FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Filter the FAQ
GETTING STARTED
What is the Gibson App?
The Gibson App is an interactive guitar learning platform for beginners and intermediate players. It offers step-by-step guitar lessons and real-time feedback using Audio Augmented Reality, and essential tools for electric and acoustic guitar players. As of 2025, the Gibson App has over 1 million users worldwide.
Can I learn guitar with this App?
Yes! The Gibson App includes over 10,000 beginner and advanced guitar lessons. With guided instruction, real-time feedback, and progress tracking, it’s one of the best apps to learn guitar from scratch or refine your technique.
Can I use any guitar with the App?
Yes, you can use any model or brand — the App works with both electric and acoustic guitars.
Do I need prior music theory or guitar experience?
No prior experience is needed. The Gibson App is designed for absolute beginners, offering foundational guitar lessons and gradual progression through chords, strumming, and more.
How good can I actually get at playing guitar with the Gibson App?
The Gibson App helps you reach the real milestones of mastering the guitar — learning any song you want (whether it’s in the App or not), writing your own songs, playing with a band, and performing for friends or just jamming on your own. By following the learning path and playing consistently, you’ll build the skills and freedom to truly be able to express yourself through music.
Is the Gibson App suitable for left-handed guitar players?
Yes. The App uses standard tablature format, which is readable for both right- and left-handed players. Many left-handed users comfortably follow along.
What gear do I need to get started?
All you need is a guitar (acoustic or electric, any brand works). We also recommend headphones (wired or Bluetooth) for an improved playing experience.
What’s the recommended setup?
For the best experience, use wired headphones. They enable Audio Augmented Reality, allowing the app to add effects to your playing in real time, making the experience more immersive and inspiring. If you want to take it further, you can optionally use an audio interface like Zound I/O or iRig to amplify your own guitar sound even more. Always tune your guitar before each session using the built-in tuner. Play in a quiet room. Use a pick for a cleaner tone and if you're not using an interface, place your phone’s mic close to the guitar.
Is the Gibson App suitable for children?
Absolutely! We have many younger learners, and the structured lessons are designed to be accessible. There are also kid-friendly songs that are fun and engaging to learn.
What if I have physical limitations or small hands?
There are many examples of famous guitar players with smaller hands or people who have overcome their limitations. You can achieve more with practice and dedication than you think.
Can I teach myself guitar?
Yes! Many great guitarists are self-taught. With tools like the Gibson App that offer structured paths and real-time feedback, teaching yourself guitar has never been more accessible.
Is 30 too old to start guitar?
Not at all! Many users of the Gibson App start learning in their 30s, 40s, or even later. It’s never too late to start enjoying music.
Can you learn guitar with no music experience?
Absolutely. The Gibson App is specifically designed to guide beginners who have no prior music experience.
Is it OK to learn guitar on electric?
Yes! Many beginners find electric guitar slightly easier due to lower string tension. The Gibson App supports both electric and acoustic learning paths.
Is 70 too old to learn guitar?
You are never too old to learn an instrument. Playing guitar keeps your mind and hands active—and the Gibson App provides a supportive learning environment at any age.
Can I learn guitar 1 hour a day?
Definitely. Just one hour a day of focused practice using the Gibson App can lead to significant progress within months.
Can I learn guitar on my own?
Yes. With self-paced lessons, progress tracking, and real-time feedback, the Gibson App makes it very achievable to learn guitar independently.
Is guitar hard at first?
Guitar can feel challenging initially—especially building finger strength and coordination. The Gibson App eases this phase with step-by-step lessons and encouraging real-time feedback.
Should I learn on acoustic or electric guitar?
Both are great choices! Acoustic guitars are simple, portable, and great for building finger strength early on. Electric guitars are often easier on the fingers and allow for a wider variety of sounds. The Gibson App supports both, so you can start with whichever inspires you most.
FEATURES & LEARNING
What are the main features of the Gibson Guitar Learning App?
The App includes expert-led guitar lessons, AI-powered real-time feedback*, Stop & Go*, built-in tuner, metronome, digital amplifier*, interactive song library, and competitive Leagues*. It’s a complete solution to learn guitar online.
How does real-time feedback work?
All lessons are played to background music where you are the lead or rhythm guitarist. This gives you the feeling of playing in the context of a band or song. The App listens to your guitar and gives you real-time feedback on your playing. If you play something incorrectly, you’ll get a gentle notification to help you adjust. When you play it right, the App enhances your guitar-sound with effects—making you sound great from day one. This Audio Augmented Reality boosts the playing experience and helps you learn more efficiently.
What is Audio Augmented Reality?
Gibson App uses Audio Augmented Reality to enhance the playing and learning experience. It listens to your guitar and gives you audio and visual feedback in real-time, helping you better hear and feel your progress. It also provides an energising playing experience that keeps you motivated for longer.
What are Guides?
Guides are custom-developed lesson paths focused on specific genres, skills, or playing styles—like learning to play blues, exploring different artist styles, or diving into advanced rhythm techniques. They’re a great way to explore new approaches to guitar and deepen your playing in a structured, goal-oriented way.
Can I slow down or loop parts of a song?
Yes, the App includes powerful practice tools. You can slow down sections of a song, loop tricky parts, mute the guitar track, and use Stop & Go feature* to pause and play at your own pace—making it easier to focus on difficult sections and build confidence.
What is Stop & Go feature in the Gibson App?*
Stop & Go is a practice mode that waits for you to play each note correctly before moving on. It lets you learn songs at your own pace with real-time listening and feedback. Note that this feature is currently only available on iOS. Stop & Go can of course be turned off if you prefer to play along with the song.
How does gameplay and tablature work?
The App uses animated tablature and audio feedback. Check the Beginner or Intermediate onboarding lessons to see real-time notation in action.
Can I learn popular songs?
Yes! The Premium+ plan gives you access to a large catalog of licensed songs with step-by-step video tutorials and interactive tab walkthroughs. Note that the song catalog differs by country due to licensing agreements.
Does the App offer advanced guitar lessons?
Yes. In addition to beginner content, the App includes genre-based advanced lessons for rock, blues, pop, country, and acoustic fingerstyle guitar. The App also includes a digital amplifier* which is a popular feature for our advanced players.
Is music theory included?
Yes, music theory is integrated into the lessons to help you understand chords, keys, and scales as you learn guitar. There are also several dedicated courses that focus exclusively on theory.
How often are new lessons added?
We are adding songs and guitar lessons every week to keep content fresh and up to date. Download the App and get notified as soon as we release new content!
How long does it take to learn guitar with this App?
It varies, but many users start playing full songs within weeks by following daily practice plans.
Does the App include practice schedules or daily goals?*
Yes. You can enable reminders in the Practice Calendar, and the App will suggest daily goals based on your progress. You’ll also get daily goals to help keep you motivated.
Does the App have an offline mode?
No, currently not. An internet connection is required to access lessons, songs, and features in the App.
What is the 80/20 rule guitar?
The 80/20 rule means that 20% of your practice will drive 80% of your progress. In the Gibson App, focusing on core lessons and repeating key skills daily will have the greatest impact on your playing.
What is the 10000 hour rule for guitar?
The 10,000-hour rule suggests that mastery of any skill takes around 10,000 hours of practice. However, with focused and smart practice using the Gibson App’s learning path, you can play songs and enjoy guitar much sooner than that.
What is the 3 to 1 rule acoustic guitar?
The 3:1 rule traditionally refers to mic placement in recording (keep the mic three times the distance from other mics as from the source). For beginners on acoustic guitar, it’s more important to focus on good posture, steady rhythm, and clear fretting — which the Gibson App helps guide you through.
Which guitar style is best for beginners?
Many beginners start with acoustic guitar for its simplicity. However, electric guitars are often easier on the fingers. The Gibson App supports both styles and helps you discover your musical preferences.
How many chords should a beginner guitarist know?
Knowing 8–10 basic chords (like C, G, D, A, E, Em, Am) opens up hundreds of songs. The Gibson App teaches these chords progressively and in a fun, musical context.
Can I learn guitar in 1 year?
Absolutely. With regular practice and following the Gibson App’s lessons, many players can play dozens of songs comfortably within a year.
TECHNICAL & COMPATIBILITY
Is the Gibson App available on iOS and Android?
Yes, the Gibson App is available for download on both iOS and Android devices. You can start learning on either platform right away. However, due to hardware differences, some features are currently only available on iOS — including the digital amplifier*, AI-powered feedback*, and Stop & Go*. Wired or Bluetooth headphones are also required when playing on Android. We’re working on bringing full feature parity to Android in the future.
Can I use the app on an iPad, tablet, or Mac?
Yes, the app is compatible with iPads, Android tablets, and Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3/etc.).
Is the digital amplifier supported everywhere?
Currently, the digital amplifier is available on iOS devices only. Check your settings for availability.
Do I need a cable to connect my guitar?
No cable is needed — the app listens through your phone’s microphone, so you can get started right away. For a more immersive experience, we recommend using wired headphones and optionally an audio interface like Zound I/O or iRig. This setup lets the app add effects in real time and makes your guitar sound more powerful and clear as you play.
Can I connect external speakers?
Yes. You can connect external speakers via audio interfaces or Bluetooth. Follow the setup instructions in the app settings.
How do I enable the microphone?
Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone on your device and enable access for the Gibson App.
My Bluetooth headphones aren’t working with the app.
Make sure they’re connected properly. If issues persist, email app.support@gibson.com with your model.
ACCOUNT & PRICING
What are Free, Premium, and Premium+ accounts?
Free users get limited daily lessons, along with access to the tuner, metronome, Gibson TV, and participation in Leagues*. Premium unlocks all lessons, courses and tools in the app, including AI feedback and the digital amplifier. Premium+ adds access to popular songs and exclusive lessons from top artists and instructors.
How much does the Gibson App cost?
Pricing varies by country and tier. Visit our pricing page for details.
Is there a free trial?
Yes. All yearly plans include a one-time 7-day free trial. However, there is no free trial on monthly plans.
Can I upgrade my plan?
Yes, you can upgrade your plan anytime from the app settings to unlock additional content and songs. - For Apple: You’ll be charged for the new plan and automatically refunded for the unused portion of your previous subscription. - For Android: If you upgrade within the same billing cycle (e.g. from Monthly Premium to Monthly Premium+ or Yearly Premium to Yearly Premium+), you’ll only be charged the difference based on the remaining time. If you change the billing cycle (e.g. from Monthly to Yearly+), your new subscription will start immediately and any remaining Premium days will be added to the new plan, converted 1:1 to Premium+ days. - For Web: You’ll only be charged the difference between your current plan and the new one, based on the remaining value of your current subscription.
How do I cancel my subscription?
Cancel via the App Store, Google Play, or via your invoice link or the "Manage subscription" button in the app settings if you have purchased via web.
How do I restore my account on a new device?
Log in with the same Apple ID or Google account and tap “Restore Subscription” in app settings.
Lost access to your subscription?
Verify that you have signed in with the correct Apple/Google email in your phone. If still missing, reach out to us on app.support@gibson.com.
Do you offer refunds if I’m not satisfied?
Refund policies vary by platform. For iOS/Apple Store purchases, contact Apple Support; for Android/Google Play, contact Google Support. For direct web purchases, email app.support@gibson.com.
TROUBLESHOOTING & PROGRESS
I can’t get all strings in tune
Make sure you’re in a quiet room, position the mic toward the guitar, and try manual tuning if needed.
The lesson I’m playing is too hard
Try earlier lessons and slow down the tempo. Aim for two stars before moving forward. You can also use the Stop & Go feature* to play at your own pace.
App says I'm playing the wrong note or chord, but I'm playing it correctly?
First, double-check your tuning and microphone placement. Make sure the strings are ringing out clearly, and try using a pick for better note detection. If the issue persists, reach out to us at app.support@gibson.com — we’ll guide you on how to submit a recording so we can investigate further.
Lessons or songs not loading?
Restart the app or reinstall. If issues persist, contact support at app.support@gibson.com
How do I reset my progress or start again?
Email us at app.support@gibson.com and we’ll reset your progress for you.
XP & REWARDS
What are Leagues?*
Leagues are weekly competitions based on XP earned through lessons. The more you play, the higher you rank — climbing to the bronze, silver, gold, and platinum Leagues.
What’s XP?
XP stands for experience points and is earned by completing guitar lessons and songs. Harder content yields more XP.
How do I advance to the next league?*
Leagues reset every Monday. Top players move up; lower-ranked players may drop.
What are Skill Picks?
Skill Picks are rewards for completing lessons with high accuracy. Collect them to showcase your progress.
LEARNING TIPS & GUITAR BASICS
What is the rule of 100?
The rule of 100 suggests practicing something for 100 hours can make you significantly competent. In the Gibson App, spreading these 100 hours smartly across skills like chords, strumming, and songs will give you excellent results.
How many years does it take to get good at guitar?
You can start sounding good within months if you practice consistently. True mastery can take years, but enjoying and expressing yourself happens much sooner with focused practice using the Gibson App.
What is the 1 3 5 rule for chords?
In music theory, the 1-3-5 rule refers to the basic structure of chords: root, third, and fifth notes. The Gibson App teaches this concept inside its music theory courses to help you understand chord building.
Do guitarists memorize chords?
Yes. Through practice and repetition (like in the Gibson App), most chords become second nature over time.
What 3 guitar chords should I learn first?
C major, G major, and D major are great starting points. They’re covered early in the Gibson App’s beginner lessons because they unlock hundreds of songs.
Is electric easier than acoustic?
For many beginners, yes. Electric guitars have softer string tension and slimmer necks, making them easier to play initially. Both paths are fully supported in the Gibson App.
Can I get good at guitar in 2 years?
Absolutely. With regular, smart practice using structured lessons like those in the Gibson App, two years is plenty to become a confident player.
How many hours a day to practice guitar?
Even 30–60 minutes daily can produce impressive progress if practiced consistently with the Gibson App’s guidance.
Is guitar harder than piano?
Both instruments have their challenges. Guitar requires physical finger strength early on, while piano focuses more on coordination. With modern learning tools like the Gibson App, guitar is very beginner-friendly.
What is the easiest genre of guitar to learn?
Pop and folk songs are typically easiest for beginners, often using simple chord progressions. The Gibson App includes many beginner-friendly tracks from these genres.
What is the first thing you should learn on guitar?
You should start with basic open chords and strumming patterns — exactly what the Gibson App’s beginner courses are built around.
What is the easiest song to play on guitar?
Songs like "Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door" or "Horse with No Name" are often recommended for beginners. Many easy-play songs are available inside the Gibson App catalog.
How to tune a guitar?
Use the built-in tuner in the Gibson App. Tune each string to the standard EADGBE tuning by following the on-screen instructions for perfect pitch.
How long does it take to learn guitar?
You can start playing simple songs in just a few weeks with daily practice. Becoming a solid guitarist can take a year or two of steady effort.
How to learn guitar as a beginner?
Start by learning basic chords, rhythms, and simple songs. The Gibson App’s step-by-step curriculum is designed exactly for this purpose.
What is the best guitar for beginners?
A comfortable acoustic or a lightweight electric guitar is a great start. Inside the Gibson App, we also offer gear tips to help you choose your first instrument.
FAMOUS GUITARISTS & INSPIRATION
Are there any self-taught guitarists?
Yes, many famous guitarists like Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Kurt Cobain were largely self-taught. Tools like the Gibson App now make self-learning even more achievable.
Was Jimi Hendrix self-taught?
Yes. Jimi Hendrix famously taught himself by listening to records and experimenting — a style of learning that’s easier today with resources like the Gibson App.
Do guitarists read music?
Some do, but many great guitarists play by ear or use tablature instead of traditional sheet music. The Gibson App uses animated tablature, making learning visual and intuitive.
How did Eric Clapton learn guitar?
Eric Clapton taught himself in his teens by practicing constantly and listening to blues records — similar to the modern idea of learning songs interactively, like in the Gibson App.
What guitar did Kurt Cobain play?
Kurt Cobain famously played Fender Jaguars and Mustangs. In the Gibson App, you can find grunge-style lessons inspired by his music.
Why does Ed Sheeran use a 3/4 guitar?
Ed Sheeran often uses 3/4-sized guitars because they are smaller, more comfortable, and great for his style of looping and performing. Many beginners also find smaller guitars easier to play — a tip we often share inside the Gibson App.
Can I solo on acoustic guitar?
Yes! Acoustic soloing focuses more on melody and phrasing, and the Gibson App includes lessons to help you build those skills.
What is the hardest thing to play on acoustic guitar?
Fingerstyle pieces and fast chord transitions can be challenging. The Gibson App offers beginner-friendly steps to help you master them over time.
What age is too late to learn electric guitar?
There is no age limit. Whether you’re 30, 50, or 70, with the Gibson App’s support, you can start your guitar journey anytime.
Should I learn guitar or piano?
Both are wonderful instruments! If you want something portable and expressive, guitar might be ideal. The Gibson App offers an excellent start for your guitar journey.
What is the easiest instrument to learn?
Many consider ukulele and guitar to be among the easiest instruments. The Gibson App focuses on guitar but many skills you learn here apply to other stringed instruments too.
How long does it take for an adult to learn guitar?
Adults can start playing simple songs within a few months of consistent practice. With structured help like the Gibson App, the learning curve becomes smoother and more enjoyable.
Is 30 too old to start playing guitar?
Not at all! Many Gibson App users start playing after 30 and progress quickly with focused, consistent practice.
* Only available on iOS