online multiplayer, letting players battle guitarists worldwide in “Guitar Battles,” and also featured a cooperative career mode.
Staying true to its predecessors, Guitar Hero III allowed players to choose lead, bass, or rhythm guitar parts, enabling up to three players to play cooperatively, just like a real band. Even for solo players, this added depth, offering extra tracks to master within the extensive 70+ song tracklist.
A major highlight of this edition was the inclusion of legendary guitarists like Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Slash of Guns N’ Roses as guitar battle opponents and playable characters. This star power significantly elevated the game’s rock credentials.
Considered by many to be the most challenging in the series, Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock became the best-selling game of the year and garnered widespread critical acclaim. IGN awarded it an 8.9/10, GameSpot an 8/10, and Common Sense Media a perfect 5/5.
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
The Guitar Hero franchise is known for its artist-specific spin-offs, and Guitar Hero: Aerosmith is the sole artist-focused title to have received an official PC release. Launching a few months after its console counterparts in October 2008, this edition was the last to feature only guitar and bass parts.
Interestingly, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith wasn’t solely dedicated to the band. Only 11 of the 25 included songs were by Aerosmith, with the remaining tracks coming from other artists. As an expansion built upon Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, the gameplay remained identical, including the career mode and co-op features.
A standout feature of the Aerosmith edition was its career mode, which followed the band’s actual career trajectory and history. The tracklist was inspired by real gigs and shows Aerosmith played, from their early days at Nipmuc High School to the Super Bowl Halftime show and their iconic Moscow performance. The game included interviews and band trivia, making it a must-have for die-hard Aerosmith fans.
While its limited tracklist meant it didn’t achieve the same review scores as Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith still offered fresh content for players who had conquered the previous game and were hungry for more.
Guitar Hero: World Tour
Guitar Hero: World Tour was the highly anticipated successor to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, launching on PC in November 2009, about a year after its console debut on Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation. This version generated significant excitement, primarily due to the introduction of drum and microphone controllers. These additions truly allowed players to simulate the full band experience.
Guitar Hero: World Tour also pioneered the “Music Studio” mode, empowering players to create and share their own songs, adding a layer of user-generated content to the franchise.
Beyond the new instrument controllers, the core gameplay remained largely consistent with previous versions. The most notable gameplay tweak was the ability to play additional notes while sustaining a long note on the guitar, adding complexity to the charts.
Similar to Legends of Rock, World Tour featured a career mode playable across all instruments, as well as a band career mode for cooperative play.
The drum and microphone controller additions were a massive hit, and are largely credited for the game’s continued popularity. While finding new copies might be challenging, used copies and peripherals are still available from various retailers and online marketplaces.
Installing Official Guitar Hero Games
If you manage to acquire an official PC copy of Guitar Hero III, Aerosmith, or World Tour, the installation process is straightforward. Simply insert the game disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive and follow the on-screen installation prompts.
The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your version of Windows, but typically, the installation wizard should launch automatically. These games are designed for older Windows systems, so compatibility on modern systems might require running the installer or game in compatibility mode for Windows XP or Windows 7, which can be done through the game file’s properties.
Method 2: Emulating Guitar Hero on PC
Emulation opens up a vast library of Guitar Hero games on your PC, allowing you to play almost any edition originally released for consoles. However, it’s crucial to understand the potential risks involved.
Using emulators and unofficial ROMs can pose risks to your PC. Downloading files from unverified sources can expose your system to malware and viruses. Always exercise caution and download from reputable sources.
Beyond security risks, emulator performance can sometimes be subpar. ROMs might run sluggishly, and the overall experience might not be as polished as playing an official copy or a well-optimized fan-made game.
If you choose the emulation route, RPCS3 is a highly regarded PlayStation 3 emulator compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. It’s capable of running PS3 versions of Guitar Hero games. Always download RPCS3 from its official website to minimize security risks.
To play a Guitar Hero game using RPCS3:
- Download and install RPCS3 from https://rpcs3.net/.
- Obtain a ROM of the Guitar Hero game you want to play. Be mindful of copyright laws in your region when acquiring ROMs.
- Open RPCS3 and load the ROM file. The emulator should recognize and launch the game.
- Configure your controller settings within RPCS3 to map your Guitar Hero controller to the emulator.
Method 3: Dive into Clone Hero – The Best Free Alternative
For many PC gamers looking to play Guitar Hero, Clone Hero stands out as the best free and readily accessible option. It’s a fan-made game inspired by the Guitar Hero series, designed specifically for PC, and boasts a thriving community and extensive features.
Clone Hero is freeware, developed by Ryan Foster. Its journey began as a small project in 2011, initially named GuitaRPG, evolving through several iterations, including a name change to Guitar Game before settling on Clone Hero. The game’s alpha release was on March 1, 2017, with a full release following on November 29, 2022.
Clone Hero’s aesthetics are strikingly similar to the original Guitar Hero games, and the gameplay is nearly identical. This fidelity was made possible by a shift from the XNA engine with basic 2D graphics to the Unity engine, enabling more advanced 3D visuals and gameplay mechanics.
The biggest draw of Clone Hero for the PC gaming community is its support for community-made songs. The massive fanbase has created thousands of custom tracks, significantly boosting the popularity of this rhythm game genre on PC.
A key difference between Clone Hero and Guitar Hero is song selection. Guitar Hero titles come with a fixed set of songs, with some versions offering downloadable content. Clone Hero, however, allows any audio file to be converted into a Clone Hero chart. This means you can play virtually any song you can imagine, including novelty tracks and songs outside the traditional Guitar Hero genre.
Because song charts are community-created, track difficulty is entirely dependent on the chart creators. This has led to the creation of incredibly challenging songs that far exceed the difficulty of official Guitar Hero tracks, appealing to hardcore rhythm game enthusiasts.
Installing and Setting Up Clone Hero
Installing Clone Hero is a straightforward process:
- Visit the Clone Hero website at https://clonehero.net/ and download the latest version from the homepage. The website also links to their Discord server, a great place to engage with the Clone Hero community.
- Choose your operating system. Windows 64-bit is the standard choice. If you need a different version, click “Can’t find your operating system?” for more options.
- The download will be a 7z compressed file. You’ll need an extraction tool like 7-Zip or WinRAR to open it.
- Extract the contents of the 7z file to a location of your choice on your computer.
- Inside the extracted folder, create a new folder named “Songs”. This is where you’ll store your downloaded songs.
- Download songs. A vast library of pre-formatted Clone Hero songs is available at https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13B823ukxdVMocowo1s5XnT3tzciOfruhUVePENKc01o/htmlview?usp=drive_web#. The Clone Hero Discord server is another excellent resource for finding songs.
- Place downloaded song folders into the “Songs” folder you created.
- Launch Clone Hero.
- Go to Settings > General > Scan Songs. This will make the game recognize the songs you’ve added.
Once these steps are complete, you’re ready to play! Clone Hero is compatible with a wide range of controllers, including Guitar Hero and Rock Band models.
Guitar Hero Controllers for PC Gaming
Playing Guitar Hero on PC requires a compatible controller. While there were no PC-specific Guitar Hero controllers ever officially manufactured, a variety of console controllers work seamlessly on PC.
PlayStation 3 controllers that came with Guitar Hero 1, 2, and 3 are excellent options. They featured a USB cable in addition to the PlayStation connector, often making them plug-and-play on PC with minimal latency.
If you have a wired controller with a PS2-style connection, a PS2 to USB adapter is an affordable solution. These adapters are widely available online. For wired Xbox controllers, a slightly different Xbox to USB adapter is required.
Later Guitar Hero controllers, like the Guitar Hero Live version, utilized Bluetooth connectivity. While offering wireless freedom, Bluetooth controllers can sometimes introduce latency, which might be noticeable in rhythm games.
Wireless controllers generally require a USB dongle to connect to your PC. Some controllers come with a dongle included, but if you purchase a used controller without one, you’ll need to buy a compatible wireless USB dongle separately.
Connecting Your Guitar Hero Controller to PC
The connection process varies slightly depending on your controller type.
Wired Controllers
- Plug your controller into a USB port on your PC. If you’re using a PS2 or Xbox style wired controller, ensure you’re using the appropriate USB adapter.
- Windows should automatically detect the controller and attempt to install the necessary drivers.
- Once drivers are installed, your wired controller should be ready to use as soon as you launch Guitar Hero or Clone Hero.
Wireless Controllers
Guitar Hero Wireless Controller and USB Dongle
- Plug the USB dongle into a USB port on your PC before turning on the controller. Most wireless controllers come with a dedicated dongle. If you’re missing the dongle, you’ll need to purchase a replacement.
- The dongle may automatically initiate driver installation. If not, check if your controller came with a driver disc. Otherwise, search online for drivers based on your controller’s make and model.
- After driver installation, your wireless controller should be recognized and functional in your game.
Bluetooth Controllers
Bluetooth controllers, like those from Guitar Hero Live, connect via Bluetooth if your PC is Bluetooth-enabled.
- Turn on your Bluetooth controller.
- Ensure your PC is set to pair with new Bluetooth devices.
- Press the sync button on your Guitar Hero controller. The location of the sync button varies depending on the controller model, consult your controller’s manual if needed.
- If pairing is successful, you should see your controller listed in your PC’s Bluetooth device list. Select it to complete the pairing.
Clone Hero Controller Compatibility: What Works Best?
Clone Hero offers broad controller support, including keyboard, gamepads, Guitar Hero controllers, and even MIDI drum kits, as long as they have a USB output and are PC compatible.
However, certain controllers are known to provide a superior experience in Clone Hero:
- Gibson Explorer Guitar (Guitar Hero 5): Known for its responsiveness and comfortable design.
- Les Paul Guitar (Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock): A classic and widely compatible choice.
- Guitar Hero: World Tour Guitars and Drums: The expanded instrument set from World Tour works well with Clone Hero.
These controllers are generally easier to set up and offer optimal gameplay. Original controllers can often be found used on eBay and Amazon, and sometimes even new old stock. GameStop and similar retailers are also worth checking for used controllers.
Be cautious of new aftermarket controllers from online marketplaces like Temu, DHGate, Aliexpress, or even some Amazon listings. Reports of poor quality and inconsistent compatibility are common.
Used original controllers are often more affordable, especially if found in thrift stores. Aim to spend around $30 for a guitar or $70 for drums on the used market. New original controllers can command a premium price.
Remember to factor in the cost of dongles for wireless guitars or breakaway cables for wired ones if needed. If you intend to use a Wiimote controller, you’ll need WiitarThing, a software tool to install the necessary drivers for PC compatibility. Always follow WiitarThing setup guides carefully, especially when updating from older versions.
Customization and Expanding Your Clone Hero Experience
PC gaming excels in customization, and Clone Hero is no exception. Beyond its vast song library, Clone Hero allows for extensive modding and customization. You can modify visuals with custom note highways and skins, and even tweak gameplay mechanics to create a truly personalized gaming experience.
These customization options keep the game feeling fresh and provide a unique experience for every player, ensuring Clone Hero remains engaging long-term.
Finding and Installing Songs for Clone Hero
If creating your own Clone Hero charts isn’t your forte, a wealth of community-made charts are readily available for download. A quick online search will reveal numerous reliable sources. Popular options include Rhythm Gaming World, Chorus, and Reddit communities dedicated to Clone Hero.
As with any PC downloads, be mindful of potential security risks. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date and only download from trusted sources to minimize the risk of malware or viruses.
Once downloaded, installing songs is simple:
- Locate your Clone Hero “Songs” folder.
- Place the downloaded song folders directly into the “Songs” folder.
- Launch Clone Hero and scan for songs in the settings menu.
The game should automatically detect and add the new songs to your playable library, allowing you to continuously expand your music collection and keep the gameplay experience dynamic and exciting.
The Future of Guitar Hero and PC Gaming
Despite its immense success across platforms, the Guitar Hero franchise was unfortunately discontinued by Activision. While the final installment, Guitar Hero Live, experimented with a new first-person perspective, it was largely unpopular with the community.
The online Guitar Hero community has long speculated about a reboot or a new game in the classic Guitar Hero format. However, Activision Blizzard has yet to announce any official plans for a new title on PC or any other platform.
For the foreseeable future, Clone Hero appears to be the future of rhythm games on PC. Its community-driven nature, vast song library, and ongoing development ensure that the spirit of Guitar Hero lives on for PC gamers.
Conclusion: Rock Out on PC with Guitar Hero
The Guitar Hero series remains one of the most influential and enjoyable video game franchises of all time. Beyond the fun factor, it has inspired countless individuals to explore real music and instruments. The vibrant community surrounding Guitar Hero and its PC adaptations is a testament to its enduring appeal. Thanks to dedicated fans and platforms like Clone Hero, you don’t even need a console to join the rock revolution.
Playing Guitar Hero on PC is accessible and offers several pathways to get started. Official copies provide a classic experience, emulators unlock a vast library of titles, but Clone Hero stands out as the best free and most versatile option. Whether you choose to revisit the official games, delve into emulation, or embrace the community-driven world of Clone Hero, rocking out on PC with Guitar Hero is easier than ever. Grab your controller, tune up your virtual axe, and prepare to shred!
