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Table of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of ContentsTable of Contents
Performance Guarantee, Introduction & Customer Care Performance Guarantee, Introduction & Customer Care Performance Guarantee, Introduction & Customer Care Performance Guarantee, Introduction & Customer Care ……………………………………... 1
What’s IncludedWhat’s IncludedWhat’s IncludedWhat’s Included……………………………………………………………………………………………………... 2
Installing Software & Connecting the Fretlight 5Installing Software & Connecting the Fretlight 5Installing Software & Connecting the Fretlight 5Installing Software & Connecting the Fretlight 5…………………………………………………… 3
Connection TipsConnection TipsConnection TipsConnection Tips……………………………………………………………………………………………………… 4
The Player’s Guide to Getting StartedThe Player’s Guide to Getting StartedThe Player’s Guide to Getting StartedThe Player’s Guide to Getting Started……………………………………………………………………. 5
• Parts of the Fretlight 5 Electric Guitar………………………………………………………….. 5
• Parts of the Fretlight 5 Acoustic Guitar……………………………………………………….. 5
• How to Hold the Guitar……………………………………………………………………………….. 6
• How to Hold a Pick……………………………………………………………………………………… 6
• How to Use a Guitar Strap…………………………………………………………………………… 6
• How to Tune your Fretlight Guitar………………………………………………………………. 7
• How to Connect your Fretlight 5 Guitar to an Amplifier………………………….….. 7
• Adjusting the Settings on Your Amplifier……………………………………………………. 7
• The Fretlight 5 Neck & System…………………………………….………………………………. 7
• Understanding Humidity…….……………………………………….………………………………. 8
• Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight 5 Guitar…………….………………………………. 8
• Playing your Fretlight 5 Guitar…………………………………………………………………….. 9
FAQFAQFAQFAQ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 10
Troubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting Guide………………………………………………………………………………………….. 11
Performance GuaranteePerformance GuaranteePerformance GuaranteePerformance Guarantee
Congratulations on the purchase of your new Fretlight 5™ guitar!
Your Fretlight 5 guitar is guaranteed to be made with 100%
American entrepreneurial spirit. My passion for learning,
creating and succeeding is in every guitar that leaves our
warehouse. Thousands of Fretlight owners have achieved their
guitar playing dreams by using a Fretlight - I know you will too.
I guarantee it. I guarantee it. I guarantee it. I guarantee it.
J. Rusty Shaffer
CEO and Inventor of the Fretlight guitar
Page 1
Introduction & Customer CareIntroduction & Customer CareIntroduction & Customer CareIntroduction & Customer Care
This manual is designed to cover all Fretlight 5 instruments. If you have questions about
your Fretlight 5 that are not found in this guide, please see our Support Page at
www.fretlight.com/support
The online Support Page offers additional information about your Fretlight 5 including:
• Fretlight 5 Guitar Support
• PC Software Support
• Mac Software Support
• Accessory Support
You can also contact Fretlight Support:
• Email Email Email Email
• Phone Phone Phone Phone (9 AM—4:30 PM Pacific Time, Monday-Friday)
800-575-6511
• Chat Chat Chat Chat (9 AM—4:30 PM Pacific Time, Monday-Friday)
www.fretlight.com, click “Live Chat”.
Page 2
What’s IncludedWhat’s IncludedWhat’s IncludedWhat’s Included
Connecting Your Fretlight 5 GuitarConnecting Your Fretlight 5 GuitarConnecting Your Fretlight 5 GuitarConnecting Your Fretlight 5 Guitar
Locate the Fretlight USB Cable included with your Fretlight 5 guitar. Connect one end of
the cable to your Fretlight 5 guitar, then connect the other end of the cable to the USB
port on your computer. The third connector (1/4” jack on the USB side of the cable) is for
the optional Fretlight dual footswitch.
DODODODO make sure your computer is connected to a 3-prong plug power outlet.
If you have a laptop, you can certainly use it without connecting to a power
supply.
DODODODO make sure that the Fretlight 5 USB cable is plugged into a root USB hub on
your computer (likely one of the USB ports on the back of a desktop computer).
DODODODO make sure that you are plugging into a wall outlet that is grounded
(i.e. 3-prong).
DON’T DON’T DON’T DON’T use a 2-prong plug or a 3-to-2 adapter plug.
DON’TDON’TDON’TDON’T use an external USB hub. The Fretlight 5 MUST be connected directly to
the root hub of your computer.
Try not to use power strips or extension cords as this WILL introduce extra noise
into the system.
Make sure that you’re using a shielded guitar cable. Cable quality can make a
significant difference in extraneous noise introduced into the system.
We recommend using a name brand, good quality cable.
Page 3
Installing the Fretlight 5 Studio SoftwareInstalling the Fretlight 5 Studio SoftwareInstalling the Fretlight 5 Studio SoftwareInstalling the Fretlight 5 Studio Software For PC Users:For PC Users:For PC Users:For PC Users:
1. Insert the “Fretlight Software Installation” disc into your computer. A menu screen
will pop-up. Click the "Install" button. Follow the on-screen prompts to install your
software. Helpful hint: Helpful hint: Helpful hint: Helpful hint: Check the box that installs a shortcut on your desktop.
2.2.2.2. Launch the Fretlight Studio for the Beginner software from your desktop by double-
clicking the “Fretlight Studio for the Beginner” shortcut icon.
For Mac Users:For Mac Users:For Mac Users:For Mac Users:
1. Insert the Fretlight Software Installation disc into your computer. Double click the
disc icon, then double-click the “Studio 6 For The Beginner Installer.pkg” “Studio 6 For The Beginner Installer.pkg” “Studio 6 For The Beginner Installer.pkg” “Studio 6 For The Beginner Installer.pkg” file.
2.2.2.2. Launch the “Fretlight Studio for the Beginner” software from your desktop by double
-clicking the Fretlight Studio for the Beginner icon.
Note: Note: Note: Note: Always check online at www.fretlight.com for the latest software updates.
Note: Note: Note: Note: No disc drive? No problem! You can download the Fretlight Studio 6 for the
Beginner Software and Starter Pack videos here: www.fretlight.com/5softwareinstall
Page 4
Connection TipsConnection TipsConnection TipsConnection Tips
Must use a
3333----pronged pronged pronged pronged
Power Cable
(Grounded)
Power Strips 2-Prong Cable &
3-to-2 Adapter
3-Prong Cable
Note: Note: Note: Note: Your Fretlight 5 guitar has what looks like a MIDI jack
mounted in the body. This is NOT a 5-pin MIDI jack. This is an 8-pin
DIN plug. DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT DO NOT try to plug a MIDI cable or MIDI plug into this
jack or try to send any MIDI information to your Fretlight neck.
Doing so will result in severe damage to your Fretlight 5 Guitar Doing so will result in severe damage to your Fretlight 5 Guitar Doing so will result in severe damage to your Fretlight 5 Guitar Doing so will result in severe damage to your Fretlight 5 Guitar
System and will VOID your warranty. System and will VOID your warranty. System and will VOID your warranty. System and will VOID your warranty.
Page 5
Parts of the Fretlight 5 Electric GuitarParts of the Fretlight 5 Electric GuitarParts of the Fretlight 5 Electric GuitarParts of the Fretlight 5 Electric Guitar
Body
Humbucker
Volume Control
Nut Fret
Neck Headstock
Bridge
Output Jack
The Player’s Guide to Getting StartedThe Player’s Guide to Getting StartedThe Player’s Guide to Getting StartedThe Player’s Guide to Getting Started
Parts of the Fretlight 5 Acoustic GuitarParts of the Fretlight 5 Acoustic GuitarParts of the Fretlight 5 Acoustic GuitarParts of the Fretlight 5 Acoustic Guitar
Headstock Neck
Tuning Pegs Fret
Bridge
Saddle
Tuning Pegs
Nut
Sound Hole
DIN-to-USB Connection
DIN-to-USB Connection
Built-in Electronic Tuner
Note: Models, configura�on and features subject to change.
How to Hold a GuitarHow to Hold a GuitarHow to Hold a GuitarHow to Hold a Guitar
PlacementPlacementPlacementPlacement
The bottom curve of
guitar should be
resting on your lap,
with the guitar
strings angled
slightly upward.
FrettingFrettingFrettingFretting----hand hand hand hand
PositionPositionPositionPosition
Keep your wrist
below the fretboard
and make sure
your fingers can
comfortably reach
across the strings.
The first step in learning how to play the guitar is learning to hold it properly.
PosturePosturePosturePosture
Sit in an upright,
but comfortable
position. Keep your
knees relaxed and
your shoulders over
the body of
the guitar.
Page 6
How to Hold a Pick/StrummingHow to Hold a Pick/StrummingHow to Hold a Pick/StrummingHow to Hold a Pick/Strumming----Hand PositionHand PositionHand PositionHand Position
How to Use a Guitar Strap How to Use a Guitar Strap How to Use a Guitar Strap How to Use a Guitar Strap
1. Position your picking hand so that the back of the
thumb is facing upwards.
2. Relax the hand completely; allow the fingers to curl up.
3. Place the pick between the side of your index finger
and the front of your thumb.
4. Maintain a light grip on the pick.
1. Locate the two strap knobs on the guitar. One is
located at the bottom end of the body and the other
is located at the upper horn or near the back of the
neck.
2. If your strap has a length adjuster, attach that end to
the strap bottom at the bottom of the body (for
comfort).
3. If you are playing right-handed, place the strap over
your leftleftleftleft shoulder. If you are playing left-handed,
place the strap over your right right right right shoulder.
4. Adjust the strap length to your comfort.
Page 7
Before you start to play, make sure your guitar is in tune! When tuning
your guitar to “standard tuning” (i.e., most songs) the open strings are
tuned to the following notes:
How to Tune Your Fretlight 5 GuitarHow to Tune Your Fretlight 5 GuitarHow to Tune Your Fretlight 5 GuitarHow to Tune Your Fretlight 5 Guitar
E the thickest or lowest sounding string known as the 6th string
A the 5th string
D the 4th string
G the 3rd string
B the 2nd string
E the thinnest or highest sounding string known as the 1st string
Note String Placement
Adjusting the six tuning pegs on the headstock of the guitar will tighten or loosen the
string to change pitch. Watch the tuning videos included with your Fretlight Studio for
the Beginner software. Just open the Fretlight Video Player, then choose “Tuning Electric”
or “Tuning Acoustic”.
How to Connect Your Fretlight 5 Guitar to an AmplifierHow to Connect Your Fretlight 5 Guitar to an AmplifierHow to Connect Your Fretlight 5 Guitar to an AmplifierHow to Connect Your Fretlight 5 Guitar to an Amplifier
Adjusting the Settings on Your AmplifierAdjusting the Settings on Your AmplifierAdjusting the Settings on Your AmplifierAdjusting the Settings on Your Amplifier After connecting your Fretlight 5 electric guitar to an amplifier, you can adjust the
settings to create different sounds and tones. Consult the amplifier manual to learn more
about adjusting these settings.
Connect one end of a standard 1/4” guitar cable (not included) into the output jack on
your Fretlight 5 electric guitar. Connect the other end into the input jack on a standard
guitaramplifier. The Volume Control (or Master Volume) on your Fretlight 5 electric is
used to adjust the overall volume of the guitar. For best results, leave the volume on the
guitar turned all the way up or clockwise and adjust the overall volume of the sound on
your amplifier.
The Fretlight 5 Neck & SystemThe Fretlight 5 Neck & SystemThe Fretlight 5 Neck & SystemThe Fretlight 5 Neck & System
The Fretlight 5 Guitar NeckThe Fretlight 5 Guitar NeckThe Fretlight 5 Guitar NeckThe Fretlight 5 Guitar Neck
-The advanced polymer fretboard uses standard
silver-nickel frets and cleverly conceals the
patented Fretlight 5 Learning system. The ultra-thin
circuit board contains 36 low-profile LEDs in the
first 5 frets and the nut and a dedicated micro-
controller that powers the learning system to dis-
play any chord, scale, song or riff in real time.
Cleaning Your FretboardCleaning Your FretboardCleaning Your FretboardCleaning Your Fretboard
-The advanced polymer fretboard acts and behaves like a normal rosewood or ebony
fingerboard in many ways except for cleaning and/or sanding. Use only a dry or damp
cloth (water only) to clean any finger oil or residue from your Fretlight 5 fretboard.
After you’ve been playing for a few months, you may notice small scratches on the
fretboard’s surface. You can always smooth those out by buffing the fretboard lightly
with a Scotch-Brite™ pad.
Do NOT use any solvents, oils or fluids other than water.
Doing so will VOID the warranty. Doing so will VOID the warranty. Doing so will VOID the warranty. Doing so will VOID the warranty.
Do NOT use a powered sander or sanding device on your Fretlight 5.
Doing so will VOID the warranty.Doing so will VOID the warranty.Doing so will VOID the warranty.Doing so will VOID the warranty.
Fretlight Dual Footswitch Fretlight Dual Footswitch Fretlight Dual Footswitch Fretlight Dual Footswitch (Optional)(Optional)(Optional)(Optional)
Using the optional Fretlight footswitch gives you hands-free control
of your Fretlight Studio 6 for the Beginner software. Simply connect
the 1/4” plug from the dual footswitch into the 1/4” jack on your
Fretlight USB cable.
Understanding HumidityUnderstanding HumidityUnderstanding HumidityUnderstanding Humidity
Page 8
Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight 5Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight 5Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight 5Adjusting the Neck of your Fretlight 5
1. Sight down the side of the neck from the back of the bridge to the nut.
A very slight upward curve in the neck or a flat neck is desired for opti-
mal playability (depends on how hard you pick and strum). More experi-
enced players opt for a flat neck.
2. If the neck needs some adjustment, first loosen the strings, then insert
the Allen wrench into the truss rod nut located at the headstock.
3. If the neck is bowed upward too much, turn the truss rod clock-
wise a quarter turn, tune up the guitar and check the neck again. If
the neck is bowed downward, turn the truss rod counter-clockwise
a quarter turn, tune up the guitar and check the neck again.
Note: Note: Note: Note: As you turn the nut, you may pass through a dead point
(center) where the nut spins freely until it catches the threads of
the truss rod in the other direction. This is normal.
Climate affects a guitar’s playability which means that the neck on a guitar may move
slightly depending on the amount of humidity in your location. Not to worry!
Most guitars have a truss-rod in order to compensate for this movement. A truss-rod is a
metal rod inside the neck that can be adjusted at the headstock to lessen or increase the
forward or backward bow. Your guitar neck was adjusted at the factory. However, you
may notice after a few months, after your guitar acclimatizes to your location, that it may
move or “bow” slightly. This is normal. One to two times per year (usually during
seasonal weather changes), you may need to have your guitar adjusted or “set-up” for
optimum ease of play (it’s a great time to change your strings as well). We recommend
you visit a local guitar store that has a guitar technician who performs these routine
services or you can try to adjust it yourself using the directions below.
Truss Rod
Page 9
There’s so many fun things to learn on your new Fretlight 5, but a great place to start is
by playing your first guitar riff! We’ve included a quick interactive video lesson on how to
play “Blister in the Sun,” by the Violent Femmes. Here’s what to do:
1. Make sure your Fretlight 5 guitar is in tune (pg. 7) and connected to your computer.
2. Open the Fretlight video player.
3. Double-click the riff video and follow the teacher’s instruction.
4. Great job! Keep going and try to play some other songs!
Next, try out an interactive video lesson. The Beginner
101 and Learning at the Speed of Light Vol. 1 software is
included with your Fretlight 5. We recommend starting
with Learning at the Speed of Light: Vol. 1 to play some
popular hit songs and signature riffs, but you can also
start with Beginner 101. Choose one and let’s get started.
Playing your Fretlight 5 GuitarPlaying your Fretlight 5 GuitarPlaying your Fretlight 5 GuitarPlaying your Fretlight 5 Guitar
For PC & Mac Users:For PC & Mac Users:For PC & Mac Users:For PC & Mac Users:
1. Insert the Fretlight Ready video disc into your computer.
2. Browse the disc.
3. Double-click on the .fvp video file and click “Install”. The video will automatically play
after it’s installed and extracted.
For Mac OS 10.5 & 10.6 Users:For Mac OS 10.5 & 10.6 Users:For Mac OS 10.5 & 10.6 Users:For Mac OS 10.5 & 10.6 Users:
1. Go to knowledgebase.fretlight.com
2. Scroll down to “Mac Software Support”
Q: I broke a stringQ: I broke a stringQ: I broke a stringQ: I broke a string————what do I do now?what do I do now?what do I do now?what do I do now?
A: First of all, relax. It happens to every guitar player! Strings are usually sold in a
set of 6, although you can purchase singles depending on the retailer. Strings can be
purchased at your local guitar store, online or at www.fretlight.com. You can find a
tutorial on how to change strings on the Fretlight Video page.
Q:Q:Q:Q: What is the Fretlight Dual Footswitch?What is the Fretlight Dual Footswitch?What is the Fretlight Dual Footswitch?What is the Fretlight Dual Footswitch?
A: The Fretlight footswitch is a device which allows you to have hands-free
operation of “Fretlight Ready” programs with just the tap of your foot! It’s especially
useful when using the Chord & Scale Library in the Fretlight Studio
software to step-thru a user created QuickStep™ Playlist.
Q:Q:Q:Q: How do I purchase more interactive video lessons? How do I purchase more interactive video lessons? How do I purchase more interactive video lessons? How do I purchase more interactive video lessons?
A: Additional Fretlight Ready video lessons may be purchased at www.fretlight.com or
through any authorized Fretlight reseller. Look for the “5 Compatible” logo to make
sure it’s designed for your Fretlight 5 guitar.
Q:Q:Q:Q: Does Fretlight 5 require an internet connection? Does Fretlight 5 require an internet connection? Does Fretlight 5 require an internet connection? Does Fretlight 5 require an internet connection?
A: No. Just connect your Fretlight 5 guitar to your PC or Mac with the Fretlight USB
cable, launch your Fretlight software and away you go!
Q:Q:Q:Q: My Fretlight 5 only has 5 frets of lights. Why?My Fretlight 5 only has 5 frets of lights. Why?My Fretlight 5 only has 5 frets of lights. Why?My Fretlight 5 only has 5 frets of lights. Why?
A: The Fretlight 5 is economically designed to have LED lights in only the first 5 frets.
Virtually everything you learn as a beginner can be played in that area of the
fretboard. When it’s time to advance, the Fretlight FG-500 series guitars will light up
the entire fretboard.
Q:Q:Q:Q: Do I have to use the guitar with the lights on?Do I have to use the guitar with the lights on?Do I have to use the guitar with the lights on?Do I have to use the guitar with the lights on?
A: No, you don’t. We absolutely encourage you to try to memorize your chords and
scales so you can continue your guitar playing anywhere!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Page 10
Page 11
Problem Possible Cause(s) Solution
I hear buzzing on the
strings and frets—
what’s going on?
• Player is playing the guitar too hard
• Your guitar may need a slight
adjustment.
Note: Note: Note: Note: Wooden necks (on every guitar)
will absorb and shed water (humidity).
This can bow the neck upward or
backward, which can cause the buzzing
that you hear on the strings and frets.
• Try playing the guitar a little softer.
• A simple and routine truss rod adjustment
or guitar “set-up” can solve most fret buzz
issues. See “Adjusting the Neck of your
Fretlight 5” on page 12.
Note: Note: Note: Note: It is common for all guitars to need a
“tune-up” a couple times a year when the
weather changes. If you’re not comfortable
doing this yourself, contact your local luthier
or guitar technician.
LED lights are only
showing the demo
pattern or not lighting
properly.
• Software
• Fretlight 5 is not plugged in properly
• USB issues
• Footswitch
• Unplug your Fretlight 5 and restart your
computer. After restart, plug the Fretlight 5
in and launch the appropriate software.
Be sure that only one one one one Fretlight program is
running at a time.
• Make sure both ends of the Fretlight 5 cable
are fully inserted into the guitar and your
computer.
• Ensure that your Fretlight 5 is plugged into
a ROOT USB port on your computer.
Unplug all other USB devices.
• If you have the Fretlight footswitch plugged
in, try clicking either button. Sometimes the
footswitch is setup to “Turn lights on/off”.
Go to preferences of the software program
you are using and make sure that lights are
enabled in the “ON” position.
The Fretlight Studio is
not opening or is
giving error messages.
• Old software • Corrupted software • Incompatible software
Go to www.fretlight.com and download the
latest version of the Fretlight Studio for the
Beginner. Before installing, make sure to turn
off any anti-virus programs.
Troubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting GuideTroubleshooting Guide
Optek Music Systems, Inc. warrants all Fretlight 5 guitars against defects in workmanship
and/or materials for a term of 1-year from the receipt of product. See www.fretlight.com
for more details.
1111----Year Limited Warranty for Fretlight 5Year Limited Warranty for Fretlight 5Year Limited Warranty for Fretlight 5Year Limited Warranty for Fretlight 5
