about the project

This survey is part of a research project on the musical gameplay experience in Guitar Hero and Rock Band. (If you got here without reading the consent information, please go back before you complete the survey.) Your answers will be anonymous unless you choose to provide your name and/or email address. I will not use any information you supply for any purposes beyond this research, nor will I share the list of respondents with anyone. You will see a confirmation of your responses upon submission of the survey. This research is in no way affiliated with the makers of Guitar Hero. Thank you for participating, and please encourage your friends to do the same!

take the survey

  1. May I quote directly from your answers in my scholarly publications?
    yes no

    If yes, how you would prefer to be cited?
    (e.g. your name/your geographic area/"anonymous")

    You have the right to withdraw this permission at any time by contacting me.

  2. How old are you?

    (If you are under 18, you cannot legally give consent to participate in this study; you should not fill out the survey.)

  3. Gender?
    male female
    intergender/trans/other

  4. Occupation?

  5. Would you be willing to answer follow-up questions about your response?
    Yes No
    • email address for follow-up

  6. Which of these games have you played?
    Guitar Hero
    Guitar Hero II
    Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s
    Guitar Hero III
    Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
    Guitar Hero World Tour [GH4]
    Rock Band
    Rock Band 2

    Which games do you own?
    Guitar Hero
    Guitar Hero II
    Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the 80s
    Guitar Hero III
    Guitar Hero: Aerosmith
    Guitar Hero World Tour [GH4]
    Rock Band
    Rock Band 2


    How long does your typical playing session last?

  7. What is the highest difficulty level at which you routinely earn four or five stars? (If you play multiple instruments, answer for your preferred instrument.)

    Do you ever use practice mode? yes no

  8. Check all that apply:
    I often play Guitar Hero/Rock Band alone.
    I often play with someone else watching (but not playing).
    I often play multi-player mode or trade turns with someone.
    Guitar Hero/Rock Band are primarily social games for me.

  9. Where do you play Guitar Hero/Rock Band? (check all that apply)
    at home
    at someone else's home
    in a public place (e.g., an arcade/bar/your workplace)

    Do you think you play differently in these different places? Please explain.



  10. How many Guitar Hero and/or Rock Band songs did you know very well before playing the games?

    Check all that apply:
    I liked all the genres in these games before I started to play.
    There are songs I enjoy playing that I don't enjoy as a listener.
    These games have increased my appreciation for certain songs/genres.
    I have added new music to my listening collection because of these games.

    What are your favorite listening genres in everyday life?

    Please add any further thoughts about the songs/genres available in these games.



  11. Check all that apply:
    I have experience playing a musical instrument.
    I have experience playing guitar.
    I play in a band (or have in the past).
    I regularly perform some kind of music in public.

    Please add any further thoughts about the relationship between musical performance and playing Guitar Hero/Rock Band.



  12. Do you ever sing karaoke? yes no

    If so, how would you compare karaoke to your Guitar Hero/Rock Band instrumental experience?



  13. Do you feel creative when you play Guitar Hero/Rock Band?

    yes no

    Please explain.



  14. Feel free to use this space for any further comments. Are there any questions I should have asked? Any links I should check out? Do you have any comparative comments about Guitar Hero vs. Rock Band?