Ladder network circuits for controlling operation of a string of light emitting diodes (LEDS). The circuits include a number of sections connected in series. Each section includes one or more LED junctions, a variable resistive element coupled to the LED section, and a switch coupled to the variable resistive element and the LED section for controlling activation of the LED. The sections can include a transistor coupled between the switch and variable resistive element. The series of sections are connected to an AC power source, rectifier, and dimmer circuit. When receiving power from the power source, the sections activate the LEDs in sequence throughout the series of the sections. The dimmer circuit controls activation of a selection of one or more of the sections in order to activate in sequence the LEDs in only the selected sections, providing for both dimming and color control of the LEDs.