To me, and hopefully many of you will agree, a real Guitar Hero is someone who can inspire others to dream via their expression through the instrument. Take for example, me when I was 12 years young. It was one, Edward Van Halen that inspired me to dream of some day being just like him! A real awe spiring Guitar Hero. Or better yet if I dare, Guitar God! Yes my fellow guitar-sciples, one of true Guitar Deity. Now that’s a lofty goal for any pre-adolescent. However there is one significant difference between this scenario now and then. My idol, or Guitar Hero was a real talented living human being. Today’s definition of that term is a lot different. By the title of this installment, you all know I’m referring to the video game. But please, don’t misconstrue my words here. Let me expound…..

I am all for video games. As a parent myself, I understand the benefit they provide children for eye-hand coordination and just sheer entertainment. When I was growing up it was Pong, then Atari, Colleco Vision, Ms. Pacman etc. And for a little while in the mid 90’s, I was definitely wrapped up in the world of Super Mario Bros. However, these games never replaced my practice time on the guitar. They were more of just a temporary break to release the tension of the extreme focus my practice regiment demanded. Nowadays, the kids start off playing these games and never get a chance to explore and experience the real wonders of the actual musical instruments themselves. I mean c’mon, remember what it felt like to pick up that first Strat, or Ibanez? Or how about you Les Paul first timers out there….remember the wonderment and excitement you actually felt just holding the instrument itself? Then, when you plugged it in and struck your first real power or barre chord! Wow…talk about exhilarating! There’s nothing that can compare!

So in closing, I will leave you with this one admonishing plea… Will The Real Guitar Heros Please Stand Up and show our upcoming generation what it means to really be an aspiring Guitar Hero?!?!?!