Rhythm games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero are simultaneously the best and worst thing to happen to the music industry in decades. On one hand, kids are getting engaged in music, appreciating their favorite artists in a new way. It’s also a much-needed revenue stream for artists as traditional album sales continue to dry up.

The short term benefits are numerous, but the possible long term detriments are more worrisome. Those 12-year-olds might pick up a plastic guitar instead of a real one. They’ll learn how to press those five colored buttons in time to their favorite tracks, but they might not ever learn how to do the real thing or how to write their own songs. Who will write the great songs of tomorrow when everyone is glued to their television sets with guitar-shaped controllers?

There’s nothing wrong with music games. I’m a musician yet I still own a full Rock Band set. It’s great at parties and allows me to jam virtually with my non-musician friends. But I have to wonder how many kids growing up in the age of the plastic instrument will be discouraged by the calluses, cramps, and years of mediocrity associated with actually learning an instrument. The instant gratification of the video game is so much more appealing.

One company, however, is aiming to create the best of both worlds. Seven45 Studios is a Boston-based company with a background in affordable beginner level instruments. They’ve begun work on a new video game called Power Gig: Rise of the SixString. Instead of a guitar-shaped controller, the game will use a new peripheral that functions like a real guitar, teaching players proper chording and strumming techniques along the way. The included controller has all the proper sensors to communicate with the game but can also be plugged into an amplifier and used as a real full size guitar.

This is the bridging tool musicians have been waiting for. Music games are fun but it’s a real shame to see people spend significant time becoming great at something which so closely mimics a real life activity within their reach. Living out the life a virtual rock star is a kick. It’s something most of us will never get to experience. Let me tell you though, playing your own song to a couple dozen people in a shady bar with your own band is far more gratifying than pretending to be big star. Most football fans will never get to play in the NFL. That’s what Madden is for. But it’s still great to throw around the pig skin in the back yard once in awhile.

That’s the genius of what Seven45 Studios is aiming to accomplish. Anyone can pick up a fake guitar and have a good time pretending to be a rock god for a few hours. Now that same novelty can perhaps function as an entry point into a hobby and an art form. I used to worry about what would’ve happened if a young Jimi Hendrix or John Lennon had been exposed to something like Guitar Hero and remained content with a good enough facsimile. With any luck, tomorrow’s stars can get their game on and still learn their craft.