Abstract: A stringed musical instrument with integrated sound triggers allowing for the simultaneous production, when played, of acoustic and electric signals and beats within a single time movement. The player operates the instrument of the present invention by pressing one or more strings 90 down unto fret board 60. Pickup 110 converts the vibrating strings 90 of the fretted note to a signal, which is sent via wiring 150 to port 170. Coinciding with the location of the players pressing, one or more trigger pads (fret trigger pad 50, finger trigger pad 70, percussion trigger pad 80) sends a signal via wiring 150 to port 170. During the time movement, the player can combine the above action with further action by the player's other hand. Anywhere between the fretted note and bridge 120, strings 90 may be struck, strummed, slapped, popped, picked, or played with a bow. The player will find that each method will create different overall sounds.

Abstract: A method of automatically generating accompaniment chords in an electronic musical instrument system, whereby, as a melody is advanced, corresponding accompaniment chords can automatically be generated. The method comprises the steps of inputting the key of the tune to be played, drawing up fundamental chords to be used in the play tune according to the input tune key, inputting melody notes, comparing the input melody notes with the notes constituting the fundamental chords to select the highest priority one among the fundamental chords, and outputting the selected highest priority chord, together with the melody notes.