Patent Application
20140116232
The present disclosure relates to a learning device for string musical instruments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fingerboard musical notes position reminder for stringed musical instruments such as guitars or bass guitars, violins, cellos, fiddles, banjos or any other such instruments.
Learning to play stringed musical instruments such as a guitar or bass guitar, violin, cello, fiddle, banjo and the like, can be difficult and time consuming. In general, multiple strings must be pressed against a fingerboard at one or more finger positions disposed along a neck of the musical instrument. At the same time, one or more selected strings must be vibrated via plucking, strumming or bowing, and thus, producing a musical tone, note or chord. Stringed musical instruments fingerboard do not visually indicate finger positions per se, though guitars, for example, do have visual indicators known as frets and thus use a fretboard. Nonetheless, finger positions must be memorized; one or more strings pressed at those positions against the fingerboard and selected strings caused to vibrate.
Accordingly, there is a need for a learning device for musical instruments. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a fingerboard musical notes position reminder for stringed musical instruments.
The present disclosure provides a learning device for stringed musical instruments having a fingerboard, comprising:
There is also provided a learning device for stringed musical instruments having a fingerboard with one or more frets, comprising:
Embodiments of the disclosure will be described by way of examples only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Similar references used in different Figures denote similar components.
Generally stated, the non-limitative illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure provide a learning device for stringed musical instruments. In a particular illustrative embodiment, the learning device is in the form of a fingerboard musical notes position reminder for stringed musical instruments. The learning device's purpose is to help the user of the stringed musical instrument find and locate the musical notes on the fingerboard. The stringed musical instrument may be, for example, a guitar or bass guitar, violin, cello, fiddle, banjo or any other such instrument.
Referring to
On the top surface 12 of the learning device 10 are printed a series of musical notes indicators 18 and, optionally, fret indicators 19 and string position indicators 20. The learning device 10 further comprises a number of perforations 22 corresponding to the positioning of frets on a stringed musical instrument.
Referring to
It is to be understood that the number of perforations 22 as well as their length, width and spacing may vary according to the specific type and/or model of musical stringed instrument 30 the learning device 10 is intended for (i.e. the number of frets 34 as well as their length, width and spacing for that specific type and/or model of musical stringed instrument 30). It is also to be understood that in the case of a stringed musical instrument that does not have any frets, the learning device 10 may be provided without any perforations 22. It is also to be understood that the general dimensions and positions of the various indicators 18, 19 and 20 will vary depending on the specific type and/or model of musical stringed instrument the learning device 10 is intended for.
In the illustrative embodiment, the musical notes indicators 18 are a combination of letters (i.e. CDEFGAB) and colors corresponding to the musical notes positioned at their appropriate places (depending on the specific type and/or model of musical stringed instrument) in order to help a user remember each musical note. It is to be understood that in alternative embodiments the musical notes indicators 18 may be any combinations of letters, numbers, symbols, geometric shapes, colors, etc., and that they may also correspond to a sequence of musical notes associated with a specific musical composition.
If present, the optional fret indicators 19 indicate, for example, the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 12th fret as per a standard guitar.
In an alternative embodiment, the learning device 10 may be made of plastic or other such material and mechanically attached to the fingerboard 32 of the stringed musical instrument 30. To this end, the bottom surface 14 may be provided with mechanical fasteners, for example flexible sidewalls, straps, etc., instead of an adhesive in order to fasten the leaning device 10 to the fingerboard 32.
It is to be understood that the maximum thickness of the learning device 10 may vary depending on the space available between the strings 36 and fingerboard 32, and, if present, the height of the frets 34, so as not to hinder musical play.
Although the present disclosure has been described with a certain degree of particularity and by way of an illustrative embodiments and examples thereof, it is to be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the features of the embodiments described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and modifications within the scope and spirit of the disclosure as hereinafter claimed.
