Abstract: A new electronic musical instrument and an associated notational method are disclosed. The new musical instrument is played using the right hand for depression of keys, as in conventional instruments, and also by applying finger pressure onto special sensing areas using the left hand. The left hand sensing areas or keys are located so as to be accessed without any significant lateral movement of the left hand. "Instructions" for playing the new instrument are conveyed to the user via directly translatable notational symbols printed on an associated surface. This cooperating system removes the mental translational and physical movement problems of conventional notation and conventional instruments by having the notational method directly convey the physical actions that are required and by simplifying the physical actions themselves. Such a cooperative system allows users to quickly play this instrument at advanced levels.

Abstract: Apparatus for detecting note selection on a guitar fretboard including a differential amplifier for detecting voltage drops across successive fret pairs, a multiplexer for connecting successive fret pairs to the differential amplifier, counters for maintaining an indication of the string and fret position under examination, and a shorting string placed across the frets for insuring reliable circuit operation.

Abstract: A musical instrument for cooperation with an electronic synthesizer having a parallel-control fretboard on a mountable neck member. Electronics associated with the neck member provide accurate volume, gate and frequency control signals for a synthesizer while still permitting normal guitar playing nuances such as hammer-offs, hammer-ons, slides, muting, and bends. A preferred embodiment employs a micro-processor and a multiple string fretboard.