Guitar Hero and Rock Band Controller Compatibility

This guide is taken from the ScoreHero forum thread, The Official Controller Compatibility Guide∞ compiled by User_IWillKickU IWillKickU∞. This guide is designed to help answer the common question, "Does X guitar work with X game, on X system?" If you have anything to add please feel free to edit this page.

Rock Band Track Packs Note: All Rock Band Track Packs (including the AC/DC pack) run on the Rock Band 1 engine so any compatibility that applies to RB1 applies to the track packs. EXCEPT the AC/DC pack for Wii which is compatible with the Les Paul and GHWT guitar (without touch slider functionality).

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Contents 1 Microsoft Xbox 360 2 Sony PlayStation 3 3 Nintendo Wii 4 Sony PlayStation 2 5 PC/Mac 6 Drum Pedals

Microsoft Xbox 360

Guitars

Models	GHII	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Drums

Models	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes
	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	No	No	No	Yes

*Velocity sensitive features not supported

Microphones

	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
	No	No	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes

Third Party

Guitars

Models	GHII	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
by Mad Catz	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
by ezGear	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
by Mad Catz	?	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
by ION	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes*	Yes*
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?	?	?

*Velocity sensitive features not supported

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by PDP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Blockhead Gaming	Yes	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Mad Catz	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes

*You cannot use Xbox LIVE voice communication on this title with this controller, you may use an Xbox 360 controller with a headset or a wireless headset.

Sony Playstation 3

PS3 originally had very limited controller compatibility. The charts below take into account cross compatibility patches that were released on PSN. If you have not downloaded the patches, or do not have access to PSN, the following charts WILL be inaccurate.

Guitars

Model	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
(w/ USB Converter)	Yes (blue only)	?	?	?	?	?	Yes
(w/ USB Receiver)	?	?	?	?	?	?	Yes

Third Party

Guitars

Add your third party axe HERE!

Model	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
TAC Double Range	Yes	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
TAC Widowmaker Bass	Yes	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
Nyko Frontman	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
Gene Simmons' AXE	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
Gene Simmons' AXE Wireless	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
Blockhead Grinder	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
by ezGear	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	?	?
by ezGear	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
by Mad Catz	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?	?	?
by dreamGEAR	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
by ICON	?	?	Yes	?	?	?	?	Yes	?	?
by JamStykk	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
by Nexilux	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?

*Not fully functional with music creation feature.

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB	RR
by Topway	?	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes	?
by ION	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?	?	?

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
by PDP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Blockhead Gaming	Yes	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes

Nintendo Wii

Guitar

Model	GH3	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
	No	No	No	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	Yes
	No	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB2	RB	TB:RB
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	No	No	No	No	No	No	No

Third Party

Guitars

Model	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
by Nyko	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	Yes	?
by iCon	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by ezGear	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
by dreamGEAR	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by dreamGEAR	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	?
by Nexilux	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?	?

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
by Topway	?	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes
by ION	No	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?	?

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2	TB:RB
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by PDP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Blockhead Gaming	Yes	?	?	?	Yes	Yes	Yes

Sony Playstation 2

The controllers described and linked are current models.

Guitars

This chart is of official GH/RB Guitars and does not take into account any third-party guitars.

Model	GH	GHII	GH80s	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
	Yes*	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

*Discontinued; various versions - may not be compatible.

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
(w/ USB Converter)	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes
(w/ USB Receiver)	No	No	No	No	No	No

Third Party

Guitars

Add your third party axe HERE!

Model	GH	GHII	GH80s	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
Double Range by The Ant Commandos	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes
Widowmaker Bass by The Ant Commandos	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes*	Yes	Yes
Frontman by Nyko	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rock Guitar II by DDR Game	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Gene Simmons' AXE by Kobian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Gene Simmons' AXE Wireless by Kobian	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Grinder by Blockhead Gaming	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
XFPS Mini Guitar by XCM	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Mad Catz	No	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?	?	?	?
by dreamGEAR	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by ezGear	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
by ICON	?	?	?	?	?	Yes	?	?	?	?	Yes
by JamStykk	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Nexilux	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

*Not fully functional with music creation feature.

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
by Topway	?	?	?	?	Yes	Yes
by ION	?	?	?	?	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Logitech	?	?	?	?	?	?
by Logitech	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by PDP	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
by Blockhead Gaming	Yes	?	?	?	Yes	Yes

Unorthodox Compatibility (PS2)

For all games Post GHIII (GH:A onwards), USB compatibility was introduced, allowing for some unorthodox combinations of official instrument controllers from other consoles.

Guitars

Model	GH	GHII	GH80s	GHIII	GH:A	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
(360)	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?
* * (360)	No	No	No	No	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
* * (360)	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?	?
* * * * (360)	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	?
(PS3)	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No
(PS3)	No	No	No	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	?	No	?

Drums

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
* (360)	?	?	?	?	?	?
* (360)	Yes	?	?	Yes	No	No
(360)	?	?	?	?	?	?
(PS3)	?	?	?	?	?	?

Microphones

Model	GHWT	GH:M	GHSH	GH5	RB	RB2
* (360)	?	?	?	?	?	?

*Requires an Xbox 360 Wireless Gaming Receiver

PS2 Guitars on other systems

• TAC PS2>USB adapter∞ - This adapter allows PS2 controllers to be used on PS3 or on PC. If you are using this adapter on PS3, you cannot tilt to activate star power, and the whammy bar has a slight delay.
• This thread∞ on the ScoreHero forums has information on another adapter, but does not include a link where it can be purchased.
• XCM XFPS 360∞ - This adapter allows any PS2 controller to be used on the Xbox 360.

PC/Mac

• PC GH3 launched with the GibsonX-Plorer Gibson X-Plorer∞. Other guitar controllers are usable, but require some slight configuration or modification.
• Joy2Key∞ - This program allows you to map controller buttons to a keyboard.
• GlovePIE∞ - This program allows you to map bluetooth (WiiMote) and other devices to joystick or keyboard.
• Xbox360 Controller Emulator∞ - This program allows you to emulate a virtual Xbox360 guitar using any generic controller. Tutorial∞

PS2 Controllers

• PS2>USB converter for PC∞ - This allows you to plug a PS2 controller into a USB port of a PC. You may need Joy2Key or Glovepie to map the buttons.
• With the Kramer you just have to hold Start + Select + Strum Down and it will map the Strum Bar to the DPAD, thus you can use the whammy to play the game easily.
• Tutorial∞ by Churchill using Joy2Key.
• Tutorial∞ by TheMagician, also using Joy2Key.
• Tutorial∞ by kdb424 using GlovePIE and the Fender Stratocaster.
• Tutorial∞ by FlorisJan using a Mac and the Fender Stratocaster.
• PS2 GHWT/GH5 drums and mic can be used on PS3 without trouble. OTOH, the PS2 GWHT/GH5 guitar will not work on PS3.

360 Controllers

• The Les Paul also is fully compatible, but requires this adaptor∞ to recieve the signal.
• The Stratocaster can be used by following this Tutorial∞ by kdb424.
• Software Updates from Microsoft (Drivers for Windows XP/Vista)∞
• Controller Drivers for Mac OS X∞

PS3 Controllers

• The Fender Stratocaster can be used following the tutorial from the PS2 section (they are the same, remember?)
• The Les Paul's dongle is compatible with windows. Plugging it into a USB port should cause it to auto install.
• Third party guitars require Joy2Key or GlovePIE.
• PS3 GHWT and GH5 guitars, drums and mic do work fine on both PS2 GHWT and GH5.

Wii Controllers

• GUITAR HERO: Your PC must be equiped with Bluetooth. BlueSoleil∞ is a bluetooth device manager for PC. You also need GlovePIE to map the WiiMote bluetooth to a virtual joystick or keystrokes.
• Tutorial∞ taken from the official Frets on Fire forums, detailing the process of using the Wii Les Paul on PC.
• The ROCK BAND 2 dongles are all are recognized as USB game controllers.

General Troubleshooting

The most common problem reported is that the whammy bar does not function properly.

• Script for auto-whammy∞ by XxpeddyxX
• General Whammy Troubleshooting∞

If Windows is detecting your controller, but won't allow you to use it in-game, try unistalling the game, and the device drivers completely and reinstalling.
Add your troubleshooting tips HERE!

Multiplayer

Two players cannot both be mapped to the the keyboard. To overcome this problem, you may create a virtual GH controller supported by the GH software, through the use of PPJoy and registry modification to rename the virtual joystick. Then, GlovePIE is used to map the real, unsupported controller to the virtual controller. For the other player, GlovePIE maps the controller to the keyboard, as usual. This permits multiplayer with any combination of controllers.

Drum Pedals

• You CANNOT plug pedals designed for the Rock Band or ION kits into the World Tour drums, or vice versa; however, the makers of the Rock Pedal are working on an adapter to fix this.
• Previous point notwithstanding, the pedals are platform-indpendent. A 360 pedal will work on a Wii drumset, etc.
• To plug a Rock Band pedal (or a pedal designed for the Rock Band kit) into the ION kit, use a 1/8" to 1/4" adapter (either stereo or mono works; available at your local electronics store)
• To plug multiple pedals into the World Tour kit, you can use any 1/8" headphone splitter (either stereo or mono works; available at any electronics store)
• To plug multiple pedals into the Rock Band or ION kits, you need a special Rock Band pedal splitter; if you use a normal splitter, if you hold one pedal down the other won't work. Also, you'll need the aforementioned 1/8" to 1/4" adapter if you have an ION kit. And if one of those pedals is the stock ION pedal, you'll need a 1/4" to 1/8" adapter as well, so that you can plug the ION pedal into the splitter.

Category: CategoryHardware