There’s an app out there for pretty much anything and everything. Guitar apps can be especially tedious to choose from, with so many options and new ones being added each year.
So which guitar apps will hit the right chord with you, figuratively and literally, and have you happily strumming away? That depends on what you are looking for in an app.
How to pick the best guitar apps for you
Before you start the hunt for the best guitar apps, here are a few things to consider.
Do you want to replace guitar lessons or just supplement them?
Are you self-taught, or do you want to wean off lessons as you get more familiar with your six-string?
What level are you at, and what level do you want to reach? An app that works well for more seasoned guitarists might seem too complex for beginners.
Can you access your favorite tunes on the app?
How will the app perform on the go so you can squeeze in some extra practice time while out and about? Here are some awesome practice tips that might come in handy. After all, practice makes perfect!
How does the app help you augment and strengthen your trouble spots?
Answering these questions will save you from testing out dozens of apps, time that’s better spent jamming!
Here’s a list of the best guitar apps that can help you learn songs, improve rhythm, and chart out your fretboard.
Top 10 best guitar apps
1. The Metronome App by Soundbrenner
The app's top rating on both Google Play and the App Store speaks volumes about its usability and efficacy. The Metronome App by Soundbrenner is a free resource every guitarist needs to have on their phones.
A fun bonus is getting your phone to flash with your metronome rhythms. You can monitor your timing with less effort while still keeping the training wheels on! Pair this with the Soundbrenner Core 2, and you have everything you need to practice pretty much anywhere! The Core is also equipped with a contact tuner, which is handy for tuning your guitar in any setting.
Its most distinctive feature is its impressive range of speed settings, starting from 20 bpm all the way up to 400 bpm. The app also features one of the widest arrays of time signatures, ranging from the common 4/4 to the harder-to-find 11/8.
Saving your metronome rhythm playlists is another plus the app offers. It makes them easier to pull up on the go and allows you to convert wait time into practice time.
2. GarageBand
A great free option for veteran guitarists, GarageBand converts your iPad or Mac into a recording studio. You can record up to 32 tracks whenever impromptu inspiration strikes! Just plug in your guitar, choose from its library of effects and amps, and start making music right away.
3. Chordify
Chordify’s most prominent feature is its integration with YouTube. Combine that with its ability to identify tunes and auto-sync them, and you’ve got yourself a pretty useful app, all at a low price point.
4. Real Guitar
An app that stands out among guitar simulator apps, Real Guitar is available for both Android and iOS. It can simulate both electric and acoustic guitars, or the best of both (Electro-Acoustic) if that’s your style. The app lets you create, record, and play songs all on one platform.
5. Justin Guitar
A great app by Justin Sandercoe for beginners, it breaks down complex tunes into manageable practice steps. It’s great for improving your timekeeping. The app is available for Android and iOS, offering one of the largest song libraries and in-app progress trackers.
6. Fender Play
If Billie Eilish can write "Bad Guy" in a bedroom with Fender Play, you can get your tune of choice under your fingers at home. With more than 3000 lessons to choose from and personalized lesson plans tailored to each guitarist’s unique style, the app has something for all experience levels and styles. Fender Play offers a high-class service that costs less than traditional guitar tutoring.
7. Yousician
Yousician guides you through guitar tuning and finger positioning, making it a great replacement for one-on-one guitar lessons. It listens to your practice sessions and offers personalized guidance through videos and instructions.
8. Boss Tuner App
Regular tuning is essential for the optimal performance of your instrument. The Boss Tuner does just that, and it does it well. It can tune instruments ranging from A#0 (29.14Hz) all the way up to G8 (6.2kHz). A must-have app for guitarists at all levels.
9. Ultimate Guitar: Chords & Tabs
This app boasts a gigantic online catalog of over 1.6 million tabs and lyric sheets. Catering to almost all guitar styles, this app offers backing tracks and very compatible chord charts. It is also known for its Dark mode, which lets musicians play seamlessly on stage.
10. Solo
An app best suited for visual learners, Solo guides the user through chord navigation and helps them scale tones. Designed with lots of cool challenges, there’s never a dull moment when jamming with Solo.
Ready to play better?
Getting the right apps is just the start of the game. Treat yourself to some essential jamming gear that will truly elevate your performance. For more tips on getting the most out of your apps, check out this article.
About Soundbrenner
We're on a mission to make music practice addictive. Our products are the ultimate companion for every practice session. And they're made for you. We serve all musicians, across all instruments and from beginners to professionals. Click here to learn more.
Do you have a question about Soundbrenner or our products? Contact us, we'd love to hear from you!
Read this next
