Abstract: A method is provided for progressive guitar instruction using a media system with processor-executable software modules storing songs each having a plurality of segments. Initially, segments of a selected song are defined as host or user segments. Signals are generated which effectively simulate sounds for at least a guitar associated with the selected song, and for each of the defined user segments signals are further generated to visually demonstrate a preferred user operation of a guitar for that song. Graphical representations are generated on a display of strings to be pressed and associated frets for proper playing of notes and chords for each user segment. A proficiency level of the user is then identified, and a number of user and host segments determined for a successive iteration of the performance based on at least the identified proficiency level of the user.

Abstract: A method is provided for progressive musical instruction using a media system with processor-executable software modules storing musical performances each having a plurality of segments. A set of audiovisual signals is generated to simulate a predetermined musical instrument from a selected performance during host segments. The audiovisual signals are adjusted to mute the predetermined instrument during user segments (non-host segments) of the performance. The number of user segments may be maintained or increased for successive iterations of the performance, as the user becomes more proficient. Proficiency of the user may be set by the user or in preferred embodiments may be determined by comparing received signals from a musical instrument with expected signals for the musical performance which are saved in the media system. Determinations to maintain or increase user segments, and which segments are added to the user segments, may be user selectable or programmable by the system.

Abstract: A method is provided for progressive musical instruction using a media system with processor-executable software modules storing musical performances each having a plurality of segments. A first set of audiovisual signals is generated to simulate a predetermined musical instrument from a selected performance during host segments. The audiovisual signals are adjusted to mute the predetermined instrument during user segments (non-host segments) of the performance. During the host segments a second set of audiovisual signals is generated for demonstration of a preferred user operation of the instrument. The number of user segments may be maintained or increased for successive iterations of the performance, as the user becomes more proficient. The determination to maintain or increase user segments, and which segments are added to the user segments, may be user selectable or programmable by the system based on various criteria.