How to Play Rocksmith with an Acoustic Guitar

Rocksmith has become a favorite tool for many guitarists looking to hone their skills, but what if you're more into the warm tones of an acoustic guitar? You might wonder if you can still join the fun. Good news: you can! Let's unpack how to play Rocksmith with an acoustic guitar, offering a path as melodious as it is practical.

Understanding Rocksmith's Setup

Rocksmith is a bit like karaoke for guitarists, but with a virtual coach that guides you through songs. Traditionally, it’s designed for electric guitars, which plug directly into your gaming console or computer. This connection is crucial because the software needs to "hear" your guitar to provide feedback on your playing. The catch? Acoustic guitars don’t have an output jack like electrics do.

To bridge this gap, you can use a microphone or a pickup. A microphone picks up the sound naturally, but it can also pick up other noises in the room, which might confuse the game. A pickup, on the other hand, is a device that you attach to your acoustic guitar to convert its sound into an electronic signal. This setup mimics an electric guitar, allowing you to connect to Rocksmith's Real Tone Cable.

This connection might sound tricky, but don't worry. Once you’ve got your setup in place, it’s smooth sailing. Even though it might take a bit of tinkering, it's well worth the effort to play your favorite tracks on your acoustic guitar.

Choosing the Right Pickup

When it comes to playing Rocksmith with an acoustic guitar, choosing the right pickup is crucial. If you're new to pickups, they’re essentially devices that capture the sound of your guitar and convert it into an electric signal.

There are several types of pickups you might consider:

• Soundhole Pickups: These are perhaps the easiest to install. They sit neatly in your guitar's soundhole and can be plugged into an amplifier or interface. They’re a great choice for beginners as they're non-invasive and removable.
• Contact Pickups: These are attached directly to the body of the guitar. They can provide a more natural sound but might require a bit more effort to install properly. They're often used by musicians who want to maintain the natural acoustic tone.
• Under-saddle Pickups: These are more permanent solutions and involve installing the pickup under the bridge saddle. They provide a clear and defined sound but require more intervention.

For Rocksmith, a soundhole pickup is typically the most practical choice. It's easy to use and provides a reliable signal for the game to pick up. Plus, you can easily remove it when you're done.

Setting Up Your Acoustic Guitar

Once you’ve got your pickup, it’s time to set up your acoustic guitar for Rocksmith. You’ll need a few extra pieces of gear to make everything work seamlessly.

First, ensure your pickup is installed correctly. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to avoid any setup issues. If you're using a soundhole pickup, it usually involves slipping the pickup into the soundhole and securing it with a clip or strap. Make sure it fits snugly and doesn't move around.

Next, you’ll need an audio interface or an adapter to connect your pickup to the Real Tone Cable. This step is crucial, as it allows your acoustic guitar’s signal to be read by Rocksmith. Some pickups come with a built-in preamp that allows direct connection, but if not, an adapter will do the trick.

Finally, connect the Real Tone Cable to your gaming console or computer. This cable is the magic link that lets Rocksmith hear your guitar. Once connected, you’re ready to launch Rocksmith and start playing.

Adjusting the Game Settings

With your guitar connected, you’ll need to tweak Rocksmith's settings to suit your acoustic setup. Acoustic guitars naturally have a different sound profile compared to electrics, so some adjustments are needed for the best experience.

Start by going to the audio settings. You might need to increase the input sensitivity so Rocksmith can better detect the quieter tones of an acoustic guitar. Experiment with the levels until you find a balance where your playing is accurately translated into the game.

Another useful tip is to play in a quiet environment. Acoustic guitars can be more susceptible to picking up background noise, which might confuse the game’s feedback system. A calm room will help Rocksmith focus on your guitar’s sound and provide more accurate feedback.

Remember, the goal is to enjoy the game and improve your skills. Don’t be afraid to tweak settings as needed to get the best experience for your acoustic guitar.

Choosing Songs for Acoustic Play

Not every song on Rocksmith will suit an acoustic guitar, but there are plenty that will. Focus on tracks that highlight the natural tones of an acoustic guitar, such as those with fingerpicking or open chords.

Rocksmith offers a variety of genres, so you’ll have plenty of options. Look for songs that don’t rely heavily on distortion or effects, as these can sometimes translate poorly to acoustic guitars. Think of classic rock, folk, or even some pop tracks that allow the rich sound of your acoustic guitar to shine through.

As you get comfortable, you can start experimenting with different songs. Even some metal tracks can sound incredible on acoustic, offering a fresh take on a genre that typically screams electric. And if you're into metal and want to get better at it, you might want to check out Riffhard. We offer lessons from top metal guitarists who can provide insights into playing those heavy riffs acoustically.

Overcoming Common Challenges

Playing Rocksmith with an acoustic guitar presents a few unique challenges. For starters, acoustic guitars have a different feel and sound compared to electrics. They often have higher action and thicker strings, which can make rapid playing or intense techniques a bit more challenging.

To address this, consider adjusting your playing style. You might need to use more finger strength or adapt your picking technique to suit the acoustic’s characteristics. For instance, using lighter picks can help you glide easier over the strings, making strumming and picking smoother.

Another challenge is maintaining accurate tuning. Acoustic guitars can be more susceptible to changes in temperature and humidity, which can affect tuning stability. Make sure to check your tuning regularly and adjust as needed to ensure a consistent experience.

Enhancing Your Acoustic Experience

To really make the most of playing Rocksmith with an acoustic guitar, consider enhancing your setup with a few additional tools. For instance, a good quality microphone can offer a more authentic sound capture if you want to record your sessions or share them online. Just ensure it’s positioned correctly to avoid picking up extraneous noises.

Using a foot pedal or loop station can also add a new dimension to your playing. While not essential for Rocksmith, these tools can help you develop timing and rhythm skills by allowing you to layer sounds and create your own backing tracks.

Additionally, engaging with a community of acoustic players can provide inspiration and support. Sharing tips, experiences, and song recommendations can enrich your journey and make playing Rocksmith with an acoustic guitar even more enjoyable.

Staying Motivated and Tracking Progress

Like any learning journey, staying motivated is key. Rocksmith provides an engaging platform to learn and improve, but keeping track of your progress can offer additional motivation.

Take advantage of Rocksmith’s built-in progress tracking features. Set personal goals and celebrate milestones as you hit them. Whether it's mastering a new song or improving your accuracy, tracking your achievements can keep you motivated and focused.

And if you ever feel stuck, consider joining forums or online groups where you can connect with others on the same journey. Sharing experiences, tips, and challenges can provide a sense of community and support, making the learning process much more enjoyable.

For those interested in diving deeper into metal playing techniques, Riffhard offers a treasure trove of lessons from some of the world's best metal guitarists. The insights you gain can complement your Rocksmith journey, especially if you’re looking to explore heavier styles acoustically.

Final Thoughts

Playing Rocksmith with an acoustic guitar can be a rewarding experience, combining the digital thrill of the game with the acoustic's warm tones. Whether you're fine-tuning your technique or exploring new genres, the journey is both engaging and educational. If you're looking to expand your skills beyond Rocksmith, Riffhard offers a wealth of lessons to help you master modern metal techniques. Embrace the challenge, keep strumming, and enjoy the music you create.