The shirt has built-in sensors on the elbows which track arms picking imaginary chords and strumming the air, said Richard Helmer of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation.

The information is then sent by wireless technology to a computer, which generates the music.

"It's an easy-to-use, virtual instrument that allows real-time music making - even by players without significant musical or computing skills," Helmer said Monday. "It allows you to jump around and the sound generated is just like an original MP3."

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There is a serious side to the "wearable instrument shirt" - which can also play tambourine - Helmer said.

Researchers are developing health and sporting applications, such as physiotherapy devices which track postures and exercises.

"What we're trying to do is take the human form with our sensors ... and reproduce yourself in the virtual world, or the computer world.

"You can get feedback on what you're doing, and you can ... improve your technique." AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE