FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Log in with the same Apple ID or Google account in your phone and tap “Restore Subscription” in app settings.

Please make sure you’re using the correct email linked to your subscription. Use the “Login with email” option in the app. If you forgot your password, tap “Forgot password?” on the login screen to reset it. Check your spam or promotions folder for the email.

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.

If you forgot your password, tap “Forgot password?” on the login screen to reset it. Check your spam or promotions folder for the email.

The gibson.com website and the app accounts are separate. Even if the email and password are the same, logging in on one does not automatically work for the other. Make sure to use the correct login method on each platform.

Ensure you’re using the same email on both devices and use the “Restore Subscription” option in the app settings. Progress is linked to your account email.

Yes! Contact support at app.support@gibson.com from within the app to confirm account ownership, and we can update the email linked to your account.

Free users get a limited number of 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.

Free trials are only included with yearly subscriptions, not monthly. Also, only one free trial per user is allowed, so if you’ve used a trial before, the yearly subscription will be charged immediately.

The app is free to download and you'll have access to most parts of the app. Premium users have full access to the app and can play unlimited number of lessons per day. Pricing varies by country and tier. Visit https://gibson.com/subscribe-now for details.

Yes. All yearly plans include a one-time 7-day free trial. However, there is no free trial on monthly plans.

Promo codes cannot be applied to active subscriptions or free trials.

Promo codes must be redeemed when signing up through the webpage or in the app after the trial or subscription is inactive. Codes cannot be applied to active subscriptions.

We cannot manually change subscription tiers. You will need to cancel your current subscription, apply for a refund, and then sign up again for the yearly subscription.

Unfortunately, Family Sharing is not supported. Each user will need their own subscription. We can provide discounted promo codes for additional accounts. Please reach out to us at app.support@gibson.com.

When upgrading a subscription to include Famous Songs, Apple or Google treats this as a new subscription and automatically cancels the previous one, which did not include Famous Songs. Apple or Google then automatically processes a refund for your initial purchase.

When signing up for the yearly subscription without access to Famous Songs, we provide 30 days of free access to Famous Songs as a gift. After the 30-day trial expires, you revert back to the subscription you originally signed up for.

You can see the subscription tier you are currently subscribed to by navigating to the app settings. At the top of the screen, you will see the tier you signed up for.

You can remove yourself from Leagues by opening your profile (tap your profile icon in the top-left corner) and scrolling to the bottom of the page. There, you can enable the option to “Hide your profile.”

Leagues are weekly competitions based on XP earned through lessons. The more you play, the higher you rank — climbing through Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum Leagues.

XP stands for experience points and is earned by completing guitar lessons and songs. Harder content yields more XP.

Leagues reset every Monday. Top players move up; lower-ranked players may drop.

Skill Picks are rewards for completing lessons with high accuracy. Collect them to showcase your progress.

On Android, if you play without headphones, the app defaults to practice mode where scores and XP are not recorded. Make sure your device microphone is enabled and that you are using the proper setup.

Your profile and progression are linked to your account email, not the device. Make sure you are logged into the same email on all devices. Use the “Restore Subscription” option if needed to sync your account.

Forum content and special features (like Leagues or Famous Songs) are tied to the account’s subscription status. Make sure your account is active and properly linked.

To make a post in the forum, please ensure that both the subject line and the main body (“The Stage Is Yours”) fields are populated with text.

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 continuously working on bringing full feature parity to Android.

First, make sure the app has microphone permissions:1. Go to Settings → Scroll to your Gibson App2. Check that microphone access is enabledIf it still doesn’t appear, check Screen Time or other restrictions:- Settings → Screen Time → Content & Privacy Restrictions → Allowed Apps Ensure the microphone is allowed.

Yes, the app is compatible with iPads, Android tablets, and Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3/etc.).

Yes! When using wired audio interfaces, make sure you select “Wired” or the correct input mode in the app (top-right corner next to the tuner). The digital amp only works during active gameplay, so if you leave a lesson screen, it will temporarily turn off.

Currently, the digital amplifier is available on iOS devices only.

Go to Settings → Privacy → Microphone on your device and enable access for the Gibson App.

All you need is a guitar (acoustic or electric, any brand works). We also recommend headphones (wired or Bluetooth) for an improved playing experience.

Yes! Using wired or Bluetooth headphones ensures the app detects your playing accurately. If you play without headphones, the app may pick up backing tracks or environmental noise, which can cause incorrect feedback on your performance.

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.

This often happens when:- You’re playing without headphones- The microphone picks up other sounds, including backing tracks- Calibration hasn’t been completed for your environmentUsing headphones or a direct audio interface typically resolves these issues.

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.

Yes. You can connect external speakers via audio interfaces or Bluetooth. Follow the setup instructions in the app settings.

Make sure they’re connected properly. If issues persist, email app.support@gibson.com with your model.

<p>After connecting your device:</p> <p><b>1.</b> Go to <b>Settings → Audio Calibration</b> in the app (Android only)</p> <p><b>2.</b> Follow the on-screen steps to calibrate your microphone for your environment</p> <p><b>3.</b> Make sure you are in a quiet room for the most accurate detection</p>

If calibration fails, please provide more details:- Device and OS version- Type of headphones or microphone used- Any error messages you see- A screen recording, if possibleThis helps our support team troubleshoot and identify any hardware or environment issues.

This can happen if:- The environment is noisy- You’re entering gameplay without headphones- The microphone is not positioned correctly relative to your instrument- Your audio calibration was not done correctly — try recalibratingFor best results, we recommend using headphones or an audio interface and recalibrating in a quiet space.

Yes! Many great guitarists are self-taught. Many of our users write that they wished to have a tool like the Gibson App when they started. Teaching yourself guitar has never been more accessible.

Progression depends on lesson requirements. Make sure you’ve completed all required lessons or stars in the current lesson. You need at least one star to move on to the next lesson.

Guitar can feel challenging initially—especially building finger strength and coordination. The curriculum in the app has ben designed to eases this phase with step-by-step lessons and encouraging real-time feedback to help you stick with it until you get up to a solid habit of playing.

Bonus levels require access to the Premium Plus subscription, as these lessons include Famous Songs. Bonus levels do not affect your overall progress. If you don’t have access to Famous Songs, you can continue to the next available lessons in your course.

Not at all! Many users of the Gibson App start learning in all periods of life. The app make it easy for anyone to learn and we go after the motto that it’s never too late to start enjoying music. Playing guitar keeps your mind and hands active—and the Gibson App provides a supportive learning environment at any age.

Absolutely. The Gibson App is specifically designed to guide beginners who have no prior music experience.

Yes! Many beginners find electric guitar slightly easier due to lower string tension. The Gibson App supports both electric and acoustic learning paths.

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.

It varies, but many users start playing full songs within weeks by following daily practice plans.

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.

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, we promise you will play songs and enjoy guitar much sooner than that!

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.

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.

Absolutely. With regular practice and following the Gibson App’s lessons, many players can play dozens of songs comfortably within a year.

The rule of 100 suggests practicing something for 100 hours can make you significantly competent. In the Gibson App you will be guided to apread these 100 first hours smartly across skills like chords, strumming, and songs which will give you a great starting point!

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.

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.

Yes. Through practice and repetition (like in the Gibson App), most chords become second nature over time.

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.

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.

Absolutely. With regular, smart practice using structured lessons like those in the Gibson App, two years is plenty to become a confident player.

Even 30–60 minutes daily can produce impressive progress if practiced consistently with the Gibson App’s guidance.

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.

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.

You should start with basic open chords and strumming patterns — exactly what the Gibson App’s beginner courses are built around.

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.

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.

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.

Start by learning basic chords, rhythms, and simple songs. The Gibson App’s step-by-step curriculum is designed exactly for this purpose.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Kurt Cobain famously played Fender Jaguars and Mustangs. In the Gibson App, you can find grunge-style lessons inspired by his music.

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.

Yes! Acoustic soloing focuses more on melody and phrasing, and the Gibson App includes lessons to help you build those skills.

Fingerstyle pieces and fast chord transitions can be challenging. The Gibson App offers beginner-friendly steps to help you master them over time.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yes. The App uses standard tablature format, which is readable for both right- and left-handed players. Many left-handed users can comfortably follow along.

This can happen if:- You’re playing without headphones or a direct audio interface- Calibration hasn’t been completed or was done in a noisy environment- Microphone positioning is offFor best results, use wired or Bluetooth headphones, recalibrate your microphone, and ensure a quiet environment.

Go to the troubleshooting section in the settings menu for tips on how to solve the issue. If problems persist, contact support at app.support@gibson.com.

Yes — the digital amp only works during active gameplay. If you leave the lesson screen or are on a pre-screen, the amp will temporarily turn off. Re-entering the lesson will reactivate it.

The app uses a standard left-to-right tab format, which works for both right- and left-handed players. While it may feel different at first, many left-handed users find this format works well once they get accustomed to it. This is also the standard way tabs are read outside of the Gibson app.

Yes. You can enable "Color Filters" in your device’s Accessibility settings to adjust how colors appear in the Gibson App. This can help you with more easily distinguishing between finger colors and other on-screen elements during gameplay.

Yes. iOS devices include a system-wide "Zoom" function in the Accessibility settings. Once enabled, you can zoom in on the screen—including gameplay in the Gibson App—by using simple gestures. This is especially helpful if you prefer larger visuals or have low vision.

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.

No, currently not. An internet connection is required to access lessons, songs, and features in the App.

Yes! The Gibson App includes over 10,000 beginner and advanced guitar lessons. With guided instructions, real-time feedback, and progress tracking, it’s a great resource to learn guitar from scratch or refine your technique.

Yes, you can use any model or brand — the App works with both electric and acoustic guitars.

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.

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.

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.

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!

The App includes expert-led guitar lessons, AI-powered real-time feedback*, Stop & Go*, built-in tuner, metronome, digital amplifier*, an interactive song library, and competitive Leagues*. The Gibson App is built to be a complete solution to learn guitar.

Augmented Reality (AR) listens to your guitar and gives you audio and visual feedback in real-time, helping you better hear and feel your progress. Playing with AR enhances your own playing to give you an energising playing experience that keeps you motivated for longer!

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.

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.

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.

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. Stop & Go can of course be turned off if you prefer to play along with the song.

The App uses animated tablature and audio feedback. Check the Beginner or Intermediate onboarding lessons to see real-time notation in action.

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.

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.

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.

We are adding songs and guitar lessons every week to keep content fresh and up to date. Check out the news-page here on our website to see a list of the latest content!

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.

Restart the app or reinstall. If issues persist, contact support at app.support@gibson.com

Make sure you’re in a quiet room, position the mic toward the guitar, and try manual tuning if needed.

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.

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.

Email us at app.support@gibson.com and we’ll reset your progress for you.

We love hearing from users! You can share feedback directly in the forum or reach out to us at app.support@gibson.com.

Yes! While we can’t guarantee every suggestion, user input helps guide our updates. Popular requests and feedback influence which songs, lessons, or features we develop next. You can share feedback directly in the forum or reach out to us at app.support@gibson.com.