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).
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
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
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.
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
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