Learning guitar has never been easier or more engaging. Through ECE 459: Introduction to Embedded Systems, I worked on a capstone project that embodied the principles of hardware/software codesign, structured programming, and hardware interfacing techniques. This effort culminated in the creation of the FollowLight Player Guitar, a system that redefines how intermediate guitarists approach practice and performance.
What Is the FollowLight Player Guitar?
The FollowLight Player Guitar is a lightweight, intuitive device designed to help guitarists learn songs using a color-coded LED guide. By displaying chord positions and transitions directly on the guitar neck, it provides visual cues that eliminate the need for constant reference to chord charts or tabs.
Key Features:
- LED-Based Visual Guidance:
- Red LEDs: Indicate positions for the E-string.
- Green LEDs: Indicate positions for the A-string.
- Blue LEDs: Indicate positions for the D-string.
- Two Learning Modes:
- Practice Mode: Progression pauses until the correct chord is played, providing immediate feedback and facilitating mastery.
- Play Mode: Allows users to play along with real-time chord transitions.
- Song Management:
- Songs can be downloaded via a Python companion app over Wi-Fi, enabling quick updates to the song library.
- User Experience Enhancements:
- Tempo control (60–240 BPM) for customized practice speeds.
- A metronome-style count-in for seamless starts and restarts.
- Easy installation and quick connect/disconnect from the guitar in under 30 seconds.
The Technology Behind FollowLight
The FollowLight Player Guitar is a testament to the power of embedded systems, featuring:
- ESP32 and Arduino Mega:
The ESP32 handles Wi-Fi communication and integrates with the Python app to download and manage songs. Meanwhile, the Arduino Mega drives the LEDs, processes chord recognition, and manages user interactions. - Battery Life:
Designed for portability, the system was initially targeted for a 3-hour battery life. Rigorous testing exceeded expectations, achieving over 22 hours of continuous operation. - Chord Detection Accuracy:
Advanced algorithms deliver chord recognition with 96% accuracy in under 250 ms, ensuring reliable real-time feedback. - Lightweight Design:
The system can be attached to any guitar with adhesive and Velcro, making it non-intrusive and easy to set up.
The Learning Experience
As an ECE 459 student, I applied core concepts of embedded systems to bring this project to life:
- Hardware/Software Codesign:
The seamless interaction between the ESP32, Arduino Mega, and LED strip required careful synchronization of hardware and software components. - Sensor and Actuator Interfacing:
The integration of a microphone for chord detection and LEDs for visual guidance showcased the importance of robust interfacing strategies. - Structured Programming Techniques:
Writing modular, maintainable code was key to ensuring the reliability and scalability of the system. - Testing and Validation:
Rigorous testing across various tempos, chord combinations, and user scenarios demonstrated the system’s reliability and usability.
Transforming Guitar Practice
The FollowLight Player Guitar bridges the gap between digital technology and traditional music practice. Its user-friendly interface and cutting-edge features empower intermediate guitarists to tackle new songs with confidence.
This project not only highlights the potential of embedded systems but also underscores the creativity and problem-solving mindset fostered in ECE 459. By blending innovation with practicality, the FollowLight Player Guitar is a step forward in making music education more accessible and enjoyable.
Ken Kalin 