Exploring Immerrock: A Mixed Reality Guitar Training Experience
We recently delved into Immerrock, an innovative mixed reality game designed for guitar training on the Meta Quest platform. After turning 40 and feeling the pull of a midlife crisis, I made a spontaneous decision to learn the guitar. With my new Epiphone Les Paul arriving shortly after, I eagerly set up my amplifier, only to find myself at a loss when it came to actually playing. Immerrock aims to assist individuals like myself in mastering the art of guitar playing, and perhaps it could help you too.
Hands-On Experience with the App
Over the past few weeks, I’ve experimented with Immerrock, navigating the various features while experiencing the highs and lows of virtual and mixed reality education. The overall experience is quite varied, extending beyond just the concept of “mixed reality.” While the notion of learning an instrument in a virtual environment is appealing, the execution leaves much to be desired. Immerrock offers a gamified approach to guitar training, allowing users to learn at their own pace through over 100 exercises, along with both extensive and brief lessons suitable for players of all skill levels. Utilizing the passthrough cameras in the VR headset, users can see their actual guitar, hands, and surroundings, complemented by a range of digital interfaces, including a floating fretboard and a visual representation of finger placements alongside a scrolling note display.
A Comparison to Guitar Hero
For those familiar with music games, Immerrock can be likened to an educational version of Guitar Hero, albeit this comparison might be somewhat of a stretch. Unlike Guitar Hero, which is renowned for its vibrant gameplay and a catalog of popular guitar tracks, Immerrock feels somewhat lackluster, featuring many royalty-free songs instead of well-known hits.
The Note Highway: A Unique Learning Tool
Central to the Immerrock experience is the “note highway,” where colored bars indicating notes flow towards the player in sync with the music. The objective is to position your fingers on the correct strings and frets and strum in harmony with the visual cues provided. A variety of tools are available to aid in the learning process, allowing users to adjust song complexity based on their skill level and modify the playback speed, along with specialized training exercises.
Challenges in Developing Muscle Memory
However, a significant challenge arises in mastering the guitar: developing muscle memory. This process requires a seamless connection between your brain and fingers, enabling them to perform without conscious thought. Achieving this through practice is difficult when the visual representation in Immerrock doesn’t align with the tactile feedback of playing an actual guitar. The digital depiction of my fingers often appeared jittery, contributing to a lack of precision and focus. Additionally, the peripheral distortion from the headset’s lenses introduced another layer of uncertainty.
Technical Performance and User Experience
I utilized a Quest 3S to experience Immerrock, and while a higher-spec headset might offer a different experience, I remain skeptical about whether the technology is currently equipped for the precision required in guitar playing.
The Flow State Dilemma
Another aspect worth mentioning involves the phenomenon of achieving a flow state when practicing guitar or engaging in any challenging task. After a continuous period of focused practice, typically around an hour, I’ve found that I can reach a state of relaxation and concentration, becoming entirely immersed in the music. Unfortunately, during my time with Immerrock, I was unable to reach that flow state. This could be attributed to the previously mentioned disconnect between reality and the app’s visuals, as well as the discomfort associated with wearing a headset for extended periods.
Physical Strain from Extended Use
Practicing guitar can be physically taxing, causing discomfort in fingers, neck, and back. In my case, I’ve even experienced injuries while practicing. When combined with the additional strain of wearing a VR headset—especially when tilting your head forward—it can become quite unbearable. Maintaining a proper posture while using a headset inevitably leads to discomfort, preventing the kind of relaxed focus that is crucial for effective learning.
Customization and Usability
On a positive note, Immerrock offers a high degree of customization. Adjusting the position of the virtual fretboard and selecting songs that resonate with me improved my experience significantly. While the game functions well technically, it still lacks that elusive “rightness” that would make it truly enjoyable, regardless of how many settings I adjust or which songs I select.
The Potential for Future Development
The idea behind Immerrock is brilliant, but the technology appears to lag behind the concept. Once VR headsets become lighter and passthrough cameras can deliver flawless 1:1 representations of our surroundings, Immerrock could fulfill its true potential. In that future scenario, users may find it much easier to practice and develop skills, much like how we once enjoyed playing with the buttons of our childhood Rock Band guitar.
Current Alternatives for Learning Guitar
For those embarking on their guitar journey, traditional apps such as Gibson’s App or Fender Play on tablets and smartphones may still provide a superior learning experience compared to current VR/MR options like Immerrock. These applications ensure a stable display and clear visuals, allowing for a more comfortable practice environment. Based on my recent experiences, it seems that users will likely achieve greater progress through these conventional methods rather than with the innovative, yet imperfect technology offered by Immerrock.
Availability of Immerrock
Immerrock is currently accessible in early access for $11.99 at the Meta Quest store.
