1. The Guitar Chord Learning System
Western Washington University
Microcomputer-Based Design Project
Calvin A. Sessions

2. Introduction What is the Guitar Chord Learning System?
A solution for teaching basic chord positioning techniques utilizing a guitar fretboard embedded with LEDs.

3. Chord Progression sequence of a song is transferred to GCLC from a Computer terminal Program
Once sequence is loaded, User controls LED Fretboard display with a Foot Pedal Input

4. Function Example
CHANNEL 1: Am C G
The LED fretboard lights with respect to stored chord progression
The LCD displays PRESENT CHORD
PRESENT CHANNEL
NEXT CHORDS IN PROGRESSION

5. Hardware Overview GCLS Hardware involved includes: GCLS Unit:
Microcontroller - MC9S12DP256B
LCD module
RS232 Serial Interface
Foot Pedal – Chord Progression Controller
Embedded LED Fretboard

6. GCLS UNIT
Portable unit that controls and interfaces all Peripheral Devices
Houses LCD Module and RS232 Serial Connector

7. Foot Pedal
Simple Active-High Switch Circuitry w/ pull up resistors on Input Lines
LEDs connected Active Low

8. Embedded LED Fretboard
6 x 4 – 24 LED Array
Driven by MAX7221 LED Driver utilizing the SPI

9. Hardware Functionality Demonstration & Complete Schematic