King of Strings: an interactive instrument that produces the sounds of guitar chords being strummed. By plucking elastic strings, this sound installation can be played by either one user or many users at once. 

Each string corresponds to a guitar chord. When a string vibrates at a certain threshold, a chord is produced using a series of components, electronic, including a computer, audio interface, amplifier, and speakers. The King of Strings is comprised of wooden housing boxes that use ratchet straps to attach to columns spaced 15-20 feet apart.  The housing boxes secure the strings to either column and hold the electronics in place needed to get a vibration reading from the strings.  There is an Arduino used along with vibration sensors to determine strings being plucked, and a computer program called Max MSP to create the sounds of guitar chords being strummed.

The King of Strings was made to bring the enjoyment and sense of accomplishment that comes from playing an instrument to people who aren't able to or don't know how to play one. Some people will never have the knowledge it takes to play an instrument, so this installation breaks down that barrier of learning and time commitment. It allows for non-musicians to have a musical experience that completely hinges upon their own input.