An interactive guitar fretboard for the Linux terminal

Ιουν 01 2025

Interested in Linux TUI applications? Learning how to play guitar? What about the CAGED system?

I suppose that you have already skipped this article.

Otherwise, let me introduce you to Geekar: a guitar learning application for the Linux terminal.

Features

Let's install it.

First, install fluidsynth using the package manager of your Linux distribution.

Then, run:

pipx install geekar

and 

geekar

The terminal shows this - or I hope so:

Geekar initial page Geekar initial page

It is an empty guitar fretboard.

Let's add some stuff on it. E.g., select the C major scale:

Geekar C Major C Major on Geekar

Show the note names of the selected scale:

Geekar scale notes C Major notes

Or the triad of the fifth degree (G-B-D):

Geekar fifth degree triads Triad of the 5th degree

Or just the degree numbers of the scale:

Geekar degrees Degree numbers

Let's add some colors. Fold the Settings section - just click on Settings and unfold the CAGED section.

Select some -or all- of the patterns of the CAGED system:

Geekar CAGED CAGED system

Do the same for any key. Or change the scale type. These are the scales supported:

  • Major
  • Natural minor
  • Major pentatonic
  • Minor pentatonic

Unfold the Play section and play the scale. Geekar suggests the finger that should be used.

Geekar Play Playing the C major

The fretboard is interactive. Click on it and listen to the corresponding pitch.

Technology and others

The application has been written with the textualize framework. Guitar is not the only musical instrument created with textualize. There is also a piano; I have borrowed ideas and even some code from it.

Geekar has been created by human beings for human beings. It is a free and open source project. It contains bugs. Be kind and report them.

Happy practising.