The 2005 rhythm game that popularized guitar-shaped controllers for matching on-screen notes was Guitar Hero.
Harmonix developed Guitar Hero and RedOctane published it for the PlayStation 2 in 2005. Instead of using a standard gamepad, players strummed a small guitar controller and pressed colored fret buttons in time with scrolling note patterns. Successful play filled a performance meter, while mistakes reduced it.
The design adapted ideas from Japanese rhythm games and Harmonix’s earlier title Frequency. Guitar Hero’s licensed rock soundtrack and accessible instrument controller helped it reach players who did not usually play traditional action or role-playing games.
Rock Band later expanded the same general concept with drums, vocals, and bass, but it was not the first game in this guitar-controller series. Guitar Hero also differs from Dance Dance Revolution, which uses a floor dance pad rather than a handheld guitar.