Abstract: Music video games provide configurable instruments and/or recording functions. In some embodiments users may select an instrument or play, and also select desired characteristics of the instrument. The desired characteristics may include selection of a chord or selection of effects associated with the type of musical instrument. In some embodiments users may record tracks of music using their simulated musical instrument controllers.

Abstract: A music based video game provides an auxiliary palm input on an associated guitar shaped video game controller. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input is positioned near a strum input on a body of the guitar shaped video game controller, allowing for simultaneous operation of both the strum input and the auxiliary palm input with one hand. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input modifies audio outputs generated in the music based video game. In some embodiments, the auxiliary palm input triggers an alternate game mode, for example, a bonus mode, during video game play of the music based video game.