Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteiTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
In Fortnite Festival, a supported guitar controller lets you choose Pro Lead or Pro Bass on the Main Stage. These parts use colored fret inputs and strumming, with hammer-on and pull-off notes instead of Lift Notes. Epic also says guitar controllers can be used for non-Pro parts, including vocals. Jam Stage, the Lobby, and Battle Royale use Jam Tracks differently; Epic does not list the Main Stage Pro parts in those experiences.
What a guitar controller does in Fortnite Festival
A guitar controller is an optional input device for playing Festival parts. Its main guitar-specific purpose is to make Pro Lead and Pro Bass available on the Festival Main Stage. Epic describes these as parts for Jam Tracks and says they are available for current and future Jam Tracks. A connected device must be supported; the mere fact that a peripheral is shaped like a guitar does not establish that it will work.
On Pro parts, the player frets notes using five colored inputs—Green, Red, Yellow, Blue, and Orange—and strums. The note behavior includes hammer-ons and pull-offs rather than Lift Notes. In practical terms, the chart combines the colored fret buttons with the strum control, while hammer-on and pull-off patterns change how some notes are played. The official description does not provide a universal button map for every hardware model, so the exact physical layout still depends on the controller.
Recommended Free Tools
Epic also says colored notes can be toggled. That is a gameplay display option, not a statement that the controller has fewer inputs or that the colors are optional on the hardware. Scoreboards include listings for Pro scores, giving players a separate way to compare performance on these parts. Neither the scoreboard statement nor the control description is a promise that every controller will expose the same controls or work on every platform.
#1 Best Overall
- MULTI-PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with PC, PC handhelds, Nintendo Switch 1|2, Android devices, including Smart TVs, tablets, mobile devices, and cloud streaming services such as Xbox Cloud Gaming and Luna.
- KEYJAM MODE: (Mode 9) transforms the guitar controller into a keyboard and mouse, enabling seamless compatibility with Fortnite Festival on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. Powered by CRKD’s KEYJAM Mapping feature, the fret buttons, strum bar, and other inputs are mapped to keyboard controls, while the right thumbstick functions as a mouse for intuitive menu navigation. KEYJAM Mode offers a seamless, plug-and-play experience — making everything from song selection to rocking out smooth, fast, and effortless.
- PREMIUM FRETS & STRUM BAR - Mechanical Frets offer a superior playing experience providing unmatched precision and responsiveness. Hall effect strum bar allows you to customize your actuation point while guaranteeing a long lifespan. Also featuring haptic feedback to give you a tactile feel with each strum.
- MODULAR DESIGN: The modular design allows you to swap out your neck to match your perfect feel. Swap it out for the solo neck design featuring 5 additional solo frets or opt for the classic standard buttons.
- EASY NAVIGATION: Two integrated analog sticks, an ergonomic D-pad on the headstock, and an eight-button navigation hub for easy in-game menu navigation.
The controller is not limited to Pro parts. Epic Games Support says, “Guitar controllers can also be used with non-pro parts, such as vocals.” That means a guitar controller may be used with a non-Pro part; it does not mean vocals become a guitar chart, that a non-Pro part gains Pro scoring, or that every non-Pro instrument has a guitar-specific mode. Think of the guitar as another supported input method, not as a requirement for all Festival play.
Which Fortnite modes support guitar-controller play?
The key distinction is between playing a Festival part and using a Jam Track as music. Epic lists Pro Lead and Pro Bass as selectable instruments for Main Stage, while its descriptions of Jam Stage, Battle Royale, and the Lobby describe other Jam Track uses. The official overview is Epic’s Jam Tracks guide.
| Experience | What you do with Jam Tracks | Guitar-controller relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Main Stage | Add Jam Tracks to a setlist and select among Lead, Drum, Vocals, Bass, Pro Lead, and Pro Bass. | Pro Lead and Pro Bass are the guitar-oriented Pro parts. Epic says these Pro parts require a guitar controller. This is the documented place for guitar-focused chart play. |
| Festival Jam Stage | Play Lead, Drum, Vocals, or Bass loops; switch instruments and combine loops with other players. | Epic’s mode description does not list Pro Lead or Pro Bass for Jam Stage. A guitar may be usable as an input for a listed non-Pro part, but the official description does not turn Jam Stage into a Pro-guitar mode. |
| Battle Royale | Use equipped Jam Tracks as Intro Music or Celebration music. | This is music playback, not a listed guitar performance part. Equipping a track here should not be confused with selecting a Festival instrument. |
| Lobby | Equip a Jam Track as Lobby Music. | This is music playback, not a listed guitar performance part. The Lobby does not present the Main Stage instrument selection. |
For Main Stage, the setup guide lists Lead, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Pro Lead, and Pro Bass as selectable instruments. It also notes that difficulty can vary by song and instrument. Therefore, selecting Pro Lead or Pro Bass does not imply that every Jam Track has an identical chart, note density, or difficulty. The mode determines which parts are available; the individual song and instrument determine the chart you actually play. See Epic’s Main Stage setup guide for its instrument-selection information.
How to get to Pro Lead or Pro Bass
- Connect a supported guitar controller. Epic says the Pro options should appear automatically when a supported guitar controller is connected. Its help pages do not specify a universal pairing procedure, cable, adapter, or operating-system setting, so use the connection instructions for the exact device and platform. Make sure the game is running on the platform for which that device is intended.
- Open Fortnite Festival Main Stage. The Pro parts are Main Stage selections. Jam Stage is a different experience and does not list these Pro choices. If you are looking at a lobby, Battle Royale loadout, or Jam Stage instrument list, you are checking the wrong menu for Pro Lead and Pro Bass.
- Choose a Jam Track and select Pro Lead or Pro Bass. Main Stage provides the instrument selection. Pro Lead is the lead-oriented Pro part and Pro Bass is the bass-oriented Pro part; the available chart and its difficulty can vary by song and instrument.
- Play with the fret and strum controls. Watch for Green, Red, Yellow, Blue, and Orange notes. Pro charts also use hammer-ons and pull-offs rather than Lift Notes, so do not assume that every note follows the same input pattern as a standard non-Pro chart.
- If the choices are missing, check the display setting. Select Festival Main Stage, open Settings, go to Game > Festival, turn on Always Display Pro Parts, and apply the change. Epic documents this path in its troubleshooting page: “I can’t see the Pro Lead or Pro Bass options in Fortnite Festival.”
Important: Always Display Pro Parts controls whether the options are visible. Epic does not say that enabling it makes an unsupported controller compatible. If the parts still do not appear, do not treat the setting as a compatibility fix; the device must still be supported. Check that you are in Main Stage, reconnect the device according to its own instructions, and then verify the exact model and platform rather than repeatedly changing the visibility option.
What to check before buying or reusing a guitar
Epic’s cited support pages confirm the category of device but do not identify exact supported guitar models, provide a platform-by-platform compatibility matrix, or say which older rhythm-game guitars work. That leaves an important buying question unanswered: a model’s past use with another music game is not, by itself, confirmation of Festival support. A listing that says “works with console rhythm games” is not the same as an explicit Fortnite Festival statement.
Before purchasing or troubleshooting a controller, verify these details against current official information for the specific device:
Rank #2
- FESTIVAL ADAPTER - Features a custom detatchable 5-fret attachment designed for a fully immersive Festival experience. Enjoy seamless control in a sleek, casual style thats perfect for diving into your favorite tunes!
- WIRELESS CONNECTION - Bluetooth allows for wireless pairing to your Nintendo Switch OLED, PC, Mobile, Smart TV, Steam Deck OLED, Legion Go, or Rog Ally with the ability to seamlessly switch between them.
- HALL EFFECT THUMBSTICKS - Hall Effect sensor thumbsticks means no stick drift while guaranteeing precise & responsive control.
- RE-MAPPABLE BACK BUTTONS - Re-mappable back buttons allow you to bind a single input or a series of inputs adding speed & versatility to your gaming.
- ADJUSTABLE TRIGGER SENSITIVITY - Hall Effect sensor triggers allow you to fine tune the actuation point of your triggers to achieve your perfect feel.
- Platform: confirm that support applies to the console or PC you intend to use. Compatibility on one platform should not be assumed to carry over to another.
- Exact model and revision: record the full model name and revision, not just the brand or product family. Similar-looking controllers or different revisions may not share compatibility.
- Connection method: check whether it connects by wire or wirelessly and whether any adapter is required. Epic’s general help pages do not supply a universal cable, receiver, or adapter requirement.
- Official Festival confirmation: look for an explicit statement that the exact model works with Fortnite Festival, rather than relying only on general compatibility with another game or platform.
- Input expectations: confirm that the device actually provides the fret and strum controls needed for Pro play. A generic gamepad or a decorative guitar-shaped accessory is not automatically a Pro controller.
A useful search phrase is “Fortnite Festival guitar controller,” but the phrase alone is not proof of support. Confirm the precise model, platform, connection requirements, and any adapter information before buying. The official material cited here does not establish compatibility for named legacy Rock Band or Guitar Hero devices, so it would be misleading to give a blanket yes or no for those product families.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteThere is no official compatibility percentage, supported-model count, or guitar-specific price guidance in the cited pages. Cost therefore cannot be used as a reliable compatibility test: a more expensive or newer-looking controller is not documented as better supported merely because of its price. The safest purchase decision is model-specific verification, not a ranking based on brand, age, or cost.
Common mistakes and limits
Looking in the wrong mode: Main Stage is where Epic lists Pro Lead and Pro Bass. Jam Stage uses Lead, Drum, Vocals, and Bass loops, while Battle Royale and the Lobby use Jam Tracks as music. Seeing a track available in one of those places does not mean Pro parts are available there.
Assuming every guitar works: Epic repeatedly qualifies the device as supported but does not publish a complete model list in the cited explanations. A legacy controller can be electrically recognized by a platform and still lack documented Festival support.
Treating a visibility toggle as a driver: Always Display Pro Parts changes whether the choices are shown. It does not install a driver, add an adapter, or certify an unsupported peripheral.
Expecting every chart to behave identically: Epic says difficulty varies by song and instrument. Pro Lead and Pro Bass are separate selections, and their charts can differ from one another and from non-Pro parts.
Rank #3
- COMPLETE GUITAR HERO GAMING BUNDLE – Includes two NBCP wireless guitar controllers with receivers, providing a complete setup for solo practice, multiplayer battles, and music gaming sessions with friends and family.
- MULTI-PLATFORM COMPATIBILITY – Designed for PC and PlayStation 3, supporting popular music games including Guitar Hero 3, Guitar Hero World Tour, Guitar Hero 5, Rock Band 1/2, Clone Hero, and Fortnite Festival on PC.
- 2.4G WIRELESS FREEDOM – Both controllers use reliable 2.4GHz wireless technology for a stable connection with plug-and-play setup, allowing you to enjoy an immersive guitar performance without cable restrictions.
- ENHANCED GUITAR EXPERIENCE – Features responsive multi-color fret buttons, an extended strum bar, and a sensitive chrome whammy bar for fast reactions and realistic music gameplay.
- PERFECT FOR TWO-PLAYER GAMING – The dual guitar controller bundle is ideal for band mode, multiplayer competitions, parties, and expanding your existing Guitar Hero setup.
Confusing non-Pro use with Pro access: Epic’s vocal example confirms that a guitar controller can be used with at least one non-Pro part. It does not establish that all non-Pro parts have guitar charts or that non-Pro play unlocks Pro selections outside Main Stage.
How to interpret the support limits
Epic uses the qualifier “supported” when describing guitar controllers, but the cited explanations do not name the supported devices. They also do not give a general platform matrix, hardware requirements, adapter list, or release-by-release compatibility history. As a result, the documented gameplay rules are clearer than the hardware compatibility details: the parts, inputs, and visibility setting are described, while the reader must verify device-specific support separately.
There is also a difference between an option being absent and a controller being incompatible. Epic’s troubleshooting advice is to enable Always Display Pro Parts if the Pro selections are not visible. That step addresses visibility. It should not be read as confirmation that a controller not recognized by the game will work after the setting is changed. If the option remains absent after the setting is enabled, the remaining questions are whether the player is in Main Stage and whether the connected, exact model is supported on that platform.
Finally, distinguish the mode from the music. A Jam Track in the Lobby or in Battle Royale is used as music, while Main Stage is where Epic lists the playable Pro parts. Jam Stage supports collaborative loops using its listed Lead, Drum, Vocals, and Bass parts, not the Main Stage Pro selections. That distinction explains why a track can be equipped or heard in several Fortnite experiences without offering the same playable instruments in each one.
A practical pre-purchase and setup checklist
- Write down the exact controller model and revision.
- Identify whether you will use it on PC or a particular console.
- Confirm the wired or wireless connection and any required adapter from the device documentation.
- Find an explicit, current statement that this exact model supports Fortnite Festival.
- Connect it before entering Main Stage and look for Pro Lead and Pro Bass.
- If they are hidden, enable Game > Festival > Always Display Pro Parts.
- Test the fret colors and strum input on a chosen Jam Track, remembering that song and instrument difficulty can differ.
This checklist separates what Epic documents directly from what must be confirmed for a particular piece of hardware. It also prevents a common error: buying a guitar because it works somewhere else, then interpreting a missing menu option as a simple settings problem.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Frequently Asked Questions
Do guitar controllers work in Fortnite Festival?
A supported guitar controller works for Pro Lead and Pro Bass on Festival Main Stage. Epic also says guitar controllers can be used with non-Pro parts, such as vocals. Epic’s cited pages do not certify every guitar model or platform.
Rank #4
- 【Wide platform Compatibility】This wireless guitar hero controller is compatible with multiple platforms including PS4, PS3, PC and Windows. You can play Rock Band 4 and Fortnite Music Festival on PS4; Guitar Hero 3, Guitar Hero World Tour, Guitar Hero Legends of Rock, and Rock Band on PS3; and other series of games such as Guitar Hero and Clone Hero on Windows/PC
- 【Wireless Connectivity】You can play guitar games without interruption thanks to the 2.4G RF technology that offers stable wireless connections for up to 7 meters. Just plug the USB receiver into your PS4, PS3, or PC. Pairing is easy and usage is convenient
- 【IMPROVED DESIGN】The clone hero guitar with the improved multi-colored frets design for quick-reaction gameplay and an elongated strum bar for an enhanced music shredding experience. Highly responsive chrome whammy bar
- 【EASY STORAGE】The wireless guitar pole and body are designed to be detachable and easy to store. When using the guitar hero controller, the holes at the ends of the strap connect the strap to the controller's strap button. You can adjust the strap length as needed. It can be carried on the body and is easy to carry. The strap is included in the box
- 【Perfectly Choose As gifts】The PC clone hero guitar is the best Gift for Your Child, family, and friends. You can enjoy family games and entertainment time with them to the fullest. Tips: Welcome to my flagship store, where you will have more choices and unexpected surprises
Which Fortnite Festival mode has Pro Lead and Pro Bass?
Festival Main Stage. Epic lists Lead, Drum, Vocals, Bass, Pro Lead, and Pro Bass there. Jam Stage lists Lead, Drum, Vocals, and Bass loops, while Battle Royale and the Lobby use Jam Tracks as music.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →What buttons does Pro play use?
Pro play uses Green, Red, Yellow, Blue, and Orange fret inputs plus strumming. The parts include hammer-on and pull-off notes instead of Lift Notes. Exact physical button placement depends on the controller.
Why can’t I see Pro Lead or Pro Bass?
First make sure you are in Festival Main Stage with a supported controller connected. Then open Settings, choose Game > Festival, enable Always Display Pro Parts, and apply the change. That setting controls visibility; it does not make an unsupported device compatible.
Can I use a guitar controller for vocals?
Yes. Epic explicitly says guitar controllers can also be used with non-Pro parts, such as vocals. This does not turn the vocal part into a guitar chart or confirm guitar-specific support for every other non-Pro instrument.
Will my Rock Band or Guitar Hero guitar work?
The cited Epic pages do not identify specific legacy Rock Band or Guitar Hero models, revisions, or platforms. Verify the exact model, platform, connection method, adapter needs, and an explicit Fortnite Festival support statement before relying on one.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Are Pro charts the same difficulty for every song?
No. Epic’s Main Stage setup guidance says difficulty can vary by song and instrument. Pro Lead and Pro Bass may therefore present different charts, and neither should be assumed to match a non-Pro part.
Can I play Pro parts in Jam Stage, the Lobby, or Battle Royale?
Epic does not list Pro Lead or Pro Bass in those experiences. Jam Stage is described with Lead, Drum, Vocals, and Bass loops; the Lobby and Battle Royale descriptions concern music playback.
The Bottom Line
A supported guitar controller is primarily a Main Stage device: it unlocks Pro Lead and Pro Bass, using five colored fret inputs, strumming, and hammer-on or pull-off notes. The same controller can also be used with some non-Pro parts, including vocals, but Jam Stage, the Lobby, and Battle Royale do not list the Main Stage Pro selections. If the options are hidden, enable Game > Festival > Always Display Pro Parts; remember that this changes visibility, not compatibility. Because Epic’s cited pages do not name models or provide a platform matrix, verify the exact controller, revision, connection method, platform, and current Festival support before buying or reusing hardware.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →
