Guitar-Pal: smart guitar learning assistant

Abstract

Learning to play the guitar presents significant challenges for beginners, often leading to high dropout rates and diminished motivation. Studies indicate that approximately 90% of novice guitarists abandon the instrument within their first year [1], primarily due to difficulties in mastering finger placements, limited real-time feedback from static diagrams or instructors, and the steep early learning curve. Traditional tutorials and mobile applications, while accessible, frequently lack physical, interactive guidance, resulting in slow muscle memory development. This project introduces Guitar-Pal, an embedded system designed to provide visual, real-time assistance directly on the guitar fretboard. The aim is to create an affordable, userfriendly tool that accelerates skill acquisition for beginners. Key objectives include implementing LED-based chord and scale illumination controlled via a mobile application, establishing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) connectivity for seamless interaction, and planning advanced features such as finger position detection and a mobile-app-based tuner to enhance the learning experience.