How to Troubleshoot an XBox 360 Wireless Guitar

Make sure the guitar you're using is designed for the Xbox 360. A wireless guitar designed for a PlayStation or Nintendo console will not work with the Xbox 360. All Xbox 360 wireless guitars have the same button found in the center of any Microsoft-brand Xbox 360 controller.

Re-sync the guitar with your console by pressing the "sync" button on the guitar and the "sync" button on your Xbox 360. While the placement of the button will vary slightly depending on your guitar, the Xbox 360's sync button is right next to the second memory unit slot. It looks like a tiny circle about the size of your fingertip.

Press and hold the "Xbox" button on the guitar and turn off the controller by selecting the "Turn off the controller" option from the menu that appears. This is the same button found on all Microsoft-brand Xbox 360 controllers. Press it again to turn the guitar controller back on and see if it works.

Reset the console and try using the strum bar to navigate the Xbox 360 dashboard. The fret buttons on the guitar correspond to controller buttons. Try pressing buttons to see if you get a response.

Detach and reattach the guitar neck from the guitar. On the back of the guitar near the neck is a small lever. Hold it down while you remove the neck from the guitar. Then slide it back in and power on the guitar pressing the "Xbox" button.

Replace the guitar's batteries. While the type of battery used varies depending on the brand of guitar you're using, most run on two to four "AA" batteries. The battery compartment is usually found on the back of the guitar.

Try the guitar on another Xbox 360 rhythm-based game. For instance, if playing Rock Band, try using the guitar on a Guitar Hero game. In some cases, certain guitars are incompatible with certain games. Make sure that your guitar is compatible with the game you're playing.