A virtual guitar that allows you to play sixteen common guitar chords in your web browser. The synthesized sound is played alongside a chord diagram, letting you see which finger goes where and hear what it sounds like at the same time. Playing the instrument is controlled via your mouse clicking on the grid. Alternatively, you can use your computer keyboard (for speed).
On the left is a grid of little chord cards. On the right is a larger more detailed version of each one. You have one card per chord. Clicking a card select it and also strums it. It then changes the large view on the right so you can see that chord in more detail. Finger numbers and open/muted string indicators is shown on the larger diagram. This allows you to check that your hand position is correct for tricky chords. For example, it helps with B minor or F.
How to Use the Virtual Guitar
Below the diagram, you’ll find a list of the notes in the chord. This helps you learn about the harmony.
Below the main diagram, there are several control buttons that allow you to play back the chords. There’s a strum button which will then strum the chosen chord on an up and down stroke. There is also an arpeggio button. This means it will sound out each note of the chord individually. That way you can listen to how the chord sounds as single notes.
The volume slider on the lower right-hand side regulates the volume of the sound coming from the app. You can set this higher or lower different than what volume suits you best.
You can build a progression by clicking on a chord and then on Add to loop. There are four loop slots where you can store your chords. When these slots is filled you can click on Play loop and listen as it cycles through them. It’s a good way of practicing playing chords in time.
There are also preset progressions that you can load using the genre buttons. The genre buttons include pop, folk and 50s which will fill the slots with classic chord sequences. This allows you to play songs you know without having to build the progression yourself.
You can control it with a keyboard. You can navigate the widgets with your keyboard. Use arrow keys to move the selection focus around the grid. Hit enter to strum the selected chord. Hit A to add it to the loop. Hit L to play/stop the loop. Hit the ? key. Hit the ? key for the help panel. The help panel is a reference to the controls. With this keyboard mapping, you can play without your mouse.
How does it work? Practical pointers begin with clicking the chord cards to hear the difference between the major and minor variations of the selected root note. Look at how the diagrams alter as you swap between them to change the fingers used. Arpeggio mode allows you to hear each string clearly, which helps you understand which strings is open and which are muted.
In the loop section, try adding a chord then another; listen to the chord progression develop. The loop slot also provides a visual indication of what chord is being played.
For a full-screen experience, the widget supports fullscreen mode. To expand the widget interface, click the Fullscreen button. It will remove distractions and give the diagrams some more breathing room. You can see the fret markers and finger numbers with ease.
If you prefer the dark mode on your system, the interface adjusts accordingy. So the diagrams stay clear regardless of the lighting.
The Clear button lets you clear the current loop. It will reset the slots and allow for another progression to begin.
This widget allows for the practice of different chord progressions as well as practicing simple chords if that is your goal. It’s something you should of tried. Give it a try. Click on one of the chords to hear what it sounds like. Or hit a key.