GarageBand-Like 3D Guitar Learning System Launched

iPerform3D has launched what it calls “the world's first and only 3D guitar learning system” online. Bearing the company's name, iPerform3D uses motion-capture and 3D animation technology allowing the user to move the mouse and turn the camera to any angle, essentially getting a better view of how their fingers should slide over the chords. iPerform3D requires Mac OS X 10.3.9 or later and is available to try out for free for five full days.

Although resembling GarageBand's latest additions quite a lot, iPerform3D does some extra tricks. For instance, full camera controls enable users to rotate and angle the camera to point in the desired direction. The video can be set to a slower pace, to help beginners better track the movement of the fingers, while the sound also slows to the same user-defined pace. Best of all, this doesn't distort the original pitch.

A list of lessons that users can search through by type, genre or difficulty is available. Each lesson provides three different sections: a video introduction with an instructor: a 3D animation portion; and a backing track with a tab guide that allows users to exercise based on the respective lesson.

“Why is iPerform3D the best way to learn guitar online? Because no other online system offers our patented 3D learning technology,” the company says. “Called MoCap360, this breakthrough system goes way beyond video to let you control every aspect of your lesson: speed, camera viewing angle, camera distance, and more. MoCap360 employs the same technology used to create today’s sophisticated video games. We record the intricate details of guitar rhythms, riffs, solos, and songs as played by top touring and session musicians. We then turn these lessons into amazing interactive experiences, accessible online 24/7.”

iPerform3D lets users interact with guitar and song lessons in ways that weren't possible before, the company claims. Main features include:

· Rotate and zoom the “virtual” camera angle to view either hand from any distance
· Watch the instructor's technique - even from “behind” and "through" the neck
· Slow the action and the sound while maintaining pitch
· Loop a riff or song section to play along as many times as you want, without rewinding
· Call up video, tab, and backing tracks on demand.

After benefiting from the free five-day trial, those who decide to buy will pay $40 for a beginner's course, or $30 for one month's subscription, $50 for three months, or $140 for a full year. Visit iPerform3D here for more information.