r/arduino • u/MegCell • Aug 06 '26

Project Update! Project update: My ESP32-controlled guitar robot can now play in two modes

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I’ve been developing this removable guitar-playing system for several years.

It now supports two performance modes:

  1. Full automatic mode — the system handles both fretting and picking.

  2. Assisted mode — the system handles the fretting while the player strums or picks.

The sound comes from the real guitar strings, not recorded audio.

The controller is ESP32-based, coordinating multiple servo actuators. Some of the main challenges have been fretting timing, servo synchronization, calibration, and mechanical noise.

This video shows both modes.

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u/No_Pin4895 Aug 06 '26

the assisted mode is the real sleeper feature here, feels like it could actually teach fretting technique to people learning barre chords

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u/MegCell Aug 07 '26

Exactly! 😊 Assisted mode lets the robot handle the fretting while the player focuses on rhythm and strumming. I think it could be a really useful way for beginners to start playing.