A “Guitar Hero” inspiration to play the real thing

Written by: Tom Mitsos
Edited by: Natasha Crljenica


Ever since it’s release in November of 2007 , “Guitar Hero” has become a traditional game in many households. The game is a good way to get family members together and play the guitar like never before! But who would guess a game could inspire somebody to play the actual thing? Brandon Marshall of Allendale, Mich, is a true example of this “Guitar Hero inspiration”. For Marshall playing songs on “Guitar Hero” was becoming less fulfilling and in June 2008 he started learning how to play a real guitar.

“Playing songs with a real guitar is more fun,” he said.

Marshall named his guitar Ariel II after the Disney character Ariel. Ariel II’s body is made of alder wood and the neck is made of maple. The body is painted metallic red. Marshall said the color of the body was one of the reasons he named the guitar Ariel II.

Marshall playing Ariel II. Photo courtesy of Tom Mitsos.

The Disney character Ariel has long, flowing red hair. The other reason was Marshall’s attraction to the Disney character.
“I think Ariel from ‘The Little Mermaid’ is hot,” Marshall said with a smile on his face.

Marshall’s guitar is a Squier Stratocaster by Fender. Marshall bought his electric guitar in December 2008 from his uncle, Phil Ryski. Ryski originally bought it in a yard sale near his home in Belleville, Mich. The guitar was six years old when Ryski bought it in the summer of 2008. However, the guitar was rarely played by its former teenage owner, so it was nearly as good as new.

Stratocaster guitars are perfect for beginners or intermediate players. According to Kelly Industries, a website dedicated to selling musical instruments and accessories, Stratocasters are made in China. The price is around $150 and they produce a good sound for the price.


Before Ariel II, Marshall had another red guitar that he named Ariel, which was given to Marshall’s sister Becky years ago by Ryski. Becky never played the guitar, so Brandon inherited the guitar. However, due to many small problems with the guitar, he decided to give Ariel back to Ryski and upgrade to the Stratocaster.

Ryski sold the Stratocaster to Marshall for $75, which was the amount he paid for it at the yard sale. Ryski said he could have gotten more money for it, but he mentioned this was not an ordinary guitar.

“It’s not your run-of-the-mill guitar,” he said. “It’s extra special, it has a light body.”

When Marshall’s uncle Ryski is not playing guitars, he is repairing them. Ryski has a day job as a musical instrument repairman. He said he buys not only guitars, but other instruments: flutes, trumpets and tubas. When he is not repairing instruments, he is playing them in a band called The Bluescasters. According to their MySpace page, their music is a mix of rock and blues. Ryski plays the guitar, harp, and piano and also sings for the band. He said he never used the Stratocaster to play concerts. Ryski has also been playing in bands since he was 15.
As for Ryski, he is unable to play “Guitar Hero” well. Unlike Marshall his love for the guitar didn't come from "Guitar Hero".

The Bluecasters Top left: Kerry Adams Top Right:Doug Wolgat

Bottom left: Phil Ryski and Bottom right:Harry Rodman

Photo courtesy of MySpace

“Uh…hmm…I…I don’t know,” he stuttered trying to explain why he is less than mediocre at “Guitar Hero.”

Eventually, Ryski reached the conclusion that he can not get the timing down as the colored notes scrolled down the screen. While playing a guitar and playing “Guitar Hero” are not exactly the same, Ryski said “Guitar Hero” helps players with their coordination skills.

Despite not being in a band, Marshall said it would be cool to be in one.

“If I could make a career out of it, I would,” he said.

However, he said realistically that will most likely not happen.
For now, Marshall's Ariel II will be used for personal entertainment only. Although Marshall said he might start offering lessons to people for a fee. He said he needs to improve his skills before he can offer lessons.

Don Marfia, an employee at Best Buy in Grand Rapids, Mich., agreed that “Guitar Hero” has gotten more people to try playing a real guitar. There are six different versions of “Guitar Hero.” According to IGN, a video game news web site, the latest installment in the “Guitar Hero” franchise, “Guitar Hero: Metallica,” will be released on March 29, 2009.

Best Buy opened a musical instrument section in its Grand Rapids store on Oct. 31, 2008. Marfia said it is the only Best Buy in West Michigan to have a musical instrument section. He said the store has done good sales in the past three months, despite the struggling economy. Marfia attributed the good sales to the location of the store.

“Grand Rapids has a lot of underground music,” he said.

Marfia said beginners, as well as advanced players come into the musical instrument section.
“It’s a good, healthy mix,” he said.

Steve Hunter, an employee at Guitar Center in Grand Rapids also said “Guitar Hero” has helped sales, but sales are still down due to the economy. Fortunately for Marshall, Ariel II did not put a dent in his wallet.Thanks to Ryski’s cheap find, Ariel II has been able to play its fair share of songs.

“I know every song. I may not know the words, but if I hear the song, I can play it through,” said Ryski.

Marshall’s list of songs is not quite as big as Ryski’s, but it is slowly growing. Marshall said the first song he ever learned how to play was “Day Tripper” by The Beatles. The second song Ariel II played for Marshall—“Reptilia” by The Strokes. Other songs that Ariel II has played include the James Bond Theme Song, “A-Punk” by Vampire Weekend and “Business Time” and “The Most Beautiful Girl in the Room” by Flight of the Conchords.

Marshall has a long list of songs he hopes Ariel II can play in the future. He said he would like to learn “Pinball Wizard” and “The Seeker” by The Who.

“Actually, any song by The Who,” he said after a minute of thought.
He also said he would like to be able to improvise, meaning he would simply play notes without trying to play a certain song.

As for Marshall, his new love for the guitar will continue in hopes that he will sound even better than the "Guitar Hero" game. After all, playing the real thing is always in some way better!