Gibson: Learn to Play Guitar icon
Gibson App Review: A Structured Path to Learning Guitar

by Zoundio

4.7
IOSEducation
For anyone who has struggled with scattered online tutorials, the Gibson app provides a curriculum-focused alternative. This tool structures guitar education from fundamental notes to advanced techniques, incorporating real-time feedback and a library of songs. It positions itself as a serious practice companion rather than just a song library.

Detailed Review

Gibson: Learn to Play Guitar distinguishes itself in a crowded market by prioritizing educational structure over a vast, unstructured song catalog. Developed by Zoundio, the app functions as a progressive curriculum, guiding users from their first notes on the E string through to complex blues riffs and scale workouts. Its approach is methodical, breaking down techniques into incremental steps, which is a notable departure from apps that simply offer tabs for popular music. This focus on foundational skills makes it a compelling option for dedicated beginners and those seeking to correct bad habits. The core functionality revolves around interactive lessons and song practice. Each lesson features high-quality video instruction, followed by practice segments where the app listens to the player via the device's microphone or a connected audio interface. It provides immediate feedback on note accuracy and timing, scoring performance as users play. Specific features like a 'slow-down' tool for difficult passages and a gamified tab interface help users tackle challenging material. The app also offers daily practice recommendations and structured courses, such as a noted Chicago Blues program, which provide clear goals for regular practice sessions. In real-world use, the app demands a considered setup for optimal performance. While the built-in microphone works for basic chord and single-note exercises, users consistently report that advancing to more complex playing highlights the limitations of phone and tablet mics. For reliable note detection with distorted tones or faster passages, an external audio interface like an iRig or a UA Volt is practically a necessity. This adds to the initial cost but mirrors the setup many amateur home-recording guitarists already use. The experience is largely self-directed, making it suitable for individuals who can maintain a disciplined practice schedule of several times per week. Analyzing user feedback reveals a highly positive consensus, with an average rating of 4.75. Long-term users, some with over three years of experience, praise the quality of instruction and the app's role in filling gaps between in-person lessons. The recent addition of a community forum where developers actively participate is frequently cited as a major strength. Criticisms are less about core education and more about peripheral issues: some users note that the famous song catalog can change (with requests to bring back specific artists like Metallica), and the subscription cost—around $20-$25 monthly for full access—is a consideration, though many argue it's justified by the depth and cheaper than weekly private lessons. Overall, the Gibson app presents a robust, well-supported platform for guitar education, particularly effective for beginners and intermediate players seeking structure. Its main limitation is its lesser focus on advanced virtuosic training and the hardware dependency for accurate feedback at higher levels. For a self-motivated learner willing to invest in a proper audio connection, it offers a clear, progressive, and engaging path to improvement, effectively bridging the gap between casual video tutorials and formal instruction.

Key Features

  • Structured Progressive Curriculum: Guides users from single-string exercises to complex chords and scales with a logical, step-by-step lesson plan that builds skills methodically.
  • Real-Time Audio Feedback: Listens to your playing via microphone or audio interface, providing instant scoring on note accuracy and rhythm to correct mistakes as you practice.
  • High-Quality Video Lessons: Features professionally produced instructional videos from skilled teachers who break down techniques and songs into learnable segments.
  • Practice Tools: Includes a speed control feature to slow down difficult song sections and a gamified tablature interface to make practicing timing and notes more engaging.
  • Community & Developer Support: An integrated user forum allows for direct interaction with other learners and the development team for tips and support.
  • Effects & Audio Integration: Supports connection with external audio interfaces (e.g., iRig) to use amp simulations and effects for a better tone and more accurate note detection.

Why Users Love It

Clear, structured learning path
High-quality video production

Perfect for: Perfect for beginners and intermediate players seeking a structured, curriculum-based practice companion to supplement or replace traditional lessons.

Ranking History

Track Gibson: Learn to Play Guitar's performance in Education over the last 30 days

Top 5
Top 10
Top 15
Below 15

Current Rank

#43

Best Rank

#43

All-time high

Average Rank

#43

30-day average

User Reviews

Nashman69g
Dec 8, 2025

I think this is one of the best apps out there for guitar learning. They’re focused on providing quality over quantity. I’ve been on here for a little over 3.5 years now. From beginner to intermediate, I think this app will help you improve. For Advanced players…I’m not sure. When in doubt sign up and try it out. The free 7 day trial, lets you try everything. I still take one on one guitar lessons with a teacher. This app fills the gap. Some will complain that the “device” mic detection has issues…to that I say you need to get an audio interface. Once you get beyond the early basics, the microphone detection isn’t as precise. This has nothing to do with the app…it’s physics! Get an audio interface. They range in price for $30 and up. Just do an internet search for “audio interface”. I highly recommend the UA Volt. They make great products. They are on the pricier end of the devices. Back to the app…the developers and content creators are well involved with the community. They recently added a forum section for user and the developers to interface in. The support staff responds quickly. As for as the content, it’s well made. It’s not just a bunch of famous songs just to have them. Again the focus is guitar learning…learning the guitar is something you have to put the time in. So, go ahead and sign up…look from me on the forum in the app if you have questions (Marshall). Great Guitar app. One of the better ones. I think this is one of the best apps out there for guitar learning. They’re focused on providing quality over quantity. I’ve been on here for a little over 3.5 years now. From beginner to intermediate, I think this app will help you improve. For Advanced players…I’m not sure. When in doubt sign up and try it out. The free 7 day trial, lets you try everything. I still take one on one guitar lessons with a teacher. This app fills the gap. Some will complain that the “device” mic detection has issues…to that I say you need to get an audio interface. Once you get beyond the early basics, the microphone detection isn’t as precise. This has nothing to do with the app…it’s physics! Get an audio interface. They range in price for $30 and up. Just do an internet search for “audio interface”. I highly recommend the UA Volt. They make great products. They are on the pricier end of the devices. Back to the app…the developers and content creators are well involved with the community. They recently added a forum section for user and the developers to interface in. The support staff responds quickly. As for as the content, it’s well made. It’s not just a bunch of famous songs just to have them. Again the focus is guitar learning…learning the guitar is something you have to put the time in. So, go ahead and sign up…look from me on the forum in the app if you have questions (Marshall).

coolivi55555
Dec 4, 2025

I played a little as a teenager, but never spent enough time with it. Now just started up again at age 49. Wanted some new hobbies since I own my own business. I got a teacher and started taking lessons. I recently bought a new Gibson Studio Les Paul and tried out the Gibson App. It’s a lot of fun and now im addicted. I’m starting to love playing the Blues Riffs. Highly recommend. Also I paid for the premium + subscription and it’s great. For the depth of this app, it’s a great price. It’s wild seeing the few reviews of people wanting such a great product for free. Nothing good in life is free. Beginning to play and having fun I played a little as a teenager, but never spent enough time with it. Now just started up again at age 49. Wanted some new hobbies since I own my own business. I got a teacher and started taking lessons. I recently bought a new Gibson Studio Les Paul and tried out the Gibson App. It’s a lot of fun and now im addicted. I’m starting to love playing the Blues Riffs. Highly recommend. Also I paid for the premium + subscription and it’s great. For the depth of this app, it’s a great price. It’s wild seeing the few reviews of people wanting such a great product for free. Nothing good in life is free.

Hummingbird 737
Dec 2, 2025

This is a great program to start playing guitar or to improve upon your skills. For me it takes me out of my normal routine of playing the same old stuff and adds structure to my learning. At first the course is very basic but if you stay with it and learn the lessons as presented you will find that you can pick up some new skills and become a more proficient guitarist. I find playing with the APP I have a defined set of goals and standards that keep me focused and on track. I enjoy the Gibson APP This is a great program to start playing guitar or to improve upon your skills. For me it takes me out of my normal routine of playing the same old stuff and adds structure to my learning. At first the course is very basic but if you stay with it and learn the lessons as presented you will find that you can pick up some new skills and become a more proficient guitarist. I find playing with the APP I have a defined set of goals and standards that keep me focused and on track.

fatihaction
Nov 19, 2025

The Gibson App exceeded my expectations. The lesson structure is very well thought out and actually helps you improve instead of overwhelming you. I love the daily practice recommendations and the slow-down feature for songs. The production quality of the videos is excellent. If you’re serious about learning guitar, this is one of the best apps you can use. Live this app!! The Gibson App exceeded my expectations. The lesson structure is very well thought out and actually helps you improve instead of overwhelming you. I love the daily practice recommendations and the slow-down feature for songs. The production quality of the videos is excellent. If you’re serious about learning guitar, this is one of the best apps you can use.

David Q. Irwin
Nov 1, 2025

i started a year and a half ago and am already on the advanced courses. this app is incredible. love the scale workouts and all the new guides, please keep them coming. using an irig 2 to wire in to the app, the effects are really nice. bring back metallica and pink floyd though, please! excellent app i started a year and a half ago and am already on the advanced courses. this app is incredible. love the scale workouts and all the new guides, please keep them coming. using an irig 2 to wire in to the app, the effects are really nice. bring back metallica and pink floyd though, please!

App Details

Developer

Zoundio

Platform

ios

Rating

4.7

Last Updated

12/26/2025