Wii Music has earned a reputation as an easy, unrestricted music game experience where the player chooses how to play. Most of the instruments are controlled with simple motions of the Wii Remote and Nunchuk, held similarly to the real instruments. Examples are the Jazz Drums and Piano, using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk to strike the drum set or piano as if they were in front of you. For the Acoustic Guitar and Violin, the Nunchuk is held high as if holding the instrument neck, and the Remote is used to strum or bow. The Saxophone is equally simple and played as expected, by tilting the Remote up and down to increase and decrease volume.

Each instrument in the game has different additional button controls for more customisation of the music. The piano uses the A button to repeat the last note played when extra notes are inserted and the B button to play a short, staccato note.

Since Wii Music is entirely based on improvisation, there are computer controlled Tutes who can jam with you when you are playing alone. Tutes can give you new ideas for how to play or just provide additional band members. Tutes will pick an instrument that is strongly featured in a song and perform a variety of techniques for each instrument. It is possible to follow along with these examples, learning techniques ranging from simple to advanced.

Each band is comprised of six players, with a maximum of four human players in multiplayer. There are two parts each assigned to the main melody and percussion, with one bass part and one part for chords. Solo play lets you add one part at a time, with additional parts played by Tutes, so you can choose the arrangement of the song.

In addition to the main band jam mode, there are several other modes including musical games and a playback mode that allows players to view enhanced videos created from recorded jam sessions. The previously announced "Ring the Bell" mode has been renamed Handbell Harmony, letting you play as part of a handbell ensemble and ringing the Wii Remote or Nunchuk when it's your turn. Pitch Perfect is the new name for "Ear For Music", a quiz to test your musical ear. Mii Maestro is the conducting mode using the Wii Remote as a baton. Finally, Drum Mode incorporates the Balance Board as part of the drum controls. Both feet are used and the Balance Board acts as virtual pedals for the bass drum and hi-hat symbol while the Remote and Nunchuk are used as drumsticks.

Band jam recordings can be sent through the Nintendo WiFi Connection to other Wii Friends who own Wii Music. Friends will be able to see the Miis chosen for the band, the play style, and the instrument choices. The recordings can either be viewed or modified, allowing friends to trade the same performance back and forth many times over.

Wii Music will be available in North America on October 20.