Rock Band Instruments with Guitar Hero? (No — But Guitar Hero Guitar Works on Rock Band)

Rock Band instruments do not work on Guitar Hero games. Different protocols, button maps, and vendor IDs.

Compatibility Matrix

Why

• Encoding: RB uses proprietary UART over USB; GH uses standard HID or different UART.
• Lane count: GH drums = 5 pads + pedal; RB = 4 pads + pedal.
• Firmware handshake: Game polls vendor/product ID; rejects unknown.

Adapters

• Cronus Zen / Titan Two — translate RB → GH (adds latency, $100+).
• Raphael / custom Arduino — DIY, firmware dev needed.

Buy the right instrument for the game — or stick to Guitar Hero guitar (works both ways).