Playing Guitar Hero on PC: Emulation (PCSX2, Dolphin), Free Clones (Clone Hero), & Rocksmith

Several paths let you play Guitar Hero-style games on PC:

1. Emulation (Original Games)

• PCSX2 (PS2): Runs GH 1-3, World Tour, Metallica, Smash Hits. Needs BIOS, decent CPU. Map keyboard/360 controller/real GH controller (via USB adapter).
• Dolphin (GC/Wii): Runs GH 3-5, Warriors of Rock, Band Hero (Wii). Better graphics, Wii Remote + Guitar grip mapping.
• RPCS3 (PS3): Runs GH 5, Warriors of Rock (PS3). Experimental; high CPU demand; controller mapping complex.

2. Free & Open Source Clones (Best Experience)

• Clone Hero (Windows/Mac/Linux): Community standard. Supports .chart/.mid/.ogg customs, GH/RB drums, 5/6-lane, online multiplayer, practice mode, auto-play. Massive song library (Chorus, C3 database). Free.
• Frets on Fire / FoFiX: Older Python clone; moddable, but less active.
• Phase Shift: Pro-mode (keys, pro guitar), RB3 support.

3. Commercial "Real Guitar" Alternative

• Rocksmith+ / Rocksmith 2014: Real guitar/bass via 1/4" cable. Teaches actual playing. Large DLC library. Not a "hero" game, but the best music skill tool.

4. Browser / Lightweight

• Flashpoint (Archive): Preserved browser GH clones.
• HTML5 Clones: Search "guitar hero html5" — basic, no controller support usually.

Controller Setup

• GH/RB USB dongles work natively on Windows (XInput).
• PS3/PS4 guitars: Bluetooth + ScpToolkit / DS4Windows.
• Wii guitars: Dolphin + Wii Remote + Guitar Hero grip (Bluetooth stack).

Start with Clone Hero — free, best features, huge community, works with any controller.