New FretX Fretboard Lights Show You How to Play Guitar

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(Image credit: FretX)

Is it just me, or have we been seeing a lot of new "learn how to play guitar the easy way!" contraptions during the past 1.5 years?

Answer: It's not just me. In fact, we've got another one to tell you about right now.

Below, check out a demo video for the new FretX. It's basically a series of colored lights that attaches to any fretboard and shows just-learning guitarists where to put their fingers to help them with their chord and/or scale playing. An iOS/Android app then sends Bluetooth signals with chosen chord fingerings, which tell the FretX which lights to illuminate.

You'll notice the device covers only the first four frets, so don't expect to shred like Nigel Tufnel—at least not right away.

Seriously, what do you think of FretX? Could it be a practical learning tool for beginners?

FretX has launched an Indiegogo campaign; it will retail for $89, but early adopter packages are available for $49. It's compatible with electric, acoustic and/or classical guitars and works for righties and lefties.

Damian Fanelli
Damian Fanelli
Editor-in-Chief, Guitar World

Damian is Editor-in-Chief of Guitar World magazine. In past lives, he was GW’s managing editor and online managing editor. He's written liner notes for major-label releases, including Stevie Ray Vaughan's 'The Complete Epic Recordings Collection' (Sony Legacy) and has interviewed everyone from Yngwie Malmsteen to Kevin Bacon (with a few memorable Eric Clapton chats thrown into the mix). Damian, a former member of Brooklyn's The Gas House Gorillas, was the sole guitarist in Mister Neutron, a trio that toured the U.S. and released three albums. He now plays in two NYC-area bands.