Programming guitar chords and having leds light up

Using Arduino Programming Questions
#1

I want to be able to program guitar chords into a controler. Then I will have led lights on the frets of the guitar and they would light up according to the chords or notes programmed.

I've seen this done before but I would like to build one myself. What should I buy to build this type of functionality? Totally new to this so treat me like a newb please :slight_smile: I do however know how to solder so that is a plus. lol

Spencer

#2

You need the LEDs, some way to drive that many from one Arduino like a 595 shift register, and a bunch of code.

#3

MAX7219 to control the LEDs.
Can do 10 frets (6/fret) with 1 chip, 10 more with a second chip if going up that far.

#4

Code-wise, just writing data into an array of 8 bytes that you send to the MAX7219 when you need an updated display.

#5

Awesome thanks for the help. Can you possibly direct me with links the best place to buy what I need to get started?

#6

@CrossRoads Should I just get the Arduino starter kit here, would that controler proper for what I want to do? https://store-usa.arduino.cc/products/arduino-starter-kit
It appears I can get the other parts from my local electronic shop.

#7