Smart learning device sticks a personal teacher to your guitar

Learning to play guitar is a daunting task, and while there’s no substitute for hard work and practice, technique can help. The latest gadget in the field is mu6label, a bendable AI-powered device that attaches to the upper edge of a guitar and includes a virtual teacher, chord library and scale training, metronome and tuner, and backing tracks for jamming .

mu6label was developed to solve some of the problems people often face when learning to play the guitar. For example, even if beginners hire a guitar teacher, tuition is not available 24/7, and mistakes made between lessons may go unchecked and hard to forget. Set times take up the available practice window, and players may not remember where they are in the course, or be unsure of what to practice.

The project is now on Kickstarter to raise funds for production. The device features a flexible silicone case with silicone on the underside that molds the mu6label to the contours of the upper surface of a flattop guitar (although optional adapters are available for more shapely models), which of course means you don’t have to invest in a brand new smart guitar.

Learners can interact with the device using two 240 x 280 pixel color touchscreen displays, which have an integrated piezoelectric sensor for tuning and error detection during practice, and a built-in speaker. The onboard battery is thought to last up to 15 hours between charges.

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Handy features include a tuner for four- to seven-string instruments, a chord library, a modal scale diagram, a multifunctional metronome and customizable rhythm generator, a decibel meter for hearing health, and a temperature/humidity sensor to help you guitar in optimal health) condition.

There’s a special mode for learning chord-based songs, or players can follow on-screen tabs, tweaking tempos and repeats as needed to hammer out a beat. An available solo mode shows future shredders where (and when) to place their nudge fingers for smooth operation, and a selection of backing tracks can help hone jamming skills.

The device can also analyze what you’re playing and utilize AI algorithms to identify mistakes and poor technique, offer suggestions to fix such issues, while suggesting exercises to improve and track progress.

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mu6label works as a self-contained learning multitool out of the box, but is Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi capable, and compatible with iOS and Android smartphones, such as the Roadie Coach.

It does look like a well-rounded learning package that can take players from beginner to at least intermediate level, and possibly even higher, though we haven’t tried it out ourselves. Launcher Pledges currently start at £119 (roughly $149) and include free shipping for UK, EU, and US backers. The usual crowdfunding considerations apply, but if all goes to plan for the remainder of the funded campaign, shipments are expected to begin in December. The video below has more.

source: music artificial intelligence technology