Abstract: A multimode digital display assembly is configured to provide a real time alphanumeric display of notes and chords being played on stringed musical instruments, such as a guitar, as a learning or teaching aid. The display assembly is particularly well adapted to be retrofitted to a minimally modified guitar, and the display generating circuitry is specially selected for a low cost/low complexity implementation. Basic operating modes provide both a track, and latch display type, and an alternate operating mode uses sound produced by the instrument to initiate and update displays of the notes and chords being played.