Blake Redmond bobbed his head as he focused on the descending fretboard, seemingly unaware of the polygonal Ozzy Osbourne singing “Mr. Crowley” behind it.

He hit 87 percent of the notes on expert mode of the “Guitar Hero: World Tour” track.

Not bad for a guy who cannot practice at home — he had to sell his Xbox 360 two years ago to get a biology textbook.

“It’s for a good cause,” said the Detroit sophomore, who transferred from Norfolk State University in Virginia.

He spent several hours jamming at the Xbox 360 Domination Extreme event Thursday in Finch Fieldhouse hosted by Program Board.

Redmond said his current favorite is “Guitar Hero,” which he usually plays at parties or friends’ houses.

“If there’s any kind of game, I’ll play it, I don’t care how silly,” Redmond said.

No distractions

Between sessions, Redmond watched other players take the stage Thursday, his empty hands reflexively working the invisible frets and strum bar.

Blake is not too distraught about parting ways with his Xbox.

“If I get one, I’ll get distracted. I know because, one semester, I was playing it all the time, and I started slipping in class,” he said.

Redmond is busy working toward a degree in chiropracty. He was excited to see a game day line up with his day off of classes.

“Guitar Hero” is a natural fit for Redmond, who has diverse musical tastes.

“I like classical, rock, hip-hop, death metal — everything,” he said.

He is even getting a six-string bass guitar for Christmas. It is his first foray into music since playing tuba and trombone in his high school’s symphonic band.

He picked out a six-string in particular because it gives a wide range of sound, he said.

Redmond said he thinks his experience riffing on the plastic controller will help him when he picks up the real thing.

“You learn so many skills, like hammer-ons and stuff,” he said.

Extreme rocking

Around 3 p.m., Williamston freshman and Central Michigan University Marching Band bass drummer Jacob Maran joined Blake, and they commenced to rock ‘n’ roll for several tracks. Maran played the drums for a bit, then played both lead guitar and bass guitar.

“I thought I was doing a really good job, but he did even better,” Blake said as he drummed then strummed along with Redmond to “Hot For Teacher,” “American Woman” and, finally, “Mr. Crowley.”

“Guitar Hero” is Maran’s favorite game as well, and he has been playing for three years.

When Osbourne’s distinct vocals faded from the air and the duo parted, Jacob hoped that they might rock again another day.

“That was insane, really good,” Maran said about Redmond’s playing. “That was a good jam session.”

E-mail the author: Connor Sheridan