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Contrary to popular belief, it is sometimes easier to play a song on a real guitar than it is on the Guitar Hero plastic guitar. So, how does one become a guitar god? First of all start on easy. Learning the basics will prevent you from developing bad habits in the future. Play every song in easy and five star every song before moving on to medium. (I recommend doing the same in medium before moving on to hard.) One piece of advice I will give all players is to remember that the difference between medium and hard is vast. It is almost like playing two different games.

Next, I would advise purchasing a PS2 and all versions of the game. The hammer-ons and pull-offs in the first version rarely work. Playing this version will teach you how to improvise on the rare occasion that the hammer-ons and pull-offs don't work in the other versions. Encore to the Eighties focuses quite a bit on the orange note. If you need practice hitting the orange note then this is the version to play. GH2 contains the most difficult songs to play in expert (songs like Jordan, Psychobilly Freakout and Carry Me Home). Play all of the versions, try your best to five star as many songs as possible and if you get frustrated move on to another song.

Take advantage of practice mode. If there is a certain run, riff or solo you are having difficulty with, go into practice mode and slow it down. Play it until you have it mastered. Play the songs that you don't like. If you ever feel confident enough to play in tournaments you don't have the luxury to play only the songs you like.

My final piece of advice is to find a partner to play with. Observing someone else play can often help you develop your own technique. Practice! Practice! Practice! Only after hours of practice can you really start to nail the hard songs. Remember to take a break. Taking a break can prevent forearm burn and reduce the risk of your fretting fingers developing into something that resembles twisted tree limbs. Play some of the simpler songs for fun if a difficult song has you in the mood to smash your guitar into the TV screen. I hope my advice has been helpful, and remember, HAVE FUN!

Learn more about this author, Rose Haggard.
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