An invention using a data processing system, herein called the Pitch Processing
System, comprising a Pitch Processing Module, a User Control Module, a transducer,
software, and signal processing techniques integrated into an electric stringed
musical instrument. The system automatically and dynamically provides pitch alteration
of the instrument without requiring human or electromechanical intervention to
physically change string tension. The system corrects unintentional pitch drift
and intonation errors, and provides intentional pitch altering techniques for temperament
changes, altered tuning styles, and pitch bending. The result is a pitch altered
signal output from the instrument. Embodiments herein include a variety of input/output
signal configurations for both analog and digital interfaces to support maximum
flexibility of the Pitch Processing System.