Is Simply Guitar worth it? After testing it, my answer is yes — for beginners.
I picked up a guitar I barely knew how to hold. Then I learned with the app for a few weeks. This review is what really happened. The good and the bad. No paid-sounding praise.
If you're a total beginner staring at a guitar wondering where to start, this is for you.
👉 Try Simply Guitar free and judge for yourself →
Quick verdict
Simply Guitar is a strong beginner app. It's friendly. It listens and gives feedback. And it makes those first scary weeks a lot less scary.
It's not flawless. Sore fingers are real. You need a real guitar. And pros will outgrow it. But for getting started, it's excellent.
Here's the snapshot.
How Simply Guitar teaches
The app listens to your guitar through the mic. You play. It grades you live. Green for right, red for try again. Instant.
That feedback loop is the magic. It's like having a patient coach in your pocket. One who never gets bored or frustrated. It kept me practicing past the sore-finger stage, which is where a lot of people quit.
Lessons build around songs you know. So you're not just drilling chords for no reason. You're working toward a real tune. That goal keeps you going. It turns practice into play.
The steps are small, too. Each lesson adds a little. You rarely feel lost. When you struggle, the app slows down and repeats. That patience is gold for beginners.
What I liked
The early wins. That's the headline. Switching chords felt impossible on day one. By the end of week one, I could do it slowly. That progress felt great. It hooked me.
I also liked learning at my own pace. No teacher watching. No pressure. I could mess up a hundred times and just try again. That freedom made me braver.
And the price felt fair. Far less than lessons. I break down the savings in my Simply Guitar coupon code guide.
👉 Start your Simply Guitar free trial →
What I disliked
I'll be honest about the rough edges. My fingertips hurt at first. That's guitar, not the app — but it's real, and it surprises people.
The mic also got confused in a loud room. I had to keep things quiet for clean feedback. And an out-of-tune guitar threw it off, so I learned to tune up first.
None of that stopped me. The wins outweighed the gripes. But it's fair to know going in. No app removes the basic work of learning guitar. It just guides it.
Who should use it
Simply Guitar fits some people better than others. Here's the honest fit.
| You are… | Good fit? |
|---|---|
| Total beginner | ✅ Excellent |
| Adult restarting guitar | ✅ Great |
| A kid (with help) | ✅ Good |
| Intermediate player | ⚠️ Maybe |
| Advanced guitarist | ❌ Outgrow it |
Starting out? It's a great pick. Already skilled? You'll want more depth. Be honest about where you are before you buy.
Simply Guitar vs other guitar apps
There are rivals out there. Simply Guitar stands out for being gentle with true beginners and song-focused. It's one of the smoothest on-ramps I've tried.
If you also play piano or want to compare, check my Simply Piano vs Simply Guitar guide. Same maker, two paths, both beginner-friendly.
Is it worth it long-term?
Here's the long view. For your first several months, it's great. You'll learn chords, strumming, and a stack of songs.
After that, it depends on your goals. If you want to go deep into advanced technique or lead guitar, you may want a teacher or more advanced tools. But as a starting point, it does its job well.
Most beginners just want to strum some songs and have fun. For that, Simply Guitar delivers. To test it risk-free, start with the free trial.
Frequently asked questions
Does Simply Guitar actually work?
For beginners, yes. It teaches chords, strumming, and real songs with live feedback. Daily practice leads to real progress. It won't replace advanced training.
Is Simply Guitar good for total beginners?
Very. It assumes you know nothing and builds from there. The feedback helps you fix mistakes fast, which speeds up learning.
Can it replace guitar lessons?
Not fully. It's great for starting and building habits. A skilled human teacher still wins for advanced technique and personal feedback.
Do I need my own guitar?
Yes. You need a real acoustic or electric guitar. The app listens to your playing, so a real instrument is a must.
Is it worth the money?
For beginners, yes. It costs far less than in-person lessons. Try the free trial first to be sure it suits you.
Will my fingers always hurt?
No. Sore fingertips are normal at first. They toughen up within a couple of weeks of regular practice.
Final thoughts
Simply Guitar is a solid, friendly way to start playing. Instant feedback. Real songs. Fair price. The sore fingers are just part of guitar, not a flaw in the app.
It's not for advanced players. But for going from zero to your first song, it's a great tool. It got me strumming in a week.
Test it free and see if it clicks. A week will tell you everything.
👉 Start your free Simply Guitar trial →
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