When Rock Band 4 was first announced, Harmonix promised that it was working to make as many Xbox 360 drums, guitars, and microphones compatible with the new game as possible. Harmonix has since revealed an extensive list of backwards-compatible instruments that work with the Xbox One, so you can use your old Xbox 360 guitar with Rock Band 4 thanks to the Xbox Legacy Game Controller Adapter.

Since Xbox 360 controllers use their own wireless signal and Xbox One uses Wi-Fi Direct for its controllers, an additional adapter is required to use your older Xbox 360 wireless instruments on Xbox One. The Xbox One Legacy Adapter is a small USB device that plugs into your Xbox One and allows your console to receive signals from your Xbox 360 wireless drums and guitars. The PlayStation 3 and PlayStation 4, on the other hand, both use Bluetooth, so no special adapter is required to play older Rock Band instruments on PS4.

The legacy adapter comes with some standalone versions of Rock Band 4. Other hardware bundles that include the new Xbox One guitars, drums, and microphones do not come with the legacy adapter, but you can purchase one separately online. If you purchase the digital version of Rock Band 4 on Xbox One, you will receive instructions on how to get the legacy adapter.

Nearly all Xbox 360 wireless instruments are compatible with Rock Band 4 on Xbox One. Most wired instruments, such as the original Rock Band drums and guitar or the Guitar Hero 2 controller, are not compatible.