Circle Guitar

Circle Guitar is a rhythm machine disguised as an electric guitar. At its heart is a motor-driven wheel with picks that strum the strings, freeing the player’s strumming hand to explore new techniques like two-handed chords, mutes, harmonics, and vibrato.

The wheel’s programmable motion combines human expressiveness with sequencer-level precision, reaching speeds up to 250bpm. Each string is individually amplified and controlled by onboard faders. These six outputs, along with a standard mono out, can be routed to MIDI-synced effects, Eurorack, or a DAW. Strings can be rhythmically gated with lowpass filters to create arpeggios, sequences, and chords, all synced to the rotating wheel.

Circle Guitar merges the expressive world of guitar playing with the automation of MIDI sequencing, opening up a new, hybrid musical territory.

Circle Guitar reimagines the role of the strumming hand. Originally conceived as a device to create a never-ending strum, the first prototype was a hand-cranked wheel with plectrums. Replacing that with a motor transformed the concept, enabling musicians to interact with the guitar in entirely new ways.

The technology is protected by an international patent (UK, EU, USA) covering the use of a rotating wheel of plectrums above or below the strings of any instrument, a concept without precedent in guitar design.

While effects pedals have expanded a guitarist’s sonic palette, the core mechanics of guitar playing haven’t changed much since the 1950s. Circle introduces automation into the physical act of playing, in much the same way that MIDI sequencing transformed what was possible with synths.

By embedding a MIDI-controlled motor into the guitar itself, Circle becomes a hybrid of digital precision and analogue touch. This isn’t about playing old songs in a new way; it’s about discovering new methods of musical expression altogether.

1. Collaborative performance
Circle Guitar shines in collaborative settings. One player can shape the chords while another controls wheel rhythms or effects via pedals, Eurorack, or DAWs. It’s deeply interactive.

2. Inclusive playability
Because Circle handles timing and rhythm, players can focus purely on note choice. Even without physically touching the guitar, players can tune to a desired chord and fade strings in and out using the faders, making it accessible to people with physical impairments. Children as young as six have made great sounds from it.

3. Rhythmic uniqueness
The wheel can move in ways human hands cannot, accelerating or decelerating on logarithmic, linear, or exponential curves, and jumping instantly between rhythmic subdivisions. This enables rolls, triplets, and trap-style hihat-like flurries that are impossible with manual strumming.

4. Sonic layering
MIDI clock allows each string, routed through separate effect chains, to stay in sync with the guitar. One player can hold a chord while three distinct effects paths, each with its own rhythm and processing, create layered, evolving textures.

For example:
– Path A: Arpeggiated shimmer across strings 1-4
– Path B: Gated, distorted synth-like bass on string 6-5
– Path C: Delayed chord stabs with phasing across all strings

By fading the volume of each string up or down using the faders, or triggering paths on and off with foot pedals or buttons on the guitar body, the player can create a wide range of dynamic, evolving sounds.

5. Creative disruption
Circle breaks habitual playing patterns and unlocks fresh approaches, particularly useful in the studio to overcome creative blocks.