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Ubisoft Rocksmith+ Review: Game For Learning The Guitar

Rocksmith cover picture

Learning an instrument can be a daunting task. Juggling theory, technique, and motivation can leave aspiring musicians feeling lost. Rocksmith+, the latest iteration in Ubisoft’s interactive learning platform, aims to change that. This review dives deep into Rocksmith+’s online courses for guitar, bass, and now, piano, exploring its strengths and weaknesses to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your musical journey.

We’ll examine the core features like real-time feedback, personalized learning paths, and a vast song library. We’ll also address user concerns regarding the subscription model and the platform’s recent addition of piano lessons.

Whether you’re a complete beginner picking up your first guitar or a seasoned musician looking to refine your skills, this review will provide valuable insights into Rocksmith+’s potential to unlock your musical potential. So, grab your instrument (or download the app!), and let’s see if Rocksmith+ can turn you into a rockstar.

Basic info

Who is this course for?

 

Rocksmith+ online courses are designed for a broad range of musicians, from complete beginners to more experienced players looking to improve their skills. Here’s a breakdown of who might benefit most:

  • Beginners: With its interactive approach and focus on playing real songs, Rocksmith+ can be a great way for beginners to get started on guitar, bass, or piano. The real-time feedback system helps ensure you’re learning proper technique from the get-go.
  • Intermediate Players: Rocksmith+ offers a vast song library with multiple difficulty levels. Intermediate players can use the platform to learn new songs, improve their technique on specific areas, and explore different genres.

Content and structure

Learning Through Play: A Fun and Engaging Approach

Rocksmith+ shines brightest in its core gameplay. You connect your instrument (a real guitar, bass, or recently added piano) and the platform listens as you play along to your chosen song. The magic lies in the real-time feedback system. It highlights notes you hit correctly, gently nudges you towards improvement on missed notes, and adjusts the difficulty based on your performance. This creates a gamified experience, making practice sessions feel more like conquering a challenging level in a video game than rote memorization.

Songs Galore: A Library to Fuel Your Motivation

Motivation is key to sticking with any instrument. Rocksmith+ boasts a massive and ever-growing song library (https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/rocksmith/plus/song-library) that spans genres from classic rock and blues to modern pop and alternative. Whether you dream of shredding like Slash or tickling the ivories like Elton John, there’s likely a song (or ten) to keep you engaged. The ability to choose songs you love makes learning feel less like a chore and more like indulging in your musical passion.

Personalized Learning Paths: Adapting to Your Needs

Rocksmith+ isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The platform uses your performance data to personalize your learning journey. It identifies areas you struggle with and tailors exercises and challenges to address those weaknesses. This ensures you’re constantly progressing and focusing on the techniques that need the most work.

Catering to All Skill Levels

While Rocksmith+ excels at introducing beginners to the basics, it doesn’t abandon more experienced players. The diverse song library offers progressively challenging difficulty levels, allowing intermediate players to hone their skills and advanced players to tackle complex techniques. It might not replace dedicated advanced instruction, but it can be a valuable tool for ongoing practice and exploration.

The Subscription Model: A Potential Hurdle

Rocksmith+ utilizes a subscription model, which can be a barrier for some. While it offers a more flexible option compared to traditional lesson packages, the ongoing cost might not be ideal for everyone. It’s important to weigh the cost against the value you get from the platform’s features and song library.

Pros and cons

PROS

  • Fun and Engaging: Rocksmith+ gamifies practice with real-time feedback, making it feel more like a game than a chore.
  • Massive Song Library: A vast and ever-growing library across genres keeps you motivated with songs you love.
  • Personalized Learning: The platform tailors exercises to your strengths and weaknesses, ensuring efficient progress.
  • Caters to All Levels: From beginners to experienced players, the platform offers appropriate challenges for each skill level.
  • Works with Multiple Instruments: Learn guitar, bass, or piano (a recent addition) using the same platform.

CONS

  • Subscription Model: The ongoing cost might be a barrier compared to traditional lesson packages.
  • No Traditional Teacher: Rocksmith+ relies on interactive learning instead of personalized instruction from a human teacher.
  • Limited Music Theory: While it teaches practical skills, Rocksmith+ doesn’t delve deep into music theory.
  • Requires Additional Hardware: You’ll need a Rocksmith+ cable (not included) to connect your real instrument.
  • New Features Still Evolving: The recently added piano lessons might still be under development compared to the guitar and bass features.

The verdict

7/10

So, is Rocksmith+ Right for You?

Rocksmith+ is a compelling option for anyone who wants to learn or improve their guitar, bass, or piano playing in a fun and interactive way. The gamified approach and real-time feedback make practicing engaging, while the personalized learning paths ensure efficient progress. However, the subscription model might be a consideration for budget-conscious learners.

Ultimately, Rocksmith+ offers a refreshing take on music learning. Whether you’re a complete beginner strumming your first chords or a seasoned musician looking to keep things interesting, it’s worth exploring if you’re ready to turn practice sessions into an exciting musical adventure.