Thanks for the reply. I am using the real guitar (x-plorer by red octane, the white usb controller for xb360) it works with the game just fine. However, when using beginner mode it still has all the fretted notes coming down and plays like its in "easy mode". However, it does indeed say beginner mode in the top corner, but you need to hit all the notes, not just strum. If anyone figures out beginner mode please let me know, my children will thank you (as will I) . Cheers!