Consumer Critique: Chord Boss

Many people love music, and might love the idea of playing but don't have the time to learn. Or they might be held back because of dexterity challenges. I recently had the chance to try out a product that aims to eliminate those obstacles -  Chord Boss™.

The gadget is designed to help anyone of all ages and abilities be able to play guitar. It fits on standard guitar necks and then slides up and down to help play bar-style chords. With Chord Boss™, you can play up to 24 chords, all along the guitar neck. Built with care in the USA, Chord Boss™ is sturdy and precise yet gentle on fingers and fretboards.

Ken Leonard, co-Creator of Chord Boss™, says, “Chord Boss™ is truly for everyone, the novice who has never picked up a guitar or the musician who gave it up decades ago and wants to pick it up again. Even if you have lost the partial or full use of your fingers or your sense of touch, Chord Boss™ lets you return to the guitar fret board and play the music you love again.”

It was interesting to use. I was intrigued by the title and curious how a device could help play so many chords so easily. Once I got it, it quickly made sense. I will say that it's not instantaneous - there is a learning curve, whether you're an experienced guitar player or a beginner. However, once I got the hang of it, I could see why it would be such a great product, especially for people who maybe have short fingers and have a hard time reaching all the strings, or have arthritis or other fine motor challenges.

I had a chance to learn more in this interview with Ken Leonard.

Why did you create the Chord Boss?

I am a co-creator of the Chord Boss actually. It’s a great story. I was working in a recording studio when an artist came in to record. He pulled out his guitar and this plastic block for his left hand to play it. His fingers were twisted and unusable from years of repetitive motion. I recognized his problem from when I used to teach near a steel town in Ohio. The men would come to the store for guitar lessons and were unable to learn because their hands and fingers were so damaged from years of repetitive work. In the recording studio, this song writer BARRY DAVIS had created this block of plastic that allowed him to play simple chords and write beautiful music. I made some suggestions for changes from my experience of professional teaching and playing and added the idea of the button to expand the chord possibilities.

We found that the CHORD BOSS was great not only for people with finger or hand problems but that it allowed anyone to quickly play the instrument. With in hours actually.

 

What makes guitar a good activity for anyone?

Playing guitar is a great hobby! Its totally comfortable to take anywhere ( unlike a harp or piano that also play complex sounds)

It’s a hobby that never gets boring. There are endless songs and endless chord combinations..like mixing paint.. beautiful sounds seem to always mix and come out.

Chord Boss is also totally affordable…a half way decent guitar starts at a little over $100 dollars.

I find playing guitar very relaxing. It calms my nerves and gives me an alternative for the little free time I have…(as opposed to turning on the TV.)

 

What are your favorite songs to start with on guitar?

 I love “sing along” songs. It gets my friends and family involved and makes them happy too!

Songs like Margaritaville, Stand By Me, Drift Away have maybe 3 or 4 chords, are very simple to learn and are super good relaxing ice breakers at family gatherings or parties.

For the Holidays  I enjoy all my Christmas favorites.. Frosty, Jingle Bells, and silent night…all have maybe 3 three chords and take about 20 minutes to learn and memorize!

  

Find Chord Boss on Social Media at:

 

https://www.facebook.com/My-Chord-Boss

https://twitter.com/mychordboss

@mychordboss on both FB and twitter

In the music and entertainment industry, Ken Leonard has been Composer, Conductor, Arranger, Musician and a Master Studio Engineer. His professional associations and accomplishments include the “National Legends Show”, the Cleveland Orchestra, Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, winner of the “John Lennon” Songwriting Contest as well as extensive arranging and performing with live stage orchestras and theatrical events. He has been chief sound engineer for such clients as Lou Reda Productions, History Channel, History Radio Network, TSCI Productions as well as TV, Radio and Jingle production companies and affiliates.