Open-source Guitar Teacher Uses LEDs and Smartphones To Teach Music [Tabber]

Tabber is one of the more interesting Kickstarter projects we have seen in a while. It is an open-source light-based guitar teacher that uses LEDs that are set up on the neck of a guitar to teach the user how to play. The system is controlled via Bluetooth, through software that can be run on a mobile device.

Tabber is an open-source LED guitar teacher. Tabber creates a whole new field of visual learning for your guitar. We put the notes that you need to play, when you need to play them right on the neck of the guitar. Our LED light sleeve can be placed on or off the guitar at any time. The light system does not affect the sound of the guitar in any way, and it’s tactual feel is barely noticeable, especially for beginners. The kit contains 13 light strips (12 frets plus open notes) which are all connected to an Arduino Uno processor. Power is supplied through a rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The kit will utilize Bluetooth technology to control all of the lights from your mobile device. You will have an application that you can download to select through songs, chords, scales, light patterns, and lessons, and that’s just the start.

It looks like a fun way to learn, so hopefully they reach their funding goal of $45,000 – at the moment they are at $3,900 and still have 27 days to go, so things are looking hopeful.