We’ve all been there. That guitar sits in the corner, collecting dust while you promise yourself that this time, you’ll actually learn it. For me, it was the third attempt in five years, and I was starting to wonder if I’d ever get past the “maybe someday” stage.
Then Simply Guitar ads started following me everywhere online. My phone, my laptop, even when I was just trying to watch some fishing videos on YouTube. Finally, I gave in. I thought, “All right, universe. I get it. Let’s see what this is about.”
Here’s what I discovered after actually using it.
What Simply Guitar Actually Is
Simply Guitar comes from the same team behind Simply Piano, so they’ve been in the music education game for a while. What immediately stood out was their approach: no overwhelming music theory, no pressure to master seventeen scales before playing your first song. Just pick up your guitar and start making music.
As someone with a piano background who’s helped others learn instruments, this philosophy makes sense. Most people don’t want to audition for the Grand Ole Opry. They just want to play a few songs around the campfire or jam along to their favorites.
Getting Started and How It Works
Setting up took about five minutes. Download the app, answer a few questions about your experience level and musical preferences, and you’re ready to go.
Here’s where it gets interesting: the app listens to your playing through your phone’s microphone. I was skeptical at first. How could a phone mic accurately pick up guitar notes? Surprisingly, it worked better than expected. You tap to start a lesson, follow along with what’s on screen, and get instant feedback. That immediate “yes, you got it” or “try again” response actually helps build confidence quickly.
The lessons are laid out clean and simple. No confusing menus or rabbit holes of music theory. Just step-by-step content that makes sense, like having that one chill teacher who never made you feel bad about messing up.
Pricing and Features
Simply Guitar runs on a subscription model at about $10 per month if you pay annually. One nice perk: this covers up to five people. If your kid wants to learn or your partner’s been eyeing that dusty guitar, you’re all set.
The song library includes actual music you’d want to play, not just “Mary Had a Little Lamb” on repeat. They’ve got newer tracks mixed with classics, so you’re learning songs you actually know and enjoy.
Built-in tools include a tuner, metronome, and the ability to slow songs down when you’re struggling. That looping feature for tricky parts became my best friend. Most lessons focus on open chords (G, C, D, E minor) and how to switch between them without your fingers feeling like they’re tied in knots. For brand new players, this is exactly where you need to start.
The Real Talk: Pros and Cons
What Works:
For beginners, Simply Guitar does a solid job. The lessons are bite-sized and easy to follow. You’re playing real songs quickly, sooner than you’d expect with traditional methods. The song choices keep you engaged, mixing contemporary hits with classics. When you’re practicing along to something you actually like, it doesn’t feel like work.
The Downsides:
That note detection is hit or miss. Sometimes it gave me credit when I clearly botched a chord. Other times it flagged me even when I played correctly, which messed with my confidence.
If you’ve already got the basics down (open chords, basic strumming patterns), you might hit a wall pretty quick. It’s great for getting your feet wet, but if you’re looking to dive into lead guitar, fingerstyle, or advanced techniques, you’ll need to look elsewhere once you outgrow this.
Also, the app occasionally crashed when my phone got calls or texts. Not a dealbreaker, but definitely annoying when you’re in the zone.
How It Compares to Alternatives
I tried Yousician while researching options. Where Simply Guitar keeps things simple and focused on getting you playing chords and strumming songs, Yousician throws a lot more at you right off the bat: scales, sight reading, lessons for other instruments. Is it more comprehensive? Sure. But it can feel overwhelming when you just want to play a few songs.
If your goal is playing around a campfire or jamming along to your favorites, Simply Guitar hits the sweet spot. But if you’re interested in music theory or getting into technical details, you might outgrow it faster than you’d like.
Neither app replaces a real teacher, but if lessons aren’t in the budget right now or you prefer learning at your own pace, this is a decent starting point.
The Bottom Line
If you’re brand new to guitar and want to start without stress and confusion, Simply Guitar is a solid choice. It’s simple, friendly, and gets you making music way faster than traditional methods. The price is reasonable, especially for multiple household members. Learning real songs instead of just exercises keeps you motivated and moving forward.
The note detection issues and limited advanced content are worth considering, but for complete beginners taking their first steps with guitar, these limitations won’t stop you from building a solid foundation.
Ready to finally learn guitar? Stop letting that instrument collect dust in the corner. Whether you choose Simply Guitar or another method, the important thing is to start today. Download the app, tune that guitar, and commit to practicing just 15 minutes a day. Three months from now, you’ll be amazed at what you can play. Your future self will thank you for taking that first step right now.
