There have been numerous attempts over the years to create an entirely digital guitar interface. By which I mean a digital interface in the shape of a guitar. The YourRock guitar is a recent addition to the list and is a little more earnest than most. While it’s still not much more than a toy, I can see how it has possibilities for new expressive music making. As long as you realize it’s not a guitar, but an interface. The main difference from a player’s perspective is nuance. You can use the whammy bar to add expression to the notes, but most real musicians understand the importance of the left hand in bending notes and adding vibrato, etc. Despite its frets, a guitar is not a discreet-pitch instrument. The most attractive feature of this device is likely the tap playing capability. For those who want to try experimenting with thisĀ technique, a machine like this could well be a useful controller.
I always look for what they don’t tell you in a promo ad or video. Obviously they want to highlight only the instrument’s best and coolest features. On almost none of the video promos did anyone play polyphonic music. There were a few chords strummed at the beginning of one, so I know it has polyphonic capability. But they don’t promote that at all, which makes me wonder why.