Do Guitar Learning Apps Actually Work?

As the world is changing, so is the music industry. Technology has allowed for a different way of learning instruments and recording music. This blog will answer the question Should I use guitar learning apps? What guitar learning app should I use? Is it cheaper to learn guitar using an app than in person?

We’re going to explore the question that many guitar enthusiasts are asking: do guitar learning apps actually work? With the advancement of technology, the landscape of music learning has drastically changed. In the past, aspiring musicians would have to rely solely on traditional methods such as taking lessons from a teacher, watching instructional videos (as in an ACTUAL video or DVD), or learning by ear. But now, with the advent of guitar learning apps, anyone with an internet connection has access to a wealth of guitar learning resources at their fingertips.

In this blog we are going to be exploring:

• What are the benefits of using an app to learn guitar?
• What are the limitations of using an app to learn guitar?
• What apps should I use to learn guitar?

What are the Benefits of Using Guitar Learning Apps?

Learning to play an instrument like the guitar is a rewarding experience that can bring a lot of joy and satisfaction. However, it can also be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you don’t have access to a teacher or a structured learning program. Luckily, technology has made it easier than ever to learn to play the guitar with the help of a dedicated learning app. In this blog chapter, we’ll explore the benefits of using an app to learn how to play the guitar.

1. Convenience

One of the most significant benefits of using a learning app to master the guitar is convenience. With an app, you can learn whenever and wherever you want, without having to worry about scheduling conflicts or transportation. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for people with busy schedules, as it allows them to fit in practice time whenever they have a free moment.

2. Structured Learning

Another significant advantage of using an app to learn how to play the guitar is the structured learning that it provides. Most learning apps offer a comprehensive and structured approach to learning, guiding users through various levels and skill-building exercises. This structured approach ensures that you’re progressing at an appropriate pace and building a solid foundation of skills and knowledge.

3. Customisation

Learning apps also offer customization options, allowing users to tailor their learning experience to their specific needs and interests. For example, you can choose to focus on a particular style of guitar playing, or you can customize your practice sessions to target specific areas that you want to improve. This level of customization ensures that as a learner you can really work on what you need to and stay on it for as long as you want without a bigger cost.

4. Value for Money

When you look at the differences between hiring a private music teacher, enrolling in a course or using an app to learn how to play the guitar, the app definitely comes out as the thrifty option! Hiring a private guitar teacher can be quite expensive, with hourly rates ranging from £25 to £100 or more. While private lessons can provide a personalized learning experience and immediate feedback, they may not be feasible for everyone due to the cost. In contrast, guitar learning apps usually offer a monthly or yearly subscription model, which is much more cost-effective for learners.

5. Interactivity

Learning through an app can be more engaging and interactive than traditional methods, with features like gamification, interactive tutorials, and progress tracking. Gamification refers to the use of game-like elements, such as challenges, rewards, and badges, to motivate and incentivize learners to practice and progress. Many guitar learning apps incorporate gamification features, such as levelling up, earning points, and unlocking new content as the user improves their skills.

Progress tracking is another useful feature of guitar learning apps. With progress tracking, users can monitor their performance over time and identify areas where they need to focus their practice. This can be motivating for learners, as they can see tangible progress and improvement in their skills.

What are the Limitations of Using an App to Learn How to Play the Guitar?

In recent years, many apps have emerged to help individuals learn how to play the guitar. These apps are designed to make learning the instrument easier and more convenient. However, while these apps may have some benefits, they also have some limitations that should be considered before relying solely on them for learning to play the guitar.

• One of the primary limitations of using an app to learn how to play the guitar is the lack of personalization. These apps often have a one-size-fits-all approach, with pre-designed lesson plans that may not take into account an individual’s unique learning style or skill level. This can make it difficult for individuals to progress in their guitar-playing abilities and may lead to frustration and discouragement.

• Another limitation of using an app to learn how to play the guitar is the lack of real-time feedback. While apps can provide instant feedback on some aspects of playing, such as tuning or chord placement, they cannot provide the nuanced feedback that a teacher or mentor can provide. This feedback is crucial for identifying areas that need improvement and making adjustments to technique or playing style.

• Furthermore, apps cannot replace the experience of playing with other musicians. Playing with others allows individuals to learn new techniques and styles, and to develop their musical intuition. Apps may have features that allow individuals to play along with pre-recorded tracks or simulate playing with a band, but they cannot replicate the dynamic and energy that comes from playing with other live musicians.

• Another limitation of using an app to learn how to play the guitar is the lack of motivation and accountability. Without a teacher or mentor to hold them accountable, individuals may be more likely to procrastinate or lose interest in practicing. Additionally, without the social pressure of performing for others, individuals may not feel as motivated to improve their skills or challenge themselves.

Finally, apps may not provide a well-rounded education in guitar playing. Learning to play the guitar involves more than just learning chords and scales. It also involves developing a musical ear, understanding music theory, and building a repertoire of songs to play. Apps may focus on specific aspects of guitar playing, such as chord progressions or fingerpicking, but may not provide a comprehensive education in all aspects of guitar playing.

In conclusion, while apps can be a useful tool for learning how to play the guitar, they have limitations that should be considered before relying solely on them for guitar instruction. These limitations include the lack of personalization, real-time feedback, experience playing with others, motivation and accountability, and a well-rounded education. To become a proficient guitar player, it is important to supplement app-based instruction with lessons from a teacher or mentor, as well as playing with other musicians and developing a broad understanding of music theory and repertoire.

What Apps Should I Use to Learn Guitar?

If you’re interested in learning how to play the guitar, there are many apps available that can help you get started. However, with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which apps are worth your time and which ones will provide the most effective instruction. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the best apps for learning the guitar and what they have to offer.

1. Yousician

Yousician is a popular app that offers a variety of lessons for guitar players of all skill levels. It uses a gamified approach to learning, with rewards and badges for completing lessons and challenges. Yousician offers a range of lesson types, including guitar chords, fingerpicking, and strumming patterns, as well as practice exercises and feedback on your playing. Yousician is available on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms.

2. Justin Guitar

Justin Guitar is a free app that provides video lessons and tutorials for guitar players. The lessons are designed to be easy to follow and cover a wide range of topics, including chords, scales, and music theory. Justin Guitar also offers a community forum where you can connect with other guitar players and get feedback on your playing. The app is available on iOS and Android.

3. Guitar Tricks

Guitar Tricks is a subscription-based app that offers thousands of video lessons and tutorials for guitar players. The lessons are taught by professional guitarists and cover a wide range of genres and techniques. Guitar Tricks also offers a range of tools and features, including a chord finder, metronome, and tuner. The app is available on iOS and Android.

4. Fender Play

Fender Play is another subscription-based app that offers guitar lessons for players of all skill levels. The lessons are taught by experienced guitar teachers and cover a range of styles and techniques. Fender Play also includes a range of tools and features, including a chord library, tuner, and metronome. The app is available on iOS, Android, and desktop platforms.

5. Ultimate Guitar Tabs

Ultimate Guitar Tabs is an app that provides access to a vast library of guitar tabs and chords for popular songs. The app includes interactive tabs with chord diagrams, lyrics, and playback, making it easy to learn and play along with your favourite songs. Ultimate Guitar Tabs is available on iOS and Android.

If this is the route you want to go down there are many apps available for learning how to play the guitar, each with their own unique features and benefits. The apps listed above are some of the best options available and can provide a solid foundation for developing your guitar skills. However, it’s important to remember that apps should be used as a supplement to more traditional methods of learning, such as lessons from a teacher or playing with other musicians. By combining these methods, you can become a skilled and confident guitar player.

So What Should I Do Next?

Learning how to play the guitar can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, and apps can be a great tool to help you get started. However, it’s important to remember that apps are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to learning the guitar. To become a proficient player, it’s important to supplement app-based instruction with lessons from a teacher or mentor, as well as playing with other musicians and developing a broad understanding of music theory and repertoire.

When choosing an app to learn the guitar, it’s important to consider your individual learning style and skill level. There are many apps available, each with its own unique features and benefits, so it’s important to do your research and find the app that best fits your needs.

Once you’ve chosen an app to learn the guitar, it’s important to stay motivated and dedicated to your practice. Set aside time each day or week to practice, and track your progress over time. Remember that learning the guitar takes time and patience, and don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.

In addition to using apps, it’s also important to connect with other guitar players and musicians. Joining a local music group or taking lessons from a teacher can provide valuable feedback and support, and can help you develop your skills and confidence as a player. Ultimately, the key to success in learning the guitar is to stay dedicated, motivated, and open to learning. By combining app-based instruction with traditional methods of learning and practice, you can become a skilled and confident guitar player, and enjoy all the benefits that come with making music. So hopefully we have answered your questions Should I use an app to learn the guitar? What guitar-learning app should I use? Is it cheaper to learn guitar using an app than in person?

Want to win a guitar for a fraction of the price? Head over to our competitions page to see what we have on offer!

Click me to view our competitions!