Guitar Hero. The name alone conjures images of frenetic fretwork, roaring crowds, and the unparalleled thrill of shredding iconic riffs. When it exploded onto the gaming scene, it wasn’t just a game; it was a cultural phenomenon. Spanning over 20 titles between 2005 and 2015, Guitar Hero became a staple in households worldwide. However, for PC gamers, the full Guitar Hero experience was often tantalizingly out of reach. Consoles like Xbox and PlayStation were the primary platforms, leaving PC users with a limited selection of official releases – only three to be exact. This meant PC enthusiasts either had to invest in separate consoles or miss out on the vast majority of the Guitar Hero library.
But times have changed, and the landscape of gaming has evolved. The shift towards PC gaming is undeniable, and the Guitar Hero community is a testament to this. Thanks to dedicated fans and innovative platforms like Clone Hero, you can now play virtually any version of Guitar Hero on your PC. No longer are PC gamers confined to the sidelines; the full rock star experience is now accessible directly on your computer.
In this comprehensive guide from guitarplayers.net, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to play Guitar Hero on your PC. We’ll explore the different methods available, from utilizing official PC versions to harnessing the power of emulators and the vibrant community-driven platform, Clone Hero. We’ll also cover essential hardware like compatible controllers and software setup.
If you’ve been itching to unleash your inner rock god and play Guitar Hero on your PC, then plug in and crank up the volume – this guide is for you!
Is Playing Guitar Hero on PC Possible? Absolutely!
Yes, playing Guitar Hero on PC is not only possible, but it’s easier and more versatile than ever before. While the official releases for PC were limited, the ingenuity of the gaming community has opened up a world of possibilities. To get started, you’ll generally need a few key components: a compatible controller and the game itself – or a platform to play it on.
For purists, there are indeed official Guitar Hero games for PC. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith, and Guitar Hero: World Tour were the only official titles specifically released for Windows. These offer a genuine, licensed experience, and are still sought after by fans.
However, if you’re looking to dive into a wider library of songs and experience the full breadth of the Guitar Hero universe, Clone Hero is arguably the best fan-made Guitar Hero-style game available today. Best of all? It’s completely free and constantly updated by a passionate community. For those interested in exploring every single Guitar Hero title ever released, emulators provide another avenue, although they come with their own set of considerations.
Whether you prefer the official route or the community-driven path, rest assured that playing Guitar Hero on PC is not just a dream; it’s a reality.
The Enduring Appeal of Guitar Hero: More Than Just a Game
Guitar Hero’s impact extends far beyond the realm of video games. It’s become deeply ingrained in popular culture, influencing movies, books, and most importantly, inspiring countless individuals to pick up a real guitar. It’s more than just a game series; it’s a cultural touchstone. Simply showing someone a Guitar Hero controller is often enough to spark instant recognition and fond memories.
Guitar Hero Controller
The franchise’s success is staggering. By early 2008, North American sales alone had surpassed $1 billion, with over 16 million copies sold. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, excluding downloadable content and further game releases. By 2009, global sales had reached an astounding $2 billion, solidifying Guitar Hero as the third-largest video game franchise worldwide, trailing only Super Mario and Madden NFL. By this point, Guitar Hero was a fixture in over 15 million homes.
The game’s popularity isn’t limited to home entertainment. Guitar Hero competitions thrive both online and in physical venues worldwide, some boasting significant prize pools. Even in more casual settings, bars and pubs frequently host Guitar Hero karaoke nights, further demonstrating its widespread appeal and social integration.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Guitar Hero’s legacy is its influence on real musical instrument learning. A 2012 study in the British Journal of Music Education revealed that games like Guitar Hero genuinely aid in developing musical skills and, at the very least, make the idea of learning real instruments more appealing to young people. 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 truly remarkable statistics that underscore the game’s positive impact on music education and participation.
Playing Guitar Hero with Emulators: Tread Carefully, Rock Responsibly
For those aiming to play every single Guitar Hero game on PC, including console exclusives, emulators offer a tempting route. Emulators are software programs that allow your PC to mimic a console’s operating system, enabling you to play games designed for those consoles directly on your computer.
However, it’s crucial to approach emulators and ROMs (game files for emulators) with caution. Downloading ROMs from unverified sources can expose your PC to significant risks, including malware and viruses. Always be extremely vigilant about the sources you use for downloading emulator software and game ROMs.
Beyond security risks, emulator performance can sometimes be less than ideal. ROMs often suffer from performance issues and may not deliver the smooth, optimized gameplay experience you’d expect from official copies or well-made fan games. Lag, glitches, and graphical anomalies can detract from the overall enjoyment.
If you choose to explore the emulator path, RPCS3 is often recommended as a relatively reliable PlayStation 3 emulator. It’s compatible with Windows, Linux, and macOS. Crucially, only download RPCS3 from its official website to minimize security risks. Once installed, you would need to source ROMs of the specific Guitar Hero editions you wish to play and open them through the RPCS3 emulator.
While emulators unlock access to the entire Guitar Hero library, remember to prioritize safety and be aware of potential performance limitations. For many users, official PC versions and Clone Hero offer more straightforward and secure alternatives for playing Guitar Hero on PC.
Official Guitar Hero PC Game Versions: Your Legal and Best Options for a Polished Experience
While the emulator route offers vast access, the official Guitar Hero PC releases provide the most polished, legal, and hassle-free way to play. Activision officially released three Guitar Hero titles for Windows, each offering a unique flavor of rock and roll gameplay. These are your go-to options for a guaranteed smooth and authentic Guitar Hero experience on PC.
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock – The Groundbreaking PC Debut
Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock holds the distinction of being the first Guitar Hero game officially released for PC. Launched in 2007 by developers Neversoft and publisher Activision, it quickly became a fan favorite and remains incredibly popular. Legends of Rock introduced exciting new features, including online multiplayer, allowing players to engage in “Guitar Battles” against opponents worldwide, and a cooperative career mode for band-based gameplay.
In-game action from Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, highlighting the intense note charts and rock concert atmosphere that defined the series.
Like previous installments, Guitar Hero III allowed players to choose between lead guitar, bass, or rhythm guitar parts, enabling up to three players to play together cooperatively, emulating a real band dynamic. Even for solo players, this added depth, offering multiple tracks to master within the game’s extensive library of over 70 songs.
A standout feature of Legends of Rock was the inclusion of legendary guitarists Tom Morello of Rage Against the Machine and Slash of Guns N’ Roses as guitar battle opponents and playable characters. This added star power and authenticity resonated deeply with fans. Widely considered one of the most challenging Guitar Hero games, Legends of Rock became the best-selling game of the year and garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning impressive scores like 8.9/10 from IGN, 8/10 from GameSpot, and a perfect 5/5 from Common Sense Media.
Guitar Hero: Aerosmith – A Band-Centric Rock Journey
Expanding the Guitar Hero universe, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith was one of several artist-focused spin-offs. Notably, it’s the only artist-specific Guitar Hero title to have received an official PC release. Arriving on PC in October 2008, a few months after its console debut, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith marked the final game in the series to feature only guitar and bass parts, before the introduction of drums and microphones in later titles.
Interestingly, despite being centered on Aerosmith, only 11 of the 25 songs in the game were actually by the band. The remaining tracks came from other artists. As an expansion built upon the Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock engine, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith retained identical gameplay mechanics, including the career mode and cooperative features.
What made Guitar Hero: Aerosmith unique was its career mode, which intricately followed the band’s real-life career and history. The song selection was inspired by actual Aerosmith gigs and performances, from their early days at Nipmuc High School to iconic events like the Super Bowl Halftime show and their legendary Moscow concert. Interviews and band trivia were woven throughout, making it a truly engaging experience for dedicated Aerosmith fans.
While it didn’t achieve the same review scores as Legends of Rock due to its more limited tracklist, Guitar Hero: Aerosmith provided a fresh dose of content for players who had already conquered its predecessor and offered a deep dive into the world of one of rock’s most iconic bands.
Guitar Hero: World Tour – Expanding the Band Experience to PC
Guitar Hero World Tour, the direct sequel to Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock, arrived on PC in November 2009, approximately a year after its initial release on Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation. This installment was highly anticipated, primarily due to the groundbreaking introduction of drum and microphone controllers. For the first time, players could truly simulate the experience of playing in a full rock band, not just on guitar.
World Tour also debuted the “Music Studio” mode, empowering players to create and share their own songs, adding a significant layer of creative freedom and community engagement.
Beyond the revolutionary instrument additions, the core guitar gameplay remained largely identical to previous versions. The most notable change was the introduction of open strumming, allowing for more nuanced note sustains and rhythmic expression. Like Legends of Rock, World Tour featured a comprehensive career mode playable across all instruments, as well as a band career mode for cooperative play.
The drum and microphone controllers were a massive hit, significantly contributing to the game’s widespread popularity. Guitar Hero World Tour, even today, can still be purchased brand new from various retailers, testament to its lasting appeal and impact on rhythm gaming.
Setting Up Guitar Hero on Your PC: Installation Made Easy
If you opt for the official Guitar Hero PC games, installation is remarkably straightforward. Simply insert the game disc into your computer’s CD/DVD drive, and the installation process should initiate automatically.
The precise steps might vary slightly depending on your Windows operating system version, but in most cases, the installation wizard will launch automatically and guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen prompts, and you’ll be ready to rock in no time.
Guitar Hero Controllers for PC Gaming: What Works Best?
Interestingly, no Guitar Hero controllers were ever specifically designed and manufactured for the PC versions of the game. However, thankfully, a range of controllers, both officially licensed and third-party, are perfectly compatible with PC.
PlayStation 3 controllers that originally shipped with Guitar Hero 1, 2, and 3 are often considered the best options. These controllers came equipped with a USB cable in addition to the PlayStation-specific connector. Wired connections generally offer superior performance and eliminate potential latency issues associated with wireless controllers.
If you possess a wired controller with a PS2-style connection, a PS2 to USB adapter offers a budget-friendly solution. These adapters are readily available on online marketplaces like Amazon and are quite inexpensive. Similarly, if you have a wired Xbox-style controller, a slightly different adapter is required, often referred to as an Xbox 360 breakaway cable to USB adapter.
Later Guitar Hero controller iterations, including the Guitar Hero Live versions, incorporated Bluetooth connectivity. While Bluetooth offers the freedom of wireless play, it can sometimes introduce latency, which can be detrimental to rhythm game precision.
Wireless controllers, in general, can be a bit more complex to set up on PC and typically necessitate the purchase of a wireless USB dongle to establish a connection with your computer.
Connecting Your Guitar Hero Controller to Your PC: Step-by-Step Guides
The connection process varies slightly depending on the type of Guitar Hero controller you’re using. Here’s a breakdown for each controller type:
Wired Controllers: Plug and Play Simplicity
The process for wired controllers is generally plug-and-play. Begin by plugging your controller into a USB port on your PC. If your controller utilizes a console-specific connection (like PS2) rather than USB, ensure you’re using the appropriate adapter to convert it to USB.
Windows should automatically detect the controller as a new device and attempt to install the necessary drivers. In most cases, this driver installation happens seamlessly in the background.
Once the drivers are installed, your wired Guitar Hero controller should be ready for immediate use as soon as you launch your Guitar Hero game or Clone Hero.
Wireless Controllers: Dongle and Driver Setup
A wireless Guitar Hero guitar controller paired with its USB dongle, essential for establishing a wireless connection with a PC.
For wireless controllers, ensure you have the USB dongle plugged into your PC before powering on the controller. Most wireless Guitar Hero controllers originally came packaged with a dedicated USB dongle in the box. If you purchased a used controller and it didn’t include a dongle, you’ll need to acquire one separately.
The dongle may or may not automatically trigger driver installation. If automatic installation doesn’t occur, check if your controller came with a driver disc. If so, insert the disc and follow the installation instructions. Alternatively, identify the make and model of your controller and search online for the drivers on the manufacturer’s website.
After the drivers are successfully installed, the wireless controller should function without any further configuration within your Guitar Hero game or Clone Hero.
Bluetooth Controllers: Pairing for Wireless Rocking
Bluetooth controllers, such as those included with Guitar Hero Live, connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, provided your PC is Bluetooth-enabled. Most modern PCs and laptops come with built-in Bluetooth capabilities.
To connect a Bluetooth Guitar Hero controller:
- Turn on your Guitar Hero controller.
- Ensure your PC’s Bluetooth is enabled and set to discoverable or pairing mode.
- Press the sync button on your Guitar Hero guitar controller. The location of the sync button varies depending on the controller model, but it’s usually a small button on the guitar’s body or near the power switch.
If the pairing is successful, you should see your Guitar Hero controller appear in the list of Bluetooth devices on your PC. Select it to complete the pairing process. Once paired, the Bluetooth controller should be ready to use with your chosen Guitar Hero game or Clone Hero.
Clone Hero: The Premier Community-Driven Platform for Guitar Hero on PC
As mentioned earlier, the limited number of official Guitar Hero PC releases spurred dedicated fans to create their own versions of the game. While several fan-made projects exist, Clone Hero has emerged as the most successful and widely adopted platform by far.
Clone Hero is a completely free, community-developed rhythm game created by Ryan Foster. Its origins trace back to 2011 as a small project initially called GuitaRPG, later renamed Guitar Game before finally becoming Clone Hero. The game’s Alpha release was on March 1, 2017, with the full 1.0 release arriving on November 29, 2022.
Gameplay screenshot from Clone Hero, showcasing the game’s interface and note highway, closely resembling the visual style of Guitar Hero.
Clone Hero is designed to be a clone of Guitar Hero in both aesthetics and gameplay. It closely mimics the look and feel of the original games, particularly after transitioning from the simpler 2D graphics of the XNA engine to the more advanced 3D graphics capabilities of the Unity engine.
The primary appeal of Clone Hero for the PC gaming community is its ability to play community-made songs. The vast and enthusiastic fanbase has created and shared thousands upon thousands of custom song charts, significantly expanding the playable library and fueling the genre’s resurgence on PC.
A key difference between Clone Hero and official Guitar Hero titles is the approach to song selection. Official Guitar Hero games come with a pre-defined set of tracks, with some versions offering downloadable content. In contrast, Clone Hero allows any audio file to be converted into a playable Clone Hero chart. This effectively means you can play virtually any song imaginable in Clone Hero, including novelty tracks and non-musical audio.
Because song charts in Clone Hero are community-created, the difficulty level of tracks is entirely determined by the chart creators. This has resulted in a vast range of difficulty, from beginner-friendly charts to incredibly challenging tracks that far exceed the difficulty of standard Guitar Hero songs, catering to all skill levels.
Installing and Setting Up Clone Hero: A Quick Start Guide
Beyond official Guitar Hero games, Clone Hero is our top recommendation for a Guitar Hero-style experience on PC. It’s free, safe, and offers unparalleled song library potential.
To install Clone Hero:
- Visit the official Clone Hero website (clonehero.net).
- Download the latest version from the homepage. The website also prominently features a link to their Discord server, a great place to connect with the Clone Hero community.
- When you click download, you’ll be presented with download options. Windows 64-bit is the standard and most common choice. If this isn’t compatible with your system, click “Can’t find your operating system?” for alternative download options.
- The downloaded file will be a 7z compressed archive. 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.
- Navigate to the extracted Clone Hero folder.
- Create a new folder inside the Clone Hero directory and name it “Songs” (case-sensitive). This “Songs” folder is where you will place your downloaded song charts.
- A vast library of pre-formatted Clone Hero songs is available at this link: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/13B823ukxdVMocowo1s5XnT3tzciOfruhUVePENKc01o/htmlview?usp=drive_web#. The Clone Hero Discord server is another excellent resource for finding songs.
- Download any songs you wish to play and save them to the “Songs” folder you created.
- Launch Clone Hero.
- Go to Settings -> General -> Scan Songs. This step instructs Clone Hero to detect and import the songs you’ve placed in the “Songs” folder.
Once the song scan is complete, you’re ready to play Guitar Hero on your PC with Clone Hero! Clone Hero boasts broad controller compatibility, supporting Guitar Hero controllers, Rock Band controllers, and even keyboard and standard gamepads.
Clone Hero Controller Compatibility: A Wide Range of Choices
Clone Hero offers extensive controller support, recognizing keyboard controls, standard gamepads (like Xbox or PlayStation controllers), Guitar Hero guitar controllers, and drum controllers (both gamepad-style and MIDI electronic drum kits). As long as your controller has a USB output and is PC compatible, it’s likely to work with Clone Hero.
While compatibility is broad, certain controllers are generally considered optimal for Clone Hero. These include:
- Gibson Explorer style guitar from Guitar Hero 5.
- Les Paul style guitar from Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock.
- Any of the guitar and drum controllers from Guitar Hero: World Tour.
These controllers are often cited as being the easiest to set up with Clone Hero and providing the most responsive and enjoyable gameplay experience. Original, used versions of these controllers can often be found as standalone items on eBay and Amazon. With some luck, you might even find new-old-stock controllers. GameStop and similar used game retailers are also worth checking for used controllers.
Be cautious of temptingly cheap brand-new aftermarket controllers from online marketplaces like Temu, DHGate, Aliexpress, or even some Amazon listings. There are numerous reports of inconsistent quality and unreliable compatibility with these generic controllers.
Purchasing a used original controller is often a more cost-effective option, especially if you find one at a thrift store or local used game shop. Aim to spend around $30 or less for a guitar controller and up to $70 for drum kits. Brand-new original controllers, when available, often command a premium price.
Remember to factor in the potential additional cost of dongles for wireless guitars or breakaway cables for wired controllers if they are not included with your used purchase. If you intend to use a Wiimote controller (from Nintendo Wii), you’ll need to download WiitarThing, a software utility that installs the necessary drivers for Wiimote controller compatibility on PC. If using WiitarThing, carefully follow setup guides, especially when updating from older versions to ensure proper functionality.
Unleashing Creativity: Customization and Modding in Clone Hero
One of the significant advantages of PC gaming is the ability to mod and customize games, and Clone Hero fully embraces this spirit. Beyond its core strength of playing custom songs, Clone Hero allows players to modify and enhance various aspects of the game.
From visual modifications like custom note highways and game skins to gameplay tweaks and adjustments, Clone Hero is highly adaptable, making it ideal for players who desire a truly personalized gaming experience.
These customization options ensure that Clone Hero always feels fresh and offers a unique experience for each player. You can tailor the game’s look and feel to your preferences, extending its replayability and enjoyment.
Expanding Your Song Library: Where to Find Clone Hero Songs
If creating your own Clone Hero charts isn’t your focus, you’ll be pleased to discover thousands of community-created song charts readily available for download. A quick Google search for “Clone Hero songs” will yield numerous reliable sources. Popular and trusted websites include Rhythm Gaming World, Chorus, and various subreddits dedicated to Clone Hero.
As with any PC downloads, exercise caution and be mindful of potential security risks. Ensure your antivirus software is up-to-date, and only download song charts from trusted and reputable sources. Stick to well-known community hubs and avoid downloading from unfamiliar or suspicious websites.
Once you’ve downloaded your song charts (usually in .chart or .zip format), installation is simple: place them directly into the “Songs” folder within your Clone Hero directory. When you launch Clone Hero and perform a “Scan Songs,” the game should automatically detect and add these new songs to your playable library. This straightforward process allows you to continuously expand your song collection, keeping the Clone Hero experience fresh, exciting, and virtually endless.
The Future of Guitar Hero on PC: Clone Hero Leads the Way
Despite the immense success of the Guitar Hero franchise across all platforms, its discontinuation remains a surprising and disappointing chapter in gaming history. While the final installment, Guitar Hero Live, experimented with a first-person perspective and new controller, the community largely rejected these changes, longing for a return to the classic Guitar Hero formula.
The online Guitar Hero community has consistently speculated and hoped for a reboot or revival of the franchise in its original format, but as of yet, Activision Blizzard has made no official announcements regarding any new Guitar Hero titles in development for PC or any other platform.
For the foreseeable future, it appears that Clone Hero is the de facto future of rhythm games on PC. Its active community, constant updates, vast song library, and customization options make it the premier destination for Guitar Hero fans on PC and a vibrant continuation of the Guitar Hero legacy.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Inner Guitar Hero on PC Today!
The Guitar Hero series of games undeniably ranks among the greatest and most influential video games ever created. Beyond the sheer fun and addictive gameplay, Guitar Hero has inspired countless individuals to pick up real guitars, fostering a love for music and instrument learning. The vibrant community that has blossomed around Guitar Hero, and its fan-made successors like Clone Hero, is truly remarkable. Thanks to this dedicated community, playing Guitar Hero on PC is not only possible, but it’s a thriving and accessible experience, even without owning a console.
Whether you choose to revisit the official Guitar Hero PC releases for a nostalgic and polished experience, or dive into the boundless world of Clone Hero for endless songs and community content, playing Guitar Hero on your PC is easier than you might think. The steps are straightforward, and the rewards – hours of rocking out to your favorite tunes – are immense. So, grab your guitar controller, fire up your PC, and get ready to unleash your inner rock star!
