The standard Rock Band 3 keyboard controller will be a 25-key MIDI keyboard also playable as an actual instrument. Available separately will be two "advanced" stringed guitar controllers which must be strummed to be played, one of which is described by USA today as "a full-sized, fully functional" Fender Squier Stratocaster guitar.

"It can tell where your fingers are based on technology in the neck and the bridge of the guitar. No buttons," Harmonix communications manager John Drake explained to USA Today. "While you're playing it, it feels exactly like playing a real guitar."

A new 'Pro' mode "lets players develop real-world music-playing fundamentals for keyboards, guitars and drums," USA Today says, with "more realistic music notations" replacing coloured notes. "For guitar," it explains, "numbers flow down the screen along six guitar strings, telling you where to place your hands on the neck and when to strum."

The the first 22 of Rock Band 3's planned 83 tracks are also revealed.

2000s
Metric - "Combat Baby"
Them Crooked Vultures - "Dead End Friends"
The Vines - "Get Free
Phoenix - "Lasso"
Juanes - Me Enamora
Ida Maria - "Oh My God"
Rilo Kiley - "Portions of Foxes"
The White Stripes - "The Hardest Button to Button"

1990s
Jane's Addiction - Been Caught Stealing
Spacehog - "In the Meantime"
Stone Temple Pilots - "Plush"
Smash Mouth - "Walkin' on the Sun"

1980s
Ozzy Osbourne - "Crazy Train"
Whitesnake - "Here I Go Again"
Joan Jett - "I Love Rock and Roll"
The Cure - "Just Like Heaven"
Dio - "Rainbow in the Dark"
Huey Lewis and the News - "The Power of Love"
Night Ranger - "Sister Christian"

1960s-1970s
Queen - "Bohemian Rhapsody"
The Doors - "Break On Through"
Jimi Hendrix - "Crosstown Traffic"

Rhythm game newcomer Power Gig: Rise of the SixString is also working the 'real instruments' angle, with a playable guitar included as the standard controller.

Rock Band 3 is due out on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Wii for the 2010 holiday season.

Thanks to Shacker masem for the heads-up.