I like the idea. Pretty cool. It definitely has some pluses.. Thank you for Sharing Kevin!!!

It is also compatible with Guitar Pro software that will take tabs on the internet and transpose them to your guitar, both chords and solos and the Fretlight is also compatible with Band in a Box for making your own backing tracks, while the guitar parts on band in a box will show up on your Fretlight, both chords and solos. You can even take solo tracks from any other instrument, whether it be horns , piano, etc and have those notes show up on your guitar neck. Very cool. The Fretlight footswitch also allows you to change from chords to solos parts ........and do other things such as slow down tempo's so you never have to take your hand off of your guitar neck. Why would any guitar player at any level not want solos, chords, scales, modes, etc not showing up on your neck when you're trying to practice ? If you're a gigging guitar player and have a ton of cover songs to learn, this will speed up your practice time like crazy. I only wish these were around decades ago when I started out !

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

I wasn’t aware that it worked with the other software. Thanks! I’ll have to try those out.

@jimdep6542

Жыл бұрын

@@KevinFontana You're welcome....Fretlight also works with True Fire guitar videos and the Ultimate Guitar Tabs, which has about the largest internet song library. There's a few more but I'm drawing a blank at the moment. I'll post back when I come across them again. Being able to use the Fretlight guitar with all these different programs makes a big difference and a lot more fun.

@BamaGuitar

4 ай бұрын

I realize this was months ago but I just got a TrueFire Annual Sub, are you talking about the tabs you download when doing a course on TrueFire and I ask because you mentioned videos, big thanks I've already taken some of their pdf's and guitar pro files and exported some to GP to use with my fretlight, just clarifying, big thanks.@@jimdep6542

Thank you! Very helpful!

Thanks. I was always wondering why they didn't use multi colored led's to show you where the 1 3 and 5 are of the scales/chords.

I like your review; I think this may be a useful aid for my style (disabilities...LOL) of learning. I would comment that if the room were just a bit darker it would be easier to see the lights on the neck. Thank you for making this video.

@KevinFontana

2 жыл бұрын

I had actually shot some video with the lights off but the audio didn’t get captured, so I couldn’t use it. The light in the fretboard are bright but the studio lights are way brighter that what you would have in a room normally. They show up fine under normal lights. It’s not for everyone, but this can make learning the patterns on the fretboard much easier.

thank you i have this model and wondering what kind of pick ups in it!!! funny thing is it sounds great if your attack on strings is like bluezzy srv style its got a punch and that strat sound with almost a p 90 sound strange how cheap pick ups have a sound you might be chasing !!!!!

@jimdep6542

Жыл бұрын

Good to know you can put any strat type pickups in it that you want.

I'm learning the bass guitar and was always interested in the idea of using LED's on the fretboard. It sounds like a great idea but many of your points lead me to believe it's not that helpful once you get started. Great review!

@KevinFontana

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I'm glad these videos are helping people! The Fretlight might be good for some people but not everyone. It's one of those things that shows you where to put your fingers but not WHY you put them there. If you want to really improve your playing, knowing the why (a little theory) can help you a lot. Maybe if the could do the LED colors differently to show roots, intervals, etc. that might make it a better learning aid.

@pikiwiki

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevinFontana that makes a lot of sense. Often wondered what the effect would be of "seeing" a scale on the fretboard depending on the key. Would save a lot of time

@jimdep6542

Жыл бұрын

@@pikiwiki It does. I have been playing for decades and I wish these were around when I started playing. Having the lights on the fretboard trains your mind to remember patterns and chord shapes.

@jimdep6542

Жыл бұрын

Just a heads up, Optek Music does offer a bass guitar around once a year, but they sell out fast. It's a Fender P model. I'd love to get one myself. There's plenty of bass lesson software that's comparable with Fretlights, such as the bass lessons on True Fire and all the Guitar Pro songs that have the bass parts. Even on the Fretlight Guitar, I can have the bass lines show up on my frets i if I want them to. Pretty neat.

@RobertFreiberger

Жыл бұрын

@@jimdep6542 thank you! That does look interesting.

do you know where can i get the software or something to light it up, i got mine w in a garage sale, litt brand new but idk hoe to light it up w the app, do i have to pay to download or something?

@KevinFontana

10 ай бұрын

The software you need depends on the model guitar. The newest version of their software is available from their website but you have to pay for it. If you have one of the older models like this one, you may be able to find the older software online for free. Try doing a Google search and see what you can find. Also the older version is only available on Windows I think.

Hi can you please tell me what tone setting you used on the Katana when you demo it being used as a regular guitar with a nice distorted sound? Right around the 6:51 mark. It sounds great. Thanks for the video. I just heard about these fretlight guitars. Does it show chords in all forms at the same time? Cheers

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

SO, it's been a while since I created the video, but I believe the Katana is set to the Brown setting. This is supposed to be based on Eddie Van Halen's modified Marshall. I think I had the bass at around 9~10 o'clock, the mids about half way up (noon) and the treble at around 11 o'clock. (The Katana doesn't have number markings on the dials, so I am giving where the knob would be set if it had a clock face. Yes, the Fretlight can show all positions of a chord at once. For instance, you can set the key of "A" and select "All Positions" and it will show all of the chord forms going up the neck. This is helpful for visualizing the fret board using the CAGED system. However, you still have to know where all of the "A" notes are to be able to make sense of how to use it. I hope this helps! Kev

@mikehaisell4301

Жыл бұрын

@@KevinFontana Yes thanks, I wondered if you were using a patch downloaded from Tone Central or just the amp settings themselves. It had a great sound I thought. I needed an amp for a gig and I bought the Kantana 50. I don't really like all the electronic settings and computer stuff but it does sound pretty good and it is light weight. For now I will stick to my paper charts for chords and scales. Thank you

Looking at the software that comes with the guitar, it certainly DOES do drop string and open string tunings, and DOES have a theory library that correlates with chords and scales. It is all there in the free Fretlight Studio software.

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

That’s good to know. The older version of the software didn’t have those options. I’ll have to check and see if the new software works with my guitar. Thanks!

@jimdep6542

Жыл бұрын

@@KevinFontana Hi Kevin....the Fretlight Studio 6 software I'm talking about came with my wired Fretlight guitar around 5 or six years ago. The music theory section is in the chord and scale library , which is inside the tab on the upper left and on the upper right is the Improviser section which contains the special tunings under "pattern options".

id say, learn a scale, then turn the lights off and practice it over and over, keep going, whats good about it is if you are writing you can look right away yea that note is in that scale whatever, specially if the new software shows you what notes go with each chord so on so forth that's where the real power is, integrating theory into it, like, OK what other chords go with this chord so on so forth, circle of fifths all that

@jimdep6542

Жыл бұрын

That's a very good approach. Using the Fretlight footswitch, you can tun the lights on and off without having to move your hands. After leaving the lights on for a while when practicing scales and modes ( for example), when you finally turn the lights off, it's almost like your mind is tricked and still sees the patterns there. It really does work.

@whatknotcovfefe

3 ай бұрын

💔🤑💔 it writes the notes you play as you play them and you do is save it. I be THINKING

You select when or if you want root to flash

@KevinFontana

3 ай бұрын

Thanks for the info. That would definitely make it more usable.

It would be really nice if it had different colors of LEDs. Say, the root note is yellow, third green, fifth blue, passing notes purple, all the rest in the scale red. Something like that would be really handy.

@KevinFontana

2 жыл бұрын

It would. I think when they were initially designed, they would have had to use multiple LEDs to do the different colors. It would also mean a lot more engineering to make it work. Maybe they (or someone) will create a newer version with multiple color LEDs. This would also make a lot of other things possible, triads etc.

@jammin3858

2 жыл бұрын

@@KevinFontana I think now a single LED can be made to change colors. Have you seen the Fret Zealot? It has multi-color LEDs.

@KevinFontana

2 жыл бұрын

@@jammin3858 I have seen the Fret Zealot advertised but I haven't had one to try. It looks interesting and they may have sorted out some of the issues with the Fretlight.

Question I hope you'll answer cause I'm caught between buying one of these or a fret zealot (that stick on leaning system) Do you know which one is better?

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

I haven't used the Fret Zealot, but from what I have seen, it appears to be an improvement. One of the issues with the Fretlight is that all of the LEDs are only red. Therefore, there isn't a way to see the root notes of the shape. Meaning, if you are playing a C scale, where are the C notes. However, all of these tools and methods are just different ways of helping you learn where everything is on the fretboard. You want to get to a point where you don't have to think about it, you just have the notes under your fingers and play.

@flashpest

Жыл бұрын

@@KevinFontana Thank you Kevin for your swift response. I've been watching reviews on both but have been leaning towards the Fretlight because the Fret Zealot doesn't cover all the frets. That is a poignant thought about fretlight not highlighting the root note. Seems like a feature that wouldn't have been too hard for them to implement. Also, switching tunings would also be an issue. The potential problem I see with the Fret Zealot is putting it on my only guitar (which wasn't too cheap) I'm afraid if I don't like it and decide to remove it there may be a residue of glue or discolorations - which I have read about online. I guess I'll do a little more research and then decide. Once again, I really appreciate your quick feedback and I've also subscribed to your channel.

@TeeFetch

Жыл бұрын

@@flashpest The plastic coating around the leds /stick on of the Fret Zealot peels off. At least on the one I had. They said it was a defect and sent me a replacement from a "good batch". I haven't applied it to a guitar yet. I haven't played around with it much and I'm still a beginner and confused as all hell. But the Fret Zealot is handy up to the 14th fret. Beyond that, all you get is which string but not which fret or note. It's a pain in the ass with the phone to click play then move to the guitar because it starts before you have a chance to get situated for whatever you are doing even slowed down to the slowest setting, at least for me when I tried it back in 2020. It needs/needed a delay or countdown or something. The power bank can be awkward depending on the headstock. The plug on the power bank just hangs loose when not plugged in. If you color your fingernails with markers or stickers it makes using the FZ easier. The songs at the time I was looking at the catalog weren't organized by difficulty or by tuning. So If you switch between E or drop D or something you have to tune the guitar every time. It will remind you but when trying to find something that might be easy to learn it was a pain. I'm sure they've improved the software since. Also pretty much every song has multiple versions which may or may not be true to the original. Some are easier than others. If @Fevin Fontana wants a light show that's got some presets in it. I don't know anything about scales or what to do yet but that's my observations and experience. They have outstanding customer service though.

@jimdep6542

9 ай бұрын

@@KevinFontana For the Fretlight, In the settings menu, you can make the root notes blink on whatever chord, scale, mode, interval, ect that you'd like it to.

AT 10:59, I want to correct something. One of Kevin's knocks is that the Fretlight shows the scale in one of the modes but doesn't show your the roots. In the SETTINGS menu there is an option on whether or not you want the root notes to blink. Yes, it is very helpful to know where the root notes are and that option is there. I use it on mine.

@KevinFontana

9 ай бұрын

Wow, I missed that in the software. I’ll have to go back and check that out. Thanks for the heads up. Which version of the software are you using? I may have an older version. Again, thanks for pointing that out!

@jimdep6542

9 ай бұрын

@@KevinFontana I am using Fretlight Studio 6, which came with the USB wired guitar version. It's the last Studio 6 that was available before they changed over to the Blue Tooth wireless. Go into the Studio 6 and select the "Fretlight Improvisor" . One the left side, look into where it says "Songs" and choose "Scales" from the drop down menu. From there, choose whatever scale or mode you want and whatever key you want. There is a long list and a whole lot to choose from. After selecting it, there's a music note Icon at the top. From there you can select options, such as the blinking root note, what position or positions you want to use and you can even choose which strings on the guitar you want for what you are working on, which could be all on one string or the top three strings for example. You'll also get a metronome option, which you can select the volume and tempo you want. You can also have the metronome automatically increase the speed. You can also have the patterns automatically change positions / inversions if that's how you want to practice. There's a ton of stuff you can do, and you can also save them as "tracks" to keep for future references. If someone does a demo on these guitars and software, I just want to make sure that guitar players are getting all the correct info to help them know what's best for their money. I know your goals are the same and I don't mean to sound critical. There's a lot of info under the surface that doesn't jump out at you........I get it.

@KevinFontana

9 ай бұрын

I am going to try that out. I’ve got 6 but I need to reinstall it. Thanks for sharing!

@jimdep6542

9 ай бұрын

@@KevinFontana You bet, Kevin. There's also a bunch of options you can do with the foot pedal, such as turning the blinking root notes on and off....which helps you memorize where they are when playing scales and modes. I hope at some point you do another video update on this . I have no dog in this hunt, I just want people to have the accurate info before making a decision.

merci

@KevinFontana

2 жыл бұрын

De Rien

It might finally get me out the eternal pentatonic scale.

@KevinFontana

10 ай бұрын

Check out one of my older videos. There’s one on the minor pentatonic and I show you how to add a couple notes to make it Dorian mode. That’s a good start to moving beyond pentatonic.

@aapddd

10 ай бұрын

@@KevinFontana thanks, I will take a look !

does it show you what notes go with the chords? all the scales or notes whatever.. so say if you are 12 bar blues in E, does it show you which chords to play, then which notes can go with any given chord you are playing or is it that sophisticated? does it show you where roots are anything or just scales and chords? which software do you have maybe in 2023 they have updated it?

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

It does have songs that you can download where it will show you the chords as they change in the song. But, it doesn’t show scales, etc that go with the chords. It’s good for helping visualize the patterns on the guitar but, without seeing roots or knowing which scales work over which changes, it can be more confusing. I have seen newer designs by other companies that use various colors instead of all red, which may be more useful. I’m still of the mindset that learning the scales, roots, intervals, and triads are a better way to master the fretboard. There are tools that help, but no real shortcuts that eliminate practice and repetition.

That's why they're called hum buckers, the extra polarization bucks the hum.

@KevinFontana

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly. The single coils will always pick up the buzz from the internal circuitry that controls the lights.

@skyfox4387

2 жыл бұрын

Would insulating the pickup cavities with copper tape help reduce the buzzing?

@KevinFontana

2 жыл бұрын

@@skyfox4387 It might help with shielding the pickups from EMF interference around the guitar but there will always be a bit of hum with this pickup design. I have done that to a couple of other guitars I have and it seemed to help a bit with fluorescent lights etc. With enough distortion, it will still pick up noise.

I think the root flashes

I found one of these used for what I thought was a good price. But it didn't have the computer cable or the software. So it took months to finally get the cable and the staff at Fretlight are unbelievably rude. All they are interested in is selling you a new guitar. The cable alone ran $40 as I recall. Then I learned it did not work with Linux or Chrome OS. So now I have to get a Windows or Mac machine to use it. I tried using Linux WINE but that didn't work. I waited so long I lost interest in it. It has been sitting and gathering dust for a long time. As a guitar it is rather mediocre. I'd hoped to use it to teach my son but he doesn't seem very interested, he is spending more time with the drums. I thought maybe it would work better than using tabs to learn songs but it sounds like there is not much software available for it anyway. For me at this point it has just been a waste of time and money.

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

Wow, what an ordeal. I was very lucky when I bought mine used. It had the cable and software so I was able to use it. I’ve never hand any contact with the Fretlight company but it sounds like their customer service is severely lacking. Thanks for commenting. I think everyone will benefit from your story. If anyone is looking at buying one of these used, make sure it has the cables and software. I knew it wouldn’t work with their new software and it would be nice if they still offered the old software for folks who have these older models.

The company does not have decent support for its buyers, unfortunately!

@KevinFontana

9 ай бұрын

A product like this really needs support from the company. It may have been more popular with better support.

@jimdep6542

9 ай бұрын

In what way ? Explain what's going on.........

Well, that was pretty much useless. Did he ever identify the MODEL number? I couldn't even SEE any LEDs lighting up. Also, at least ONE example of an actual SONG being "illuminated" might have been nice.

@KevinFontana

6 ай бұрын

I have the older software that didn't allow me to run songs on the guitar. The important point I was making is that it might work for some to learn guitar but it can make it more confusing for others. There are newer models and manufacturers that have guitars with mulit color led's and that makes a big difference. It's not just knowing the shapes and where your fingers go, it's also knowing how to apply those shapes for the different keys and positions on the fretboard. Thanks for the feedback though, any critique is always appreciated as I try to make these videos better with each attempt.

you show nothing that helps to learn or what we can use it for.

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

It’s a review of the Fretlight guitar, not necessarily a instruction of how to use it. Just let me know if there is something you would like to see, I am always open to suggestions for videos. Thanks for watching!

I went to their wensite and Im not seeing any options to buy one that connects to a PC. They appear to only be selling ones that use bluetooth to connect to a phone or tablet.

@KevinFontana

Жыл бұрын

I think they made that switch a couple models back. Check Reverb.com for any used models that may connect and make sure it will work with the new release of the software or if they have the software they can send with the guitar.

@alohamark3025

11 ай бұрын

From 2016 onward, they seem to have incorporated a bluetooth transceiver into the electronics of the guitar. As Kevin stated below, Reverb seems to be the only seller of their guitars. The only lefty version is based on the Yamaha Strat, which is still better than nothing.

@whatknotcovfefe

3 ай бұрын

I think you want to get an iPad and use the blue tooth that way your mobile and you can store your travel time work from college to party