Moreover, it was solidly constructed, and even through my tiny practice amp provided a warm and substantial sound. It at least looked like a regular guitar. When I opened the packaging to reveal my review unit, a handsome FG-421 Standard in what Optek calls 'Renegade Red,' I was relieved. Its companion software package is a unique set of applications and training exercises designed to teach everything from guitar tuning to music theory. These lights react to instructions from the second component of the system. Throughout the training process, unmistakable visual cues are provided through a series of – wait for it – 'fret lights' mounted beneath the guitar’s fingerboard.

It’s most recognizable component is its specially designed FretLight guitar. Optek’s innovative approach to musical education is two-pronged. Yet while outlets from South Park to XKCD are quick to point out the not-too-subtle difference between playing an instrument and playing a game, Optek Music Systems looks to blur the line between string-picking and button-mashing with their FretLight Interactive Learning System. The guitar-based rhythm game explosion of the latter half of this decade, however, proves that if nothing else everyone at least wants to play guitar. In 1993, Radiohead assured us that 'Anyone Can Play Guitar,' but, as that band is composed of admitted creeps and/or weirdos, this supposition is suspect.

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