Fretlight Guitar Learning System

I came across the Fretlight guitar on the internet and it looked interesting, but I am not sure if it is just a toy or a real system to learn the guitar.

Basically, the guitar has a hook-up to your PC and the notes from the software/song light up (LED) the correct fret and string on the guitar. I would appreciate any input that you may have.

Jeff

I've wondered about them too... from all the research I've done on-line, it seems like quite a few people complain that its not really that easy to see the lights on the fretboard when you're playing the guitar.

The concept is good, and they've really stepped up their game in terms of how much material they offer now. I think the guitars themselves don't sound all that great. If I was going to go for it, I would go with the absolute lowest priced base model they offer. I don't think the more expensive models are worth it as I just don't think they'll be a guitar that you'll get into as far as tone goes.

I really like the idea though. There's tons of material based around the concept of the getting you to visualize scales/chords/notes on the fretboard, and the fretlight does exactly that, so its a good idea. It does have its limitations though. For instance, playing a song a full speed, it may be difficult or even impossible to follow the dots as they move around, and it can only show you positions, not bends, hammer-ons or pull-offs. Still, might be worth a shot.

This seems like a very interesting concept. I would be very interested in some actual user feedback

Any more thoughts or feedback on experience with this as a learning tool for beginning guitarists?

I've owned the Strat version of the Fretlight for many years. It's a very good learning tool, especially for scales and chords. The guitars are pretty nice as a learning tool but the sound doesn't compare to a quality instrument, at least mine doesn't anyway, but it's not bad either. The one issue I have though isn't with the guitar but with the company ( Optek Music / Fretlight ) itself.

It seems that every so often they change their software without notice. In the past individual songs could be purchased as low as $1.99 each and they had an extensive amount to choose from. The last time I was on their website it was being done differently. From my own experience songs were a little difficult to learn because of the speed of the led lights flashing, especially when trying to learn a lead. You can, however, slow the tempo down to learn at a slower speed. All in all I think it's best for scales and chords and they provide you with more scales that you'll ever be able to learn, which is a good thing. The optional foot switch is a "must have" item as it controls certain functions of the guitar / software. Actually it can be used without the foot switch but you'll be forever clicking your computer's mouse which is a real hassle.

At one time Optek / Fretilght had a store on Ebay where they sold refurbished guitars at a very deep discount. That's where I bought mine and it works perfectly. I suggest you check there if you're interested in buying one.

Hope this helps you out.

I picked up the guitar only a year ago. I am no expert on any manner. But in common sense terms it seems silly to me to use some sort of gimmick to learn what is on the Guitar. You just have to sit down with the guitar and get used to it, and take baby steps in learning the fretboard. First learn the open notes of the strings starting from the low E. EADGBE. Then concentrate on learning the E string. Then learn the notes on that first low E string as it is one of the most important strings to learn well. Play the notes and say the note name as you descend the entire scale back to the next E at the 12th fret. In no time you will be familiar with where the notes are. I started a few months ago, and I have become familiar with the first two strings. I will continue to work my way over to familiarize myself with the other strings, but particularly the first two are important for learning bar chords. Just have patience and perseverance and it will come to you.

Post script: It may be encouraging for you to know that I am not a quick learner. It takes me generally longer to catch on to things, but I tend to retain them pretty well when I finally do. I had an " AHA" moment today. It was encouraging.