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[Xyber]

Is this a good game to go into with zero guitar skills? Or should I have at least a basic understanding before I play the game?

Only using Rocksmith might not be the best way to do it for most people. Combine it with either lessons or justinguitar.com and you will see some progress very fast.

I personally have used Rocksmith for the most part when learning guitar and then a bit of youtube and just learning songs from tabs. That has worked great for me.

I got the first Rocksmith just over 2 years ago now and in total I have 760 hours in both games combined (maybe more like 700 if we get rid of afk time and shit as well). The game keeps me motivated to keep picking up the guitar and the enormous library of custom songs on PC is great. While there is a lot of poorly made ones, there's still plenty of good stuff to keep you busy.

Can't recommend this game enough if you want to learn guitar.

 

[StudioTan]

I have the first one but haven't tried 2014. The thing I didn't like about the original was that there was no way to just jump to a difficulty level. Is that still the case?

I use Rock Band for drums as my practice tool. I go into practice mode and play along with my Roland kit with Superior Drummer 2 sounds instead of actually "playing the game" and triggering the original drum tracks but I still follow the charts. It's basically drum Karaoke. Such a fantastic way to practice.

 

[toymachine]

I have the first one but haven't tried 2014. The thing I didn't like about the original was that there was no way to just jump to a difficulty level. Is that still the case?

Yes, there is even a Guitar Hero-esque mode where you play on Easy, Medium, Hard or Master (no notes shown)

 

[Xyber]

I have the first one but haven't tried 2014. The thing I didn't like about the original was that there was no way to just jump to a difficulty level. Is that still the case?

I use Rock Band for drums as my practice tool. I go into practice mode and play along with my Roland kit with Superior Drummer 2 sounds instead of actually "playing the game" and triggering the original drum tracks but I still follow the charts. It's basically drum Karaoke. Such a fantastic way to practice.

You can change difficulty to whatever you want on every single section of the song now.

 

[StudioTan]

Yes, there is even a Guitar Hero-esque mode where you play on Easy, Medium, Hard or Master (no notes shown)

You can change difficulty to whatever you want on every single section of the song now.

Sweet! I'll check it out.

 

[Shadow_FFVI]

It's amazing. I just wish there was an equivalent for piano/keyboards. That would be my dream game.

 

[ThreePiMatt]

Bought it about a year and a half ago, and outside of about a week and a half where I was out of the country I've played it every single day. Most of the time just fooling around with a couple songs just to keep up that muscle memory. That said, I really do need to wean myself off of it. I need to buy an amp and learn to be able to play just "on my own." It'd be nice to be able to play more away from my computer once in a while.

 

[Xyber]

Bought it about a year and a half ago, and outside of about a week and a half where I was out of the country I've played it every single day. Most of the time just fooling around with a couple songs just to keep up that muscle memory. That said, I really do need to wean myself off of it. I need to buy an amp and learn to be able to play just "on my own." It'd be nice to be able to play more away from my computer once in a while.

You can also use something like Guitar Rig 5 on the PC to play even if you don't have an amp. The Rocksmith cable works fine together with that as well and that's what I used before I got a real audio interface.

I recorded this little cover using the Rocksmith cable and Guitar Rig and apart from me not being able to create good tones in the program it worked pretty great. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsl6sYMSCpI

 

[ElCidTmax]

Latency is indeed its only flaw to me.

Latency is an issue, but you can minimize it significantly if you follow the recommendations. I love Rocksmith and have it for PC, PS3, and PS4. Here's a summary of what you need for those platforms:

Don't run your audio over HDMI. It's got unacceptable latency. Just don't, as it will kill your enjoyment of the game.

PS3 - every time you boot the game, it shows a picture indicating you should use the composite cable for your audio. It only took me 6 months to actually pay attention to that picture. I was using an optical cable, but finally dug out my composite cable to test and HOLY SHIT there is no latency using that connection method. Technically there is, I am sure, but it's virtually undetectable. This is actually the best experience across all platforms in my opinion (no idea about xbox though).

PS4 - there is no composite cable - you are stuck with HDMI and optical. For optical, you want to set your audio settings to Linear PCM (not DTS or anything else). This is the lowest latency for the TOSEC/optical audio output. There will be some latency, but it ain't too bad. You really will notice a big improvement going from DTS > Linear PCM.

PC - there are tweaks you can do to help - see the FAQ

The FAQs are helpful:

http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/924044-Rocksmith-2014-PlayStation-4-amp-Xbox-One-FAQ-Forums

http://forums.ubi.com/showthread.php/716851-Rocksmith-PC-Configuration-and-FAQ-s

 

[Simmins]

Anyone play the Custom Songs?I have so many (like well over 100) that I pretty much don't even play the tracklist of the game. Instead I love working through Mega Man Themes and Black Mages songs. Custom songs are great!

 

[Exuro]

I stopped playing after failing to perfect the tuning on my guitar which caused the game to not recognize certain notes. The lower frets were fine but as I went up the neck it would go slightly out of tune to the point where it was incorrect. I tried messing with the bridge but I couldn't get it to match correctly. It's not a great guitar but it annoyed me that I couldn't play(have it recognize) certain notes because of that.

 

[Xyber]

Anyone play the Custom Songs?I have so many (like well over 100) that I pretty much don't even play the tracklist of the game. Instead I love working through Mega Man Themes and Black Mages songs. Custom songs are great!

I currently have 723 songs in my customs folder.

I should probably do some spring cleaning in that folder soon. A lot of bad ones that I never got around to deleting.

 

[Iorv3th]

I stopped playing after failing to perfect the tuning on my guitar which caused the game to not recognize certain notes. The lower frets were fine but as I went up the neck it would go slightly out of tune to the point where it was incorrect. I tried messing with the bridge but I couldn't get it to match correctly. It's not a great guitar but it annoyed me that I couldn't play(have it recognize) certain notes because of that.

Because the intonation is out of whack. If you have a guitar shop nearby bring it in and see if they can do a set up for you. I have one cheap guitar that I started playing the game with and it buzzes some on the higher frets, my father in law that's played for 40+ years doesn't have a problem with it. However I bought a nice guitar and it is so much easier to play and is set up properly so no fret buzz or anything and it is a HUGE difference.

 

[MUnited83]

I bought the first one a while ago and i recently picked up a electric guitar. Where can i buy a cheap real tone cable online?(europe)

 

[Nocturnx]

I've been wanting to learn to play guitar for years. Got an acoustic to learn on about 12 years ago in college and only learned a few basic tabs before getting frustrated and giving up.

This Christmas I saw Rocksmith 2014 on sale for PS4 and decided what the hell I've always wanted to learn. Also picked up a beginner Squire Affinity Strat HSS (didn't want to invest too much in-case I didn't stick with it) and got it setup and frets dressed at a local shop. I'm happy to say after only a month I've made crazy good progress and can play several tunes and work through power cords. I've been bitten and can't stop.

 

[celsowmbr]

Guitar player here !

 

[CountAntonius]

I only have an acoustic or else i would have bought this already.

 

[345triangle]

i'm a pretty good bass player that re-bought a bass last year after about 5 years without touching one, but have found it kind of hard to get back into playing by myself. this sounds like it might be a good option?

 

[leeh]

I've been playing guitar for a while. I'm disappointed there's no 7 string DLC or Drop B or anything. Saying that, I've self taught, so taking a few of the harder lessons gets my theory up to scratch and just getting tidier. Love those little games as well.

Feel like it is a tad iffy with detection sometimes, I'm not quite sure. Do love it though, I'd recommend anyone who's interested in that to pick it up, whatever skill level. There's some shredders on there.

I haven't been on it much recently though, it's hard to refuse the temptation of my amp which sits opposite my Xbox since I just created a pedal board over christmas.

 

[Varna]

Been using it since it came out. Been using it as my main learning tool... which probably isn't the best idea, but I have made great progress. I can play quiet a few of the more simple rhythm sections fairly well and I've learned quiet a bit about lead/solo work from the session mode.

As far as latency goes... buy an AB/Y switcher that's grounded and don't even bother with the in-game amp because it SUCKS. Not just sound wise, but latency is pretty brutal even on PC with an onboard sound card. It's easy enough to use to it, but why do that when you can just plug in your own amp and get better, more accurate sound?

 

[RowdyReverb]

I only heard about this game recently and I'm pretty intrigued. I used to be an avid guitarist, but have lately been somewhat uninspired. This sounds like just the thing to get back into it.

A few questions though:
How does the Mac version run?
Do you need their proprietary cable, or can I use any old 1/4" to 1/8" audio cable?
Are there any upcoming Steam sales? $60 is a bit steep if it doesn't include the cable

 

[Lady Gaia]

I picked up Rocksmith 2014 shortly after release and immediately realized how wonderful it was, both as a teaching tool and motivation to practice. I've owned a bass for decades but never got beyond the tinkering phase. I put much more time into keys and some into drums but playing bass by yourself just isn't as immediately satisfying.

With Rocksmith I was making immediate progress and devoting an hour a day to improving. I recognize it has limitations as a teaching tool and have found time for a few professional lessons to supplement, but my professional schedule makes it difficult to commit to anything regular – except I can always pick up the bass and turn on Rocksmith when I have some time to spare, and it keeps me focused on achieving goals.

I've since replaced my old bolt-on neck Peavey with its dodgy electronics with a lovely Schecter Hellraiser Extreme and we make a lot of sweet music together. True story: my wife actually got valentine's day cards for me and Ellie last year. (Yes, I named my bass Ellie in part as a reference to The Last of Us – and in part as a Spinal Tap reference as she clearly goes to eleven.)

 

[Visualante2]

I bought the first one a while ago and i recently picked up a electric guitar. Where can i buy a cheap real tone cable online?(europe)

I bought in steam when it had a discount, the problem is that i just could not find the real tone cable sold separately.

Yeah it's a known problem, Ubisoft has had trouble maintaining supply in Europe. It was sold out for over a month in Europe. Ubishop and GAME don't appear to be stocking it any more so you're just left with Amazon or resellers.

Many people suggested just buying Rocksmith 1 with the cable (soon sold out after the cable sold out) because it costs just a little more. Downside is you have to pay £8 for the convenience of importing your RS songs into RS 2014. Suddenly a £25 sale whim turns into a £60 investment.

 

[StaffyManasse]

i'm a pretty good bass player that re-bought a bass last year after about 5 years without touching one, but have found it kind of hard to get back into playing by myself. this sounds like it might be a good option?

Yes it's good for bass and a lot of fun. It makes you want to practice.

 

[MUnited83]

Yeah it's a known problem, Ubisoft has had trouble maintaining supply in Europe. It was sold out for over a month in Europe. Ubishop and GAME don't appear to be stocking it any more so you're just left with Amazon or resellers.

Many people suggested just buying Rocksmith 1 with the cable (soon sold out after the cable sold out) because it costs just a little more. Downside is you have to pay £8 for the convenience of importing your RS songs into RS 2014. Suddenly a £25 sale whim turns into a £60 investment.

Yeah, I guess my best bet is getting a 25 pounds one from Amazon.

Just a question though: is this cable exclusive to in-game use or can it be used to record using audio programs as well?

 

[Goldenroad]

I bought Rocksmith on 360, and then Rocksmith 2014 on 360, and then Rocksmith 2014 on PC. I LOVE the concept, but I bet you my combined playtime between all three versions is under 10 hours. I don't know why. I think it's that when I want to play a game I want to play a game and when I want to play guitar I just want to let loose and play guitar. As a guitarist, I think Rocksmith feels a little constraining. Although I have learned some fun licks I wouldn't have otherwise thought to play, so maybe that is more the selling feature of it to other musicians, is that you might kind of learn some new music you wouldn't have otherwise tried playing.

 

[adin75]

I really need to pick this up but it can wait until the new house is ready and I can get my gear out of storage. The DLC I want is going to make my wallet hate me so much, maybe I should start buying a few here and there now.

I played the original and have heard that 2014 is a big step up.

 

[Xyber]

Not just sound wise, but latency is pretty brutal even on PC with an onboard sound card. It's easy enough to use to it, but why do that when you can just plug in your own amp and get better, more accurate sound?

I have absolutely no problems at all with latency with my onboard sound card. I think I have the Audio Engine settings set to 2 in the game and there is no noticeable latency at all for me. My other soundcard (Asus Xonar DS) does introduce some delay though and makes it unplayable no matter what settings I use.