5 best apps to learn guitar: Play on your cell phone!

Discover the 5 best applications to learn guitar from your cell phone and improve your musical skills

Learning to play the guitar has never been so accessible. With the use of your cell phone, you can now learn chords, practice songs and improve your technique without leaving your home.

Here are the 5 best apps for learning guitar, which will allow you to take your practice to another level, whether you are a beginner who wants to learn from scratch or a more advanced guitarist looking to perfect your style.

These apps combine interactive tutorials, useful tools such as metronomes and tuners, and an extensive library of chords and songs to help you master the guitar from the comfort of your cell phone.

Details about guitar learning applications

Guitar learning apps have revolutionized the way musicians acquire new skills.

These apps combine traditional learning with interactive technology, allowing users to learn at their own pace and with visual and auditory resources.

It is no longer necessary to attend in-person classes or buy bulky books: with just your cell phone and one of these applications, you can start learning guitar immediately.

In general, guitar apps focus on guiding users through structured lessons that start with the basics, such as chord reading and tuning, and progress to more advanced techniques such as strumming and fingerpicking.

In addition, many of these apps offer personalized practice exercises, accompanied by video tutorials and interactive exercises that help you develop finger dexterity and playing fluency.

5 Best apps to learn guitar

Below, we'll take a look at the five best apps for learning guitar, each with unique features and specific resources that make learning guitar accessible and fun for anyone.

1. Yousician

Yousician is one of the most complete and popular applications for learning to play the guitar.

Its interactive interface is designed like a video game, in which you progress through different levels and challenges while learning musical skills.

The app offers step-by-step lessons, starting from the simplest chords to the most advanced techniques.

What sets Yousician apart is its ability to provide real-time feedback.

The app uses your device's microphone to listen to how you play, and tells you if you are playing correctly or if you need to adjust anything, whether it's finger position or rhythm.

It also includes an extensive library of popular songs that you can practice and improve while following the tutorials.

• ProsReal-time feedback, structured lessons, gradual progression.
• ConsAdvanced features are locked in the free version.

Specific functionalities:

• Personalized and practical lessons by levels.
• Real-time feedback based on what you play.
• Library of popular songs for practice.

Where to download: Google Play Store, App Store.

PriceFree with option of Premium subscription for advanced content.

Ideal forBeginner guitarists looking for a clear structure and instant feedback.

2. Fender Play

Fender Play is one of the most recommended applications for those looking to learn guitar in a structured way, as it is backed by the prestigious guitar brand Fender.

It offers high quality video lessons, taught by experienced instructors, and is designed so that you can learn both acoustic and electric guitar.

One of the most outstanding features of Fender Play is that it allows you to choose the musical style you want to learn, such as rock, blues, folk, pop or country, and the lessons are tailored according to that style.

The lessons are organized into modules that guide you from the basics to more advanced skills, making this app ideal for guitarists of all levels.

• ProsHigh quality video lessons, focus on different musical genres.
• Cons: A subscription is required to access all content.

Specific functionalities:

• Acoustic and electric guitar lessons.
• High quality videos with professional instructors.
• Extensive library of songs in various genres.

Where to download: Google Play Store, App Store.

PriceFree for the first month, then monthly or annual subscription is required.

Ideal forGuitarists who prefer to learn through structured videos and customize their learning according to the musical genre.

Justin Guitar

Justin Guitar is an application based on the popular guitar teaching website by Justin Sandercoe, a renowned guitar instructor who has taught millions of people around the world.

The app offers a clear and accessible approach, especially for beginners, with well-structured lessons and detailed explanations.

The app includes progressive lessons that teach you from how to hold the guitar, to more advanced techniques such as strumming and arpeggio.

The great thing about Justin Guitar is that the lessons are designed to be practical and straightforward, so you can start playing simple songs from the very first lessons.

In addition, it features interactive exercises to improve chord memory and the speed of chord changes.

• ProsClear, easy-to-follow lessons based on a proven method.
• ConsSome advanced lessons require a subscription.

Specific functionalities:

• Progressive lessons designed for beginners.
• Tools to practice chord changes and technique.
• Extensive library of popular songs.

Where to download: Google Play Store, App Store.

PriceFree with in-app purchases.

Ideal forBeginners looking for a clear and direct approach to learning guitar from scratch.

4. Ultimate Guitar: Chords & Tabs

Ultimate Guitar is the application of choice for millions of guitarists because of its huge library of chords and tablature.

With over a million tablatures available, you can find almost any song you want to learn, and each tablature comes with a detailed guide that shows you how to play the song note for note.

In addition to the vast collection of songs, the app offers a "Pro" mode that includes interactive lessons and the ability to adjust the tempo of the songs to practice at your own pace.

You can also create your own playlists of favorite songs and access video tutorials for specific songs.

• ProsHuge library of chords and tablatures, interactive lessons.
• Cons: Some advanced features are locked in the free version.

Specific functionalities:

• Library with more than one million chords and tablatures.
• Interactive lesson mode for learning popular songs.
• Tool to adjust the tempo and practice at different speeds.

Where to download: Google Play Store, App Store.

PriceFree with option of premium subscription for advanced features.

Ideal forGuitarists who want to learn to play popular songs and have access to a large collection of tablature.

5. GuitarTuna

GuitarTuna is an essential application for any guitarist, as it combines a highly accurate guitar tuner with a number of useful tools for practicing chords and improving technique.

Although GuitarTuna's main function is to tune the guitar, it also includes interactive games that help you memorize chords and improve your chord switching skills.

The accuracy of its tuner makes it one of the best applications available for keeping your guitar in tune anywhere.

In addition, GuitarTuna offers a simple and easy-to-use interface, making it an ideal tool for both beginners and more advanced musicians.

• ProsExtremely accurate tuner, interactive games for practicing chords.
• Cons: Guitar lessons are limited compared to other applications.

Specific functionalities:

• Advanced guitar tuner with professional precision.
• Interactive games to practice and memorize chords.
• Additional tools such as a metronome and a chord library.

Where to download: Google Play Store, App Store.

PriceFree with optional in-app purchases.

Ideal forGuitarists of any level looking for an accurate tuner and tools to improve their technique.

What to expect and what not to expect from these guitar learning apps?

Guitar learning apps can offer many benefits, but it is also important to have realistic expectations about what they can and cannot do.

Here we explain what you can expect from these apps and what their limitations are.

What to expect:

• Interactive and structured lessonsMost of these applications offer lessons that are adapted to your level, from beginner to advanced.
• Real-time feedbackSome apps, such as Yousician, give you immediate feedback so you can correct mistakes as you practice.
• Access to a wide variety of songs: Applications such as Ultimate Guitar allow you to access thousands of tablatures and chords of your favorite songs.
• Additional toolsTuners, metronomes and chord libraries are common features that enhance your learning experience.

What not to expect:

• Fully customized classesWhile apps offer you personalized lessons, they do not replace the one-on-one attention that an in-person guitar instructor can provide.
• Effortless learning: Learning to play guitar takes time and constant practice. Apps are a tool, but they do not guarantee immediate results.
• Unlimited free accessMost applications offer free versions with limited access. To unlock full functionality, you usually need to pay a subscription.

Main doubts about guitar learning applications

Are guitar applications effective?

Yes, they are effective, especially for beginners who want to learn from home. The apps offer structured lessons and interactive resources that facilitate learning.

Do I need to pay to get good results?

Free versions offer a good foundation, but premium subscriptions often include more advanced lessons and exclusive content that can accelerate your progress.

Is using an app better than taking face-to-face classes?

It depends on your needs. Apps are convenient and less expensive, but in-person classes offer personalized attention that can be invaluable for some students.

Can I learn different styles of music with these apps?

Yes, apps like Fender Play offer lessons focused on different genres of music such as rock, blues, pop and country.

Can I learn without previous knowledge of music?

Absolutely. These apps are designed for beginners and guide you from the basics to more advanced techniques.

The best guitar learning apps offer an affordable and flexible way to start or improve your guitar skills.

With structured lessons, interactive tools and a large library of songs, these apps allow you to learn at your own pace, wherever you are.

Whether you choose Yousician for its real-time feedback, Fender Play for its high-quality videos, or Ultimate Guitar for its vast collection of tablature, you're taking an important step toward becoming a skilled guitarist.

Download one of these apps and start your musical journey today!