1. As a USB MIDI controller

• Connect the T. Chordstrum via micro USB cable to a computer or other host device with a midi synth software installed and running.
• Select "Teensy MIDI" as MIDI input in synth software if necessary.
• Press and hold chord buttons and strum with a finger over the touch pads to play.

2. With built in audio

• Connect micro USB port of Teensy to a 5V USB power source like a power bank, USB charger or a computer. You may also power the Cordstrum using a 3.6V to 6V DC power source (like a 3xAAA battery holder with switch) soldered to the dedicated input pin holes located under the Teensy on the T. Cordstrum pcb. If using this alternate way for power, do not connect USB power at the same time, unless Vin is separated from Vusb on the Teensy pcb (see Teensy documentation).
• Connect the T. Chordstrum 3.5mm line level audio output to powered computer speakers, mixer line input, or other amplification device with line level input. The line level output of the Teensy is not able to directly power headphones or speakers.
• Mind that the instrument emits a short burst of noise when powering up. If possible, connect the audio cable or switch the amplifier on after the power on LED blinks of the Teensy.
• The default setting of the audio is playing the Omnichord style strummed sound, with no backing chord or rhythm activated. To change these settings, refer to the settings chart. You press and hold the “set” button of the Chordstrum, and then momentarily press the button corresponding to the setting you want. Release the “set” key when you are done changing settings.
• There are 16 rhytm patterns available. They may or may not be accurate to their descriptions :) They are named as follows: Hard rock (default), Disco, Reggae, Rock, Samba, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Swing, Bossa Nova, Beguine, Synthpop, Boogie, Waltz, Jazz rock, Slow rock and Oxygene.