Top Guitar Learning Apps Without a Teacher
No teacher? No problem. With today’s guitar learning apps, you can start your music journey anytime, anywhere. These apps act like portable instructors—offering structured lessons, interactive feedback, and song libraries to keep you learning at your own pace.
Whether you’re a beginner or returning after a break, guitar learning apps provide tools like chord trainers, real-time feedback, and even virtual band practice. The beauty is that you don’t need private lessons to make real progress.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top guitar learning apps that make self-teaching simple, fun, and motivating—so you can stay consistent and keep improving.
1. Fender Play
Best For: Absolute beginners who want structured, easy-to-follow lessons
Platform: iOS, Android, Web
Price: ~$10/month (free trial available)
Why it’s great:
Fender Play is built for learners who want a clean, visual path to progress. You can choose your genre (rock, blues, folk, pop, or country) and follow a video-based learning track that includes songs, technique, and music theory.
Features:
- Step-by-step learning paths
- Easy progress tracking
- Huge beginner song library
- Crisp video lessons from pro teachers
2. Yousician
Best For: Gamified learners who want real-time feedback
Platform: iOS, Android, Windows, Mac
Price: Free limited access; Premium ~$15/month
Why it’s great:
Yousician turns learning guitar into a game. You play along with exercises and songs while the app listens and gives feedback on timing, accuracy, and pitch.
Features:
- Real-time scoring and corrections
- Practice plans by level
- Quizzes and mini-games
- Fun, addictive layout perfect for daily use
3. JustinGuitar App
Best For: Beginners looking for the best free lessons
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free basic content; In-app purchases available
Why it’s great:
Based on the legendary JustinGuitar website, this app gives you guided beginner courses plus a chord library, metronome, and practice scheduler.
Features:
- World-class beginner lessons
- Integrated practice assistant
- Chord trainer with progress tracking
- Song-playing tools with strumming guides
4. GuitarTuna
Best For: Tuning + handy tools in one place
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free with optional upgrades
Why it’s great:
While not a lesson app, GuitarTuna is a must-have for self-learners. It’s the most accurate and easy-to-use tuner app—and includes practice tools like chord games, scale trainers, and rhythm exercises.
Features:
- Accurate chromatic tuner
- Chord games and quizzes
- Metronome and backing tracks
- Left-handed mode
5. Ultimate Guitar: Tabs & Chords App
Best For: Learning songs by ear or tab
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free with optional Pro features
Why it’s great:
This app has the largest collection of user-uploaded guitar tabs and chords on the internet. You can search nearly any song and get versions rated by the community, plus autoscroll and chord diagrams.
Features:
- 1M+ song tabs
- Chord and tab visual guides
- Pro features: audio backing tracks, playback, and tempo control
- Great for self-learners who want to learn songs fast
6. Simply Guitar by JoyTunes
Best For: Visual learners and casual beginners
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free trial, then ~$15/month
Why it’s great:
Designed with simplicity in mind, Simply Guitar listens as you play and offers super-visual lessons, ideal for anyone intimidated by music theory or traditional methods.
Features:
- Learn chords and songs quickly
- Real-time feedback
- Clean, kid-friendly interface
- Great for daily bite-sized lessons
7. Guitar Tricks App
Best For: Self-taught players who want a deeper path
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: ~$20/month (with free trial)
Why it’s great:
This full-fledged course app lets you move from beginner basics to advanced technique in a clear, progressive order. Perfect for learners who want depth.
Features:
- Core Learning System
- 1,000+ song lessons
- In-depth blues, rock, country, and metal paths
- Slow-down and looping features for solos
8. AmpliTube or Tonebridge (Bonus: Tone Tools)
Best For: Electric players who want to sound like the pros
Platform: iOS, Android
Price: Free with paid add-ons
Why it’s great:
These apps let you plug your electric guitar into your phone or tablet and get pro-level amp tones. It’s like having dozens of amps and effects without the gear.
Features:
- Instant tone modeling
- Presets for famous songs
- Practice with real-time effects
- Ideal for home practice with headphones
Conclusion
Learning guitar without a teacher is totally achievable—and with the right app, it’s even fun. Whether you’re looking for structure, interactive feedback, song tutorials, or tone tools, these guitar apps cover all the bases.
Pick one or two that match your learning style and commit to daily practice. With consistency and the right digital guide, your guitar journey will be smooth, rewarding, and completely self-directed.
FAQs
- Can I learn guitar completely from an app?
Yes! Many self-taught players start and grow entirely through apps like Yousician, Fender Play, or JustinGuitar. - Do these apps work for acoustic and electric guitars?
Most do! Apps like JustinGuitar and Yousician work for both. Tone apps like AmpliTube are best for electrics. - Is it worth paying for a premium app?
If you’re practicing regularly, yes. Paid versions often offer structured lessons, song libraries, and full access to features. - How often should I use these apps to see progress?
Aim for 15–30 minutes a day. Short, consistent practice is better than occasional long sessions.
Do I need other gear to use these apps?
For acoustic players—just your phone and guitar. For electrics, some apps may require an interface (like iRig) to plug in for sound-based feedback.