The SmartLIGHT brand was established by Optek® Music Systems, Inc. In 1998 Optek went into partnership with Washburn International to market the Washburn SmartLIGHT Guitar. According to Washburn and Optek:

"This guitar allows people to learn and teach guitar with the aid of a computer. Alternatively, by using the SmartPORT 2 standalone box, a guitarist can illuminate chords, scales and pre-programmed progressions in any key without connecting to a computer. The guitar is equipped with inlaid LED lights in the fretboard and is available with Guitar Magic teaching software from SDG Soft, Inc. When connected to a computer, the LEDs light up chords, scales and arpeggios to show the correct fingerings, thereby establishing eye-hand-ear coordination, which simplifies learning. MIDIencoded (musical instrument digital interface) songs can also be played back through the guitar, enabling guitarists to see, hear, learn and play songs from musicians such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Carlos Santana."

Some of the SmartLight guitars were manufactured by Samick. Optek Music Systems has discontinued the SmartLIGHT brand name in favour of the Fretlight brand.