Music, they say, is the universal language that transcends borders and cultures. Learning to play the guitar opens the door to this extraordinary language, allowing us to express our emotions and creativity through melodious chords and harmonious strums.

In the pursuit of this harmonious journey, we find ourselves in an age where technology meets music, offering a wide array of guitar learning apps. These apps cater to various skill levels and genres, making it easier than ever to take up the guitar or refine your existing skills.

Let’s dive into the world of guitar learning and explore the top contenders – the best app to learn guitar that resonates with your musical dreams.

9 Guitar Learning Apps to Elevate Your Skills

1. Simply Guitar – Learn Guitar

“Simply Guitar – Learn Guitar” by JoyTunes is an intuitive and user-friendly app designed to make learning guitar fun and easy for beginners of all ages. It offers step-by-step tutorials created by world-class music teachers and provides real-time feedback to enhance the learning experience.

Main Features:

• Step-by-step video tutorials for learning guitar.
• Real-time feedback on playing accuracy.
• Wide range of songs and lessons added regularly.
• Techniques covering guitar fundamentals, chords, strumming, and more.
• Professional tuner included for tuning guitars.
• Suitable for all ages and works with any guitar.
• Track progress and receive tips and tricks for playing correctly.

Pros:

• Interactive and engaging learning experience.
• Suitable for beginners with no prior experience.
• Variety of songs and lessons catering to different tastes.

Cons:

• Some advanced features and content may require in-app purchases.
• Relies on the device’s microphone for feedback, which may not always be accurate.

Best For: Beginners and music enthusiasts of all ages looking to learn guitar in a fun, interactive way.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases. Full Access at $19.99, Simply Guitar Premium at $119.99.

2. Fender Play

Fender Play is a comprehensive guitar learning app developed by the renowned guitar brand Fender. It offers a structured learning path with easy-to-follow lessons and a vast library of songs, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate players.

Main Features:

• Structured learning paths for guitar, bass, and ukulele.
• High-quality video lessons with experienced instructors.
• Extensive song library across various genres.
• Techniques covering chords, riffs, and strumming patterns.
• Progress tracking and personalized lesson recommendations.
• Community access for support and motivation.

Pros:

• Professional and structured approach to learning.
• Wide range of lessons and songs.
• Supportive community for learners.

Cons:

• Subscription required for full access to content.
• May not cater to advanced players seeking specialized techniques.

Best For: Beginners and intermediate players looking for a structured and comprehensive approach to learning guitar.

Pricing: Free trial available. Subscription plans start at $9.99 per month.

3. Justin Guitar Lessons & Songs

Justin Guitar Lessons & Songs is an app created by renowned guitar instructor Justin Sandercoe. It offers a personalized approach to learning guitar, with a focus on practical playing skills and a vast selection of songs.

Main Features:

• Over 1,000 lessons and songs curated by Justin Sandercoe.
• Personalized lesson plans based on skill level and goals.
• Techniques covering chords, scales, strumming, and fingerpicking.
• Interactive exercises and practice routines.
• Song lessons with play-along tracks.
• Progress tracking and practice reminders.

Pros:

• Personalized and practical approach to learning.
• Extensive content for players of all levels.
• Renowned instructor with a proven teaching method.

Cons:

• Some content and features require a subscription.
• Focuses more on practical playing than music theory.

Best For: Guitar learners of all levels seeking a personalized and practical approach to improve their playing skills.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases. Subscription options available.

4. Gibson – Learn & Play Guitar

“Gibson – Learn & Play Guitar” is an app designed by the iconic guitar brand Gibson, offering a comprehensive learning experience for guitar enthusiasts. It’s suitable for beginners and intermediate players who want to learn guitar at their own pace with guidance from some of the world’s best guitarists.

Main Features:

• Full learning course across multiple music genres, from beginner to pro levels.
• Real-time feedback on playing accuracy.
• A vast library of songs and lessons updated weekly.
• Slow down lessons/songs, create loops for effective practice.
• Features like a professional tuner and metronome included.
• Training Calendar to establish a structured learning routine.
• Gibson TV with original series on guitars, music, and culture.

Pros:

• Extensive course content developed by world-class guitar teachers.
• Real-time feedback enhances the learning process.
• Variety of songs and genres to keep learning engaging.

Cons:

• Some advanced features require a subscription.
• May not cater to advanced guitarists looking for specialized techniques.

Best For: Beginners and intermediate guitar players seeking a structured and comprehensive learning experience.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases. Yearly subscription at $119.99, monthly at $19.99.

5. Yousician

Yousician is a versatile app for learning guitar, bass, and singing, offering interactive lessons that are fun and educational. It’s ideal for musicians of all levels, from complete beginners to professionals, and even music teachers.

Main Features:

• Interactive lessons for guitar, bass, and singing across various skill levels.
• Over 10,000 lessons, exercises, and songs by popular artists.
• Real-time feedback and step-by-step tutorials.
• Learning path designed by expert music teachers.
• Weekly Challenges to compete with friends and Yousicians worldwide.
• Supports guitar, bass, and singing with a focus on practical skills.

Pros:

• Comprehensive learning tool for multiple instruments.
• Engaging and interactive method suitable for all skill levels.
• Regularly updated content keeps learning fresh and exciting.

Cons:

• Subscription required for full access to all features.
• May not replace the need for in-person music lessons for some learners.

Best For: Anyone interested in learning guitar, bass, or singing, from beginners to advanced musicians.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases. Premium Plus yearly plan at $139.99, monthly at $29.99.

6. Real Guitar – Lessons & Chords

Real Guitar is an app that simulates a real guitar experience, offering a range of tools and lessons for learning and practicing guitar. It’s suitable for both beginners and experienced players who want to practice or learn guitar without needing a physical instrument.

Main Features:

• 100 lessons covering various guitar techniques and styles.
• Full 22-fret scale to explore the entire fretboard.
• Solo and Chord Mode for versatile playing.
• Adjustable scale size and over 1500 chords in the library.
• High-quality sound with a range of instruments.
• Recording mode to capture and share music.
• Interactive loops for play-along practice.

Pros:

• Realistic guitar simulation for effective practice.
• Extensive lessons and chords library.
• Useful for practicing guitar quietly and conveniently.

Cons:

• Lacks the physical feel of a real guitar.
• Some features require a premium subscription.

Best For: Guitar learners and enthusiasts who want a convenient and comprehensive tool for practicing guitar on their mobile devices.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases. Premium Version at $1.99, Remove Ads at $1.99.

7. Guitar Chords, Tabs & Games

“Guitar Chords, Tabs & Games” by Gismart is a versatile app designed for both aspiring and seasoned guitarists. It offers a realistic guitar simulation, making it possible to practice chords, create music, and play games directly on your device.

Main Features:

• Different types of guitars: Classical, Acoustic, Electric, and 12 String Guitar.
• Modes for left and right-handed players, various strumming patterns, and solo note animation.
• Extensive library of guitar chords and tabs.
• Realistic guitar sounds recorded from live guitars.
• Features like a professional tuner and metronome.
• Subscription-based access to premium features like all songs and instruments unlocked, new songs weekly, and ad-free experience.

Pros:

• Wide variety of guitar types and playing modes.
• Realistic sound quality enhances the playing experience.
• Useful for practicing guitar chords and songs.

Cons:

• Some advanced features and content are locked behind a subscription.
• May not fully replicate the experience of playing a real guitar.

Best For: Beginners and guitar enthusiasts looking for a convenient way to practice and learn guitar chords and songs on their mobile devices.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases. Full Access at $5.99, Best Guitar Simulator Game at $9.99, Full Access to Pro Features at $5.99.

8. TrueFire Guitar Lessons

TrueFire Guitar Lessons is a comprehensive app offering access to over 50,000 video guitar lessons, 30,000 guitar tabs, and 20,000 jam tracks. It covers all levels, techniques, and styles, making it suitable for guitarists of all skill levels.

Main Features:

• Over 50,000 video guitar lessons and 30,000 guitar tabs.
• Wide range of styles including blues, jazz, rock, country, and more.
• Lessons from top artists and educators like Joe Bonamassa, Steve Vai, and Tommy Emmanuel.
• Free downloadable guitar course and 10 Guitar Licks You MUST Know.
• All Access Subscription for unlimited streaming access to all lessons.
• Certified by Kokoa Education Standard – Finland.

Pros:

• Extensive library of lessons and songs.
• High-quality instruction from renowned guitarists.
• Suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced players.

Cons:

• Subscription required for full access to content.
• May be overwhelming for complete beginners due to the vast amount of content.

Best For: Guitarists of all levels looking for a wide range of high-quality guitar lessons and resources.

Pricing: Free trial available. Subscription plans start at $29.99 per month, with an annual plan at $249.99.

9. Monster Chords: Fun with Music

Monster Chords is a unique and engaging app designed to make learning guitar and ukulele fun for beginners, especially children. It gamifies the learning process, making it an enjoyable experience for young learners.

Main Features:

• Over 50 levels of gameplay with cute and adorable monsters.
• Easy-to-understand chord diagrams and video tutorials.
• Range of songs to choose from, including classic and original compositions.
• Composer Mode to create your own songs.
• Guitar tuner mini-game for tuning practice.
• Certified by Kokoa Education Standard – Finland.
• Monthly subscription for unlimited access to all content.

Pros:

• Fun and interactive way to learn chords for kids.
• Variety of songs and levels to keep learners engaged.
• Composer Mode adds creativity to the learning process.

Cons:

• Targeted mainly at young beginners, may not suit advanced players.
• Subscription required for full access to content.

Best For: Young beginners and children who want to learn guitar or ukulele in a fun and interactive way.

Pricing: Free with in-app purchases. Monthly subscription at $1.99.

How to Choose the Best Guitar Learning App?

Selecting the ideal guitar learning app from the plethora of choices may feel overwhelming. With each app promising to teach you how to play the guitar, making the right choice can be a challenge.

To help you navigate this decision-making process, we’ve crafted a comprehensive guide. This guide will walk you through essential factors to consider when searching for online guitar lessons.

1. Content and Curriculum: Guitar learning apps cover a broad spectrum of content and curriculum. Ensure that the app you choose matches your skill level, whether you’re a beginner seeking foundational lessons or an intermediate/advanced player aiming to master advanced techniques. Pay attention to the genres and techniques covered, ensuring they align with your learning goals, whether it’s rhythm, soloing, jazz, or fingerstyle.

2. User Experience: A smooth and user-friendly learning experience is essential when selecting a guitar learning app. The user interface and overall experience should be intuitive and enjoyable, allowing you to concentrate on learning rather than navigating complex menus. Whether you prefer tab-based apps like Ultimate Guitar or interactive, game-like experiences like Yousician, opt for an app that resonates with your learning style.

3. Quality of Lessons: Both the app’s quality and the quality of its lessons are paramount. Video lessons should be comprehensive, well-paced, and ideally offer multiple camera angles for a holistic view. Engaging instructors and effective teaching methods are critical for a successful learning journey. If the lessons fail to resonate or your progress stalls, it may be time to explore alternative options.

4. Interactivity: Certain guitar learning apps offer interactive tools such as synced tabs, backing tracks, and progress tracking. These features enhance the learning experience, maintain motivation, and make the journey more enjoyable. Consider apps with interactive elements to supercharge your guitar learning adventure.

5. Budget/Price Range: Take your budget into account when choosing a guitar learning app. Prices vary, from free trials to more premium subscriptions. While all our recommended apps offer value for money, select the one that aligns with your preferences. Some apps provide affordable options, while others offer flexible payment structures tailored to your needs.

Ultimately, your choice should harmonize with your goals, preferences, and learning style. The world of guitar learning awaits, and with the right app, you can embark on a musical journey that’s both enjoyable and rewarding.