The q chord is a fun & amazing musical instrument by Suzuki. It allows people to play chords by pressing 1, 2, or 3 buttons simultaneously, for a total of 84 chord combinations. The instrument is played by pressing the chord buttons with 1 hand while strumming or tapping an electronic strumplate (like strings) with the other. If you can read guitar chords, like g7 or gm (g minor) you can play the q!

Also, the 36 chord buttons are arranged in the circle of fifths, as in an autoharp or accordion, putting chords associated with a given key within very easy reach.

Features include:

• Can sound like 100 different instruments;
• Requires minimal pressure to press the chord buttons, & chord buttons need not be held down, making it an ideal instrument for those with limited manual dexterity;
• 10 built-in rhythms, 30 more (total of 40) with optional rhythm cartridge;
• Backup accompaniments, which can be silenced or played individually, that can make you sound like you're playing with a whole band;
• Prerecorded song cartridges with which you can strum along & sound like a pro!
• Powered by batteries or AC adapter;
• Lightweight & very portable, about 3.5 pounds--great to take anywhere there's going to be singing or anywhere you want there to be!
• Midi in & out capabilities, so you can record your music on your pc (special hardware & software required);

Although the q chord does make rather heavy use of L.E.D.'s, visually impaired persons (VIP's) can nonetheless use the q chord successfully. To download a manual for use of the q chord by the visually impaired, go to: q chord manual MS Word Document or q chord manual plain text

The manual is free in any e format, $5 for cassette when paying by check, & $5.50 when paying by credit card. If you have Braille translation software, I encourage you to download the e-format you wish & print it yourself--the charges are only to cover necessary costs of reproduction, cassettes, envelopes, shipping, etc. You are not denying me anything by doing this, & are in fact saving me a hassle. The braille manual is no longer supported.

Feel free to distribute the manual, provided the following distribution terms are met:

• The manual is unmodified & the copyright notice remains attached;
• Credit is given to the author; &
• No charge for the manual may be levied, save for reasonable reproduction & shipping costs.

Should you desire e-formats other than those available on this site, or if you wish to purchase a q chord, please send your request to Jackie McBride

Want to check out some songs? To download songs which make use of the q chord, go to:

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(c) 2001 by Jackie McBride, All rights Reserved