Pro Guitar

Master real guitar fingering with Pro Guitar in Rock Band 3.

Pro Guitar is a gameplay mode introduced in Rock Band 3 that allows players to use specially designed guitar controllers to simulate real guitar playing. The mode requires players to match specific fingering on frets and strings, and supports both a 102-button controller with 6 strings (manufactured by Mad Catz) and a real Fender Squier stringed guitar modified with built-in electronics and enhancements.

Quick Facts

Type: Gameplay mode (instrument)
Franchise: Rock Band
Developer: Harmonix
First appears: Rock Band 2
Controller requirement: Dedicated Pro guitar controller with six individual string buttons
Difficulty tier: Significantly higher than Standard Guitar
Strumming method: Strum bar (up/down) combined with individual string presses

Lore & Background

Rock Band 3, released in 2010, introduced Pro mode to accurately mimic playing real instruments. For Pro Guitar, Mad Catz manufactured a 102-button controller with 6 strings meant for bass and lead guitar, while Fender lent a real Fender Squier stringed guitar modified with built-in electronics and enhancements to support Pro mode. Real instruments and original Basic controllers can be played simultaneously.

Reader's Guide

In Pro Guitar mode, players must match specific fingering on frets and strings. The game includes a list of 83 songs fully upgraded to Pro, with many emphasizing the keyboard instrument. Players can select Pro mode for real guitar, bass, keyboards, and drums before a song starts. If the right note is hit or played, it is heard in the audio; if notes are missed, they are not heard.