Harmonix is transforming its music game into a music sim, and now we know when gamers will get to trade in their plastic guitars for a Fender Squier Strat. MTV Games dated Rock Band 3 today and provided details on the pre-order bonuses available at major retailers.

Featuring a 25-key MIDI keyboard and an optional Fender Squier Stratocaster alongside a new Pro Mode that will teach you the basics of playing those instruments, Rock Band 3 is set to ship on October 26.


Wannabe rockers looking for a little extra bang for their buck can pre-order Rock Band 3 and get a few bonus goodies at select retailers, including:

GameStop -- Three downloadable songs at launch, including "Burning Down the House" by Talking Heads, "My Own Summer" by Deftones, and "Blue Monday" by New Order.

Amazon -- Access to an exclusive in-game guitar and a $10 Amazon credit for a future videogame purchase.

Wal-Mart -- A $10 eGift card for a limited time.

Rock Band 3 is being developed for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Nintendo Wii.



Sharkey says: I'm looking forward to getting my hands on one of the specially designed Squier Strats. I'm curious just how precise the game's Pro Mode will be and if it truly can be used as a guitar teaching tool. We'll find out in October.