CHARLESTON, SC NEWS - LIVE 5 WCSC Breaking News, Weather, SportsFrom 'Guitar Hero' to the real thing

From 'Guitar Hero' to the real thing

By Bob Behanian  bio | email

CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - Many people grow up with fantasies of becoming a rock star and for most this doesn't happen.  But that doesn't mean you still can't dream.  Guitar Hero has made it's way into homes across the country.  No matter the age, many are quickly becoming addicted to this new way to play music.

"There are certain stars involved with the video game that lend their names to it. And you know the kids see MTV, they see these guys on TV and it makes them want to play" added Michael Davis, owner of Ye Old Music.

Parents were worried that this would keep kids in front of the TV but lately many are putting it down and swapping it for the real thing.

Eight year old Jared Arradondo loved his guitar hero. He used it as a platform to the next level.

"I thought I could get into a real guitar by getting used to playing the game" said Jared.  "He started bugging us to take guitar lessons. We started him off with an acoustic and now he has an electric" added him mom.

Jared isn't the only one in his class who started from the video game. Eight year old Dennis Stroebel is hooked on his guitar as well. Guitar Hero gives gamers a limit on the songs they can play but Dennis doesn't have to worry about that anymore.

"Because now I know how to play more songs. Star Spangled Banner and now I am playing crazy train Ozzy Osborne" said Dennis.

This transition may feel normal to kids but I wonder if their parents are surprised.

"Yeah I was, like I said he is musically inclined. It's kind of exciting to see him go that way. It's cool to see your kid play guitar" added his mom.