Abstract: Apparatus providing instructional assistance to a student playing a stringed musical instrument. The apparatus instructs the student of proper finger placement on the instrument's strings and includes a finger placement sensor for identifying which strings are in contact with a fingerboard and the locations at which such strings are in contact with the fingerboard relative to the length of the fingerboard. The finger placement sensor generates electrical position signals representative of the identified strings and locations. A signal processing circuit electrically connected to the finger placement sensor receives and processes the position signals. The apparatus also includes an indicator electrically connected to the signal processing circuit for receiving the processed position signals and providing an indication to the student of which strings are in contact with the fingerboard and the location at which such strings are in contact with the fingerboard relative to the length of the fingerboard.

Abstract: A chord display apparatus for use with a musical instrument is provided, which displays chords so as to enable the player to give diversified performance, and a storage medium that stores such a chord display program. Sequence data are stored in a storage device, which comprise a plurality of data including at least chord data that are arranged in accordance with a predetermined chord progression are sequentially read out. A first operating manner, which is a standard manner of operating the playing elements of the musical instrument so as to produce a chord represented by the chord data, is determined when each of the chord data is read out and displayed by a display device. The storage device stores operating manner data that indicates a second operating manner different from the first operating manner, such that the operating manner data is associated with the chord data.

Abstract: A music navigator provides a visual image indication or presentation of fingering motion of a hand in playing notes. In an embodiment, the music navigator employs a fingered music storage and a hand image device. When music is played on a keyboard instrument, the music navigator reads fingered music data and selects appropriate hand image data indicative of fingering motion (e.g., turning over or under of a finger) in playing a current note for visual display. In another embodiment, the music navigator provides a sequence of hand images representative of fingering motion in playing notes in a motion picture manner.

Abstract: An electronic device in the nature of a hand-held calculator, for illustrating on an active tablature display area, simulating a guitar fingerboard, chord shapes and scale patterns across a full twelve frets is provided. The device comprises a number of manually operable basic chord and key information dials for input selections. A microcontroller means is electronically associated with the dials and the LED's, and upon actuation, the microcontroller means searches for scale and associated finger position information corresponding to the tonality requirements of the input selections, and displays that information by way of illuminating means in the appropriate areas of the active tablature display.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a novel method and apparatus for instructing a student how to play a musical instrument. The method includes providing a display device, displaying a staff on the display device, displaying an image on the display device, and instructing the student to focus on the image while preferably using a musical instrument to play the notes on the staff, wherein the image moves generally in the direction of the progression of notes on the staff while the student attempts to play the, notes with the musical instrument. As the image moves, the image preferably moves in a direction generally parallel to the staff.

Abstract: In a fingering information analyzer, tone pitch information indicative of each tone pitch of a series of musical notes supplied from a flexible disc or a performance information memory is analyzed to produce fingering information indicative of a performance finger for each of the musical notes. The fingering information is mixed with the tone pitch information and memorized in a fingering memory. When the fingering information is reproduced, a performance finger for each of the musical notes is determined in accordance with a changing direction or variation width of the tone pitch information continual in time series and a changing condition of white and black keys based on the tone pitch information. The tone pitch information and fingering information memorized in the fingering memory is read out in accordance with progression of a musical tune and adapted for performance of the keys on a keyboard and for indication of the performance finger.

Abstract: A tuning device for a stringed musical instrument consisting of stroboscopic light sources, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs), positioned to be seen by a musician in or near normal playing position as partially eclipsed by the strings. The LEDs are driven at standard musical frequencies by a microprocessor. To use the device, a musician observes the illusion of a moving shadow around an untuned vibrating string, and adjusts the instrument until the shadow appears to slow down and stop. The LEDs are sufficiently powerful, and their duty cycles are sufficiently large, that no special shielding or means of observation are required by the musician in normal ambient lighting conditions. A plurality of LEDs is grouped behind each string, with each LED in the group having the same frequency but different phase, which creates an illusion of movement along the string in one direction or the other indicating whether the string is sharp or flat.

Abstract: According to the present invention comprises a plurality of diatonic note playing fret or key, each said diatonic note playing fret or key having a diatonic note playing surface and playing a corresponding diatonic note. Also included is a plurality of diatonic sheets, each said sheet comprising a note color associated with a particular diatonic note, wherein each said diatonic note playing surface has at least one diatonic sheet secured to it such that the note color comprising the sheet corresponds to the diatonic note played by the diatonic note playing fret or key.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a device for teaching students of stringed instruments note locations and proper finger placement on the fingerboard of the instrument. The device may be adapted for use with either a fretted or non-fretted instrument. The device comprises a sheet of autogenously adhesive plastic, such as cling vinyl, on which is printed a series of markers indicating note locations, scales or chords. If the device is to be applied to a fretted instrument, the device further has fret openings cut therein, adapted to engage the frets when applied to the instrument. The device is applied to the instrument by inserting it between the strings and the fingerboard, wrapping it around the neck of the instrument and adhering it onto itself along the back of the neck of the instrument.

Abstract: A keyboard musical instrument having a keyboard range display device with which the positions of player's hands or fingers on a keyboard and the keys to be depressed as needed, are visually identified, comprises right hand and left hand range display means for displaying keyboard ranges to be covered by right and left hand fingers, and preferably, note-on position display means. Display data included in play data, is used to turn on each display means. A player immediately and intuitively perceives the range that is defined, so that he can easily move his fingers to correspond with the range. Even when the hands are near each other during a performance, the player can clearly identify the positions of the hands on the keyboard and the fingers to be used for key depression.

Abstract: An assembly for reading musical scores and to assist in learning and practicing a polyphonic musical instrument, as well as a process for using this assembly, comprises two flat coacting elements (1 and 2) of which the first (1) which is external and forms a flat sleeve, has on at least one of its side surfaces a series of windows (F.sub.i) each associated with a pictogram (P.sub.i). The second flat element (2), which is internal and in the form of a flat support, can slide with guidance in the flat sleeve forming the first element (1) and bears, distributed over its surface, a plurality of assemblies of groups of data (A, PM), the groups of data of a same assembly being disposed such that they can all appear simultaneously in the windows (F.sub.i). There is a plurality of labels each bearing a predetermined association of a pictogram (P.sub.i) and a group of data (A, PM), the labels being adapted to be fixed at least temporarily on the sheets of musical scores.

Abstract: The preferred embodiment provides an electronic learning aid which includes a housing having a hand pad that is sized and shaped to receive a child's hand. The hand pad has five finger portions with each having a finger switch embedded therein that is positioned to be actuated by the child's finger. An indicator is mounted in close proximity to and associated with each finger portion to indicate the appropriate finger to be depressed on the hand pad. A keyboard assembly, having an abbreviated keyboard, is also mounted on the housing. A light emitting diode is mounted directly beneath each white key so that each white key can be illuminated to indicate the appropriate key to be depressed. A microcomputer having a speech synthesizer provides instruction to the student and controls the operation of the electronic learning aid.

Abstract: A music learning aid has a base and a sliding template. The template has windows which allow viewing of the musical information imprinted on the base at different positions. Each position is selected by being able to view a keynote through a window so that the cut-out slots in the template then show the musical information for that keynote and scale or chord. The musical information may include the musical notation and the musical instrument playing instructions. In another embodiment, a learning aid takes the form of an electronic calculator where different information sets may be displayed on a liquid crystal display according to instructions inputted on a keypad.

Abstract: Disclosed in a system for instructing note and chord finger placement on a stringed instrument having a plurality of strings and frets arranged along a fingerboard comprising at least one instruction element adapted to be positioned adjacent to the fingerboard of the stringed instrument and having thereon a first indicia corresponding to the frets and a second indicia corresponding to the strings and frets, said second indicia denoting notes capable of being sounded by the instrument when a string depression is made at a corresponding location on the fingerboard.

Abstract: A musical keyboard instrument comprising an electronic keyboard and a control panel. The keyboard is composed of black and white keys arranged in a conventional pattern. A keyboard display made up of LED displays and red-green illuminators inform a user of the proper finger and hand positions to be used on the keyboard. To view the keyboard display when it is activated, the user simply looks directly at the keys. Each red-green illuminator mounts on the interior of a housing such that a pair of red and green lights extend into the hollow interior of one of the keys. Normally, the keys appear to a player as conventional black and white keys. However, the upper surfaces of the keys are made partially transparent and light dispersive such that its apparent color to a player will change when properly back lit by the red-green illuminators. The illuminators and the LED displays are controlled when a user makes selections from a bank of pushbutton switches.

Abstract: A learning aid adapted to be attached to an instrument of the type defined. The learning aid is arranged to lie generally parallel with the fretboard or fingerboard of the instrument and to afford a visual display indicating the string or strings, and the position at which the string or strings are to be depressed against the fretboard or fingerboard to obtain a desired musical note, chord or scale.

Abstract: A teaching device for stringed instruments is provided. The teaching device has an elongate board having grooved rails extending in spaced parallel relation along the longitudinal edges of the board for receiving templates. A template card depicting the string, note and fret configuration of the particular stringed instrument being used is first inserted into the grooves of the rails. A second transparent key template is inserted in the grooves over the first template card. The transparent key template has indicating indicia which indicates the proper notes to be played in the chosen key. The board is removably fastened to the neck of the stringed instrument.

Abstract: The guitar scale calculator device of the present invention has a longitudinal housing with a longitudinal open window. A scroll is disposed within the housing and is visible through the open window of the housing. The scroll contains a first indicia indicating a finger placement pattern for playing at least one preselected musical scale in selected tonics and indicating a key note location of the finger placement pattern for each of the preselected musical scales. A clear overlay is positioned and attached within the open window of the longitudinal housing and is constructed of a material which permits seeing the scroll through the overlay. The overlay contains a second indicia indicating a simulated fret board with scale tone letters for the finger placement pattern for each of the preselected musical scales.

Abstract: A computerized musical keyboard and a method for using same to play or to learn to play a piano. The computerized musical keyboard includes a standard piano keyboard connected to a computer. The computer is programmed to select from a music module a piece of music to be played on the piano; and to generate a signal indicating the proper keys to be played, the correct sequence in which the keys are to be played, and the hand and finger to be used in striking each key, in order to play on the piano the piece of music selected.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for learning to play a musical instrument retrieve a stored sequence of musical notes and other data from a source, and determine locations on the musical instrument corresponding to the sequential music data from the source, and then indicate to the user upon the musical instrument the locations thereon where the instrument should be engaged to produce the note or chord to be played in the sequence.

Abstract: For a musical instrument, a fingering display apparatus that includes a number of electrical switches manually operable to designate a desired musical note, either alone or as the root note for a desired scale or chord. For each of the notes designated by the switches, means are provided to activate a sub-display showing all of the possible fingering positions for that note. If a scale or chord is designated, then all of the fingering positions for all of the notes of the entire scale or chord are displayed. One form of the display, using small electrical lamps, is mounted on the fret-board of a guitar.

Abstract: A musical training device for stringed instruments having a neck with a fret board includes a fret support plate that extends over the instrument neck and includes regularly spaced transverse raised frets defining therebetween spaces receptive of the musician's fingers. A matrix of thin lights displayed upon the fret board are contained within the fret board and include electroluminescent flat light displays viewable from a wide angle and under ambient lighting conditions and capable of indicating the actual musical note of each position at each position, each comprising at least in part a phosphor layer and an electrode for applying an electric field across the phosphor layer.

Abstract: A system for facilitating instruction of musicians in playing of a stringed musical instrument of the type having a plurality of strings and a plurality of frets such as a guitar. The system includes means for producing signals representing musical notes to be played, this means including an array of switches (which may take the form of capacitors), one switch being provided for each note. The switches are positioned beneath each string, which may constitute one of the components of respective switches within a group, in vicinity of each fret. Processing means, which may be coupled to the means for producing signals, produces data representing the musical notes when the system is in its input configuration. Means for receiving, storing and playing back data therefrom representing the musical notes are coupled to the processing means.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for exhaustively determining the chord note positions for selected chord types for a stringed instrument determine for each chord type and each allowable combination of at least three fret positions, all allowable valid combinations of chord note positions for playing the chord. The method and apparatus then graphically output for each chord type and each allowable combination of fret positions the allowable combinations of chord note positions. The method provides for graphically representing, on a single grid, a plurality of positions for playing a selected chord on a stringed instrument. The method uses a substantially orthogonal coordinate system to represent string location on a first axis and fret position on a second axis. Each valid string-fret position intersection corresponding to a note of the chord is graphically portrayed on the grid at the intersection.

Abstract: A finger positioning guide includes a flat surface positionable between the neck and strings of a stringed instrument to present sets of uniformly colored spots beneath certain of the strings at predetermined distances along the neck. The flat surface is positioned in relation to the neck and the strings by a slot or a plurality of slots adopted for engaging frets and the nut. An edge limiting device, appended to the surface to comprise the guide and further position it in relation to the neck, may include a clamp shape clamping the guide to the neck.

Abstract: The invention refers to a chord key for musical instruments comprising a number of plastic sheets (1) that are rotatably connected together about a common axis and provided with marks (7) to show fingering positions on the instrument for the positions of the notes included in various chords. Each sheet (1) with fingering marks for note positions is transparent and corresponds to all possible positions for a particular note in various chords, and is also provided with its own special mark for differentiating between the various possible grips of the chord. A bottom sheet (2) is likewise rotatably attached to the other sheets and depicts the fretboard or manual of the instrument, whereby all possible fingering positions for a particular chord in which particular notes are included, are obtainable by turning those sheets out that correspond to the notes of the chord and by positioning these sheets on to of the fretboard sheet.

Abstract: A musical teaching device, which substantially shortens the amount of time which a student requires in order to understand various aspects of playing a stringed instrument, is described. This device is comprised of a grid of intersecting lines which represent strings and frets of a fingerboard of a stringed instrument, an indicator situated in the vicinity of each intersection and representing a corresponding musical note, and a plurality of moveable markers, each of which can be positioned anywhere on the grid and is identified by both a particular color and one or more symbols in order to visually depict a particular aspect of the instrument. These aspects illustratively include fingering of notes, chords and scales; harmony; melody; contrary motion, and rhythm.

Abstract: A teaching device for stringed musical instruments used by a player thereof to identify, practice and make changes between notes of scales of different keys. It is constructed of a simulated fingerboard comprising a rigid support surface (56) with magnetic guide members (51-54) therein and a set of structurally like note index units (as 101-128) each of such units comprising an upper label bearing panel (81) and a lower support and attaching magnetic element (83) and each of such units being removably yet stably locatable on the fingerboard. The apparatus components are organized to correspond with written music notation and operate to provide (a) a visual and tactile guide for proper finger positioning on the fingerboard, (b) finger positioning practice and (c) visual signal when finger positions are improper, and (d) facilitate removing, displacing and positioning of such units to indicate proper finger positioning for operating in different keys.

Abstract: An electronic device in the nature of a hand-held calculator, for illustrating on the display area required string and fret positions of a fretted stringed instrument to be fingered to play the notes making up a particular chord. The device comprises a series of manually operable basic chord information buttons and a visual representation of the strings of the fretted instrument and of the frets over a particular range is also provided. A ROM means is programmed with chord table information relating chords in desired keys with related fret and string finger position information.

Abstract: A stringed simulator 10 is provided which is portable, compact and produces low sound levels. The simulator 10 enables a player to practice both right and left hand fingering which closely simulates practice on a corresponding full-size instrument. The simulator includes a non-acoustic body 11 having peripheral dimensions substantially smaller than a corresponding full-size instrument. An elongate neck 12 is carried by the body 11 and is substantially shorter in length than, but the same width, thickness and contour as, the neck of a corresponding full-size instrument. A plurality of frets 16 positioned on the top surface of neck 12 are correspondingly proportional to fret intervals on a full-size instrument.

Abstract: An equal input output learning device that can be added to or built into any musical instrument facilitating the teaching and improvisation of music and muscial theory using the musical instrument itself which device consists of a plurality of 12 switches representing the equal tempered 12 tone Chromatic scale, and which switches can be easily activated and changed by the player, as desired, using switches separately or in any combination, and, which switches when activated show all notes of the pitch classes chosen by indicators on the musical instrument together with indicators on the switches themselves.

Abstract: The specification describes a note translation device for translating the notes in printed music to finger numbers, string numbers and fingerboard locations for playing the notes on a guitar. An array of note input switches on the front panel are arranged on a treble staff to correspond to note symbols in printed music. Electronic storage circuitry stores note values selected with these switches. Electronic processing circuitry chooses finger numbers, string numbers and fingerboard locations for playing the selected notes. A visual display on the front panel represents a segment of the instrument fingerboard. After notes have been selected, numbers representing the fingers to be used are displayed by digit indicators along the string representations where the fingers should be placed. Thus, a student can determine how to play the notes without reading music or having an instructor.

Abstract: An electrical device is disclosed herein for training a student to play a string instrument which includes a first group of visual indicators mounted on the neck of a fret board and each indicator being immediately beneath and in registry with a particular string and fret of the instrument so as to identify therewith. A second group or plurality of visual indicators are mounted on the fret board adjacent the sounding hole in spaced relationship to the first plurality of visual indicators and each one is associated with a particular string to be strummed for a particular musical chord.

Abstract: A small lightweight electronic device to indicate the finger positions of a fretted stringed instrument represented by the musical intervals or chords in any key. The device has a series of on-off switches representing each of the desired musical keys and a series of switches representing the individual musical intervals over a desired range. The necessary circuitry is provided between these switches and a display of the frets and strings of the instrument such that the finger positions represented by a chord or series of musical intervals in a selected key are visually indicated on the display. Professional musicians and students or teachers of music for fretted stringed instruments can, using this device, visualize the location of intervals or chords of any key.

Abstract: The present invention provides a keyboard adapted to be secured over the neck of a stringed instrument. The keyboard comprises a platform which supports a plurality of depressible plungers or keys aligned in rows and positioned directly above the strings extending along the neck of the stringed instrument. At least four adjustable legs support the keyboard platform above the neck of the instrument and elastic means urge the legs into contact with the neck. An instruction card having a face surface with instruction indicia printed thereon and slots adapted to register with the rows of plungers is secured by a hinge to the keyboard platform. In a first hinge position, the face surface of the card abuts against the plaform at a position spaced apart from the rows of plungers. In a second hinge position, the face surface of the instruction card is exposed and the slots provided in the card register with the rows of plungers.

Abstract: An automatic visual music teaching device for displaying the structure of coded chords. The device comprises a plurality of actuable switches for selecting a desired coded chord. Signals associated with the actuated switches are temporarily stored and are indicative of the desired coded chord to be visually displayed. A further switch is activated to transfer the stored signals indicative of the desired coded chord to a decoding circuit. The decoded circuit feeds a memory system to select in a matrix the composite parts of the desired coded chord in accordance with a coded data signal sent to it by the decoder whereby the composite parts of the desired coded chord are visually indicated on a visual display element.

Abstract: In one embodiment a musical instrument, having a plurality of strings, a plurality of frets situated transverse to the strings and playable as with a cylindrical steel bar member slidably positionable along and against said strings, has an elongated mirror positioned generally parallel to the strings and generally perpendicular to the frets as to provide a visual indication to the player as to how accurately the player has positioned the steel bar member with respect to a selected fret; in another embodiment of the invention, the steel bar member itself carries a mirror surface thereby enabling the said elongated mirror to be dispensed with.

Abstract: A musical instrument teaching aid for teaching the fingerings of a recorder. The teaching aid providing a plurality of dowels each having depressions therein for representing the fingering of only one particular musical note played on the recorder.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a position indicator which is mounted along one margin of a set of strings of a musical instrument and includes a set of projections so arranged that, when engaged by a slide bar placed across the strings, a preselected chord may be produced, the projections being deflectable so that the slide bar may be moved along the strings past a projection while maintaining contact with the strings.

Abstract: The invention is a teaching and practicing aid for music students which graphically displays the relationship of the dominant, tonic, and subdominant scales in a particular key signature and as they relate to the diatonic scale in that key signature, the device structurally comprising a backing sheet optionally having the scale tones of a diatonic scale named in a row along the bottom, and three preferably reversible panels disposed in staggered horizontal slits cut in the backing sheet, these panels having portions visible above the slit with indicia thereon indicating by fingering number or scale tone name musical notes representing chords or scales, these notes being spaced proportionally to the key spacing of a piano keyboard. There is an optional insert card having two selectively displayable portions which represent the left and right hand, respectively, with the fingers thereof numbered in accordance with conventional elementary teaching techniques.

Abstract: A stringed musical device for teaching purposes in which a longitudinally extending member having dimensions similar to a guitar neck is provided with a head extending away therefrom with six machine heads mounted thereon for maintaining tension in the associated six strings. Frets are provided on one side of the member and four bridges are used to maintain different sets of tensions in the strings on the fret side and on the reverse side of the member such that fingering or left-hand playing for a normal guitar user may be practiced on the fret side and plucking or strumming may be practiced on the opposed side.

Abstract: Separate areas of a display board are selectively activated either separately or in various combinations to illustrate a chord diagram, a fingerboard diagram, and/or a musical staff diagram. Lamps in each of the three diagrams are illuminated responsive to the playing of a specially constructed stringed instrument by the instructor to illustrate finger positions in the case of the chord diagram and the fingerboard diagram, and to illustrate musical position of the notes played on the scale diagram. One or more lock-in switches cause the activated lamps to remain lighted after the strings of the musical instrument are released by the instructor. Finally a digital readout lamp associated with each string on the chord diagram illustrates the finger which should be used to depress the corresponding string at the location indicated by the lamp.

Abstract: An instruction system for a string instrument such as a guitar comprising note indicia underlying the strings of the guitar along the fingerboard and adjacent to the frets, a music sheet containing the musical exercise to be practiced, a holder for supporting the music sheet on the fingerboard of the guitar, and a mirror adapted to be positioned in front of the student through which the fingerboard and music sheet can be viewed. The note indicia on the fingerboard of the guitar as well as the musical exercise on the music sheet are written in reverse, that is, from right to left. In addition, the area of the fingerboard underlying the respective strings of the guitar and the notes of the musical exercise on the music sheet are color coded so that the musical exercise indicates to the student which string is to be used in producing the required note.