How to Jam with Rock Band

Get the game. Rock Band is available for PS2, PS3, Xbox 360 and the Wii. It runs about $180 after tax, so you may need to save a bit, but it comes with: the game, a Fender Stratocaster Guitar, a drum set and a microphone.

Play the tutorials. Even if you know how to play an instrument, you'll need to get a feel for how the game works. There are also a couple little tricks you can use to help you out with gameplay that you won't know if you don't play the tutorials. Using energy, overdrives and theatrics are all explained here. If you're an aspiring guitarist, make sure you play the Beginning and Intermediate tutorials. If you're a drummer, you really just need to play the first tutorial.

Practice a little. Even after you play the tutorial, you may find it helpful to just try a few songs before you go on tour. To do so, select Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer, Quick Multiplayer. This will drop you and any friends you have with you into a quick song to let you practice.

Start with the Warmup songs. While you may be familiar with songs that are harder, if you want to live to the end of the song without getting booed off the stage, start with an easier song (one near the top of the list or under the "Warmup Songs" section.)

Cut loose! If you're the type of person to embarrass easily, just think of this as a way to fulfill your rocker legend fantasies from the comfort of your own home! Try not to think about how goofy you look banging on a plastic guitar, just remember that if you're having fun, everything is going well.

Grab some friends to jam with. While solo play is fun, and is the way you will unlock some new songs, playing with friends who are also interested in being rock legends will be a lot more fun. Again, try not to think about how silly you might look. Just forget you're you for a little while and have fun!