Same company. Two apps. One big question: piano or guitar?
I tried both. Weeks on each. So this is a real head-to-head, not a feature-list guess. Which is easier to start. What they cost. And whether you can — or should — do both at once.
Let's settle it so you can pick with confidence.
👉 Try Simply Piano free → · 👉 Try Simply Guitar free →
Same company, two apps
Both come from the same team. They share the same DNA. Listen to you play. Grade you live. Teach with real songs. Build in small steps.
So the quality is similar across both. The real difference is the instrument and how each one feels to learn. That's what should drive your choice.
If you want the deep dives, I have a full Simply Piano review and a full Simply Guitar review. This post is about choosing between them.
Head-to-head comparison
Here's the quick face-off.
| Factor | Simply Piano | Simply Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Easiest first day | ✅ Slightly easier | ⚠️ Sore fingers |
| Instant feedback | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Song-based lessons | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Gear needed | Keyboard/piano | Acoustic/electric guitar |
| Early frustration | Reading notes | Finger pain, chord switches |
| Free trial | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
And a simple visual of the early learning curve.
Which is easier to start?
Piano edges it on day one. You press a key, you get a clean note. No sore fingers. The main early hurdle is reading notes and finding them.
Guitar is a bit harder at first. Your fingertips hurt. Switching chords feels clumsy. But it fades within a week or two. After that, it's smooth sailing.
So if you want the gentlest start, piano wins. If you dream of strumming and singing, the early guitar pain is worth it. Be honest about which dream pulls you more.
👉 Start with whichever calls you — Piano → or Guitar →
Pricing compared
Pricing works the same way for both. Monthly costs the most. Annual is much cheaper per month. Family is lowest per person. Both have a free trial.
So price isn't the deciding factor. They're in the same ballpark. Pick based on the instrument you want, not the cost. For the cheapest path on either, see my Simply Piano discount guide and Simply Guitar coupon guide.
Can you (and should you) do both?
You can learn both. Lots of people do. But I'd start with one. Here's why.
Learning two instruments at once splits your focus. Your hands and brain are busy enough with one. Pick the one you want most. Get comfortable. Then add the other later if you like.
If you're set on both, no judgment. Just maybe stagger them. Get one to a comfortable place first. Then bring in the second. You'll learn each one faster that way.
Which should you pick?
Quick decision guide. Read the one that sounds like you.
Pick Simply Piano if you want the easiest start, you like the idea of melodies, you're getting a kid started, or you have a keyboard handy.
Pick Simply Guitar if you want to play and sing, you love the sound of a guitar, you want something portable, or you already own a guitar.
Still unsure? Start a free trial of the one that excites you more. You'll know within a few days. Excitement is the best predictor of whether you'll stick with it.
A note on motivation
Here's something I learned. The "best" instrument is the one you'll actually practice. Don't pick piano because someone said it's "easier" if your heart wants guitar. You'll quit.
Follow the pull. If you've always wanted to strum a guitar by a campfire, get the guitar. If you've dreamed of playing piano melodies, get the piano. Your motivation matters more than the slight difficulty gap.
Frequently asked questions
Is it the same subscription for Simply Piano and Simply Guitar?
They're separate apps with separate subscriptions. Each has its own free trial. Check the family or bundle options in-app if you want both.
Which should I learn first, piano or guitar?
Pick the instrument you're most excited about. Piano is a touch easier on day one. Guitar is harder early but very rewarding. Excitement keeps you practicing.
Can I learn both at the same time?
You can, but it's easier to focus on one first. Build a habit with one instrument, then add the second later. You'll progress faster that way.
Are both good for beginners?
Yes. Both are built for total beginners, with live feedback and song-based lessons. They share the same friendly teaching style.
Which is cheaper?
They're priced about the same. Neither is clearly cheaper. Both offer a free trial and an annual plan that saves money over monthly.
Final thoughts
Simply Piano vs Simply Guitar comes down to the instrument you want. Same great teaching style. Similar prices. Both beginner-friendly.
Piano for the gentlest start. Guitar for that strum-and-sing dream. Either way, start free and see how it feels in your hands. Your excitement will point you to the right one.
👉 Try Simply Piano free → · 👉 Try Simply Guitar free →
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