1Up has posted an interesting story that covers the correlation between music games and instrument purchases. It turns out that playing a lot of Guitar Hero makes people want to buy an actual guitar. The story states some interesting findings from a survey conducted by Guitar Center, a leading retailer of musical instruments:

"67 percent of rhythm gamers responded that they're likely to pick up an actual instrument within the next two years. On top of that, 81 percent of players said that Rock Band or Guitar Hero had motivated them to ask their loved ones for a musical instrument as a gift this holiday season. Naturally pleased with this year's 26.9 percent jump in sales to first-timers, Guitar Center's executive vice president Norman Hajjar remarked, 'This spike of interest in playing actual instruments stemming from a video game is an unprecedented phenomenon,' adding, 'Most video games sell fantasy, but Guitar Hero and Rock Band are selling a dream that can be realized. These games plant an achievable goal in the heart of the player and that, in turn, drives our business.'

As a mediocre guitar and piano player, it's pretty cool to see titles like Rock Band spark gamers' interest in performing music with real instruments. It also terrifies me. I just know there's going to be some schmuck buying an expensive guitar like a Les Paul Supreme just because he or she aced every Guitar Hero in expert. I also know that these games will spawn guitar playing that makes Poison's Look What the Cat Dragged In look like a six-string masterpiece (Most of the album is three power chords. I know. I rocked it when I was like 15.) Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Source