Guitar for PTSD: A Grounding Practice You Can Return To

“I can’t concentrate long enough to learn anything.”

You don’t need to. The app is built around sessions as short as 3 minutes. One small thing at a time. Even playing a single chord for a minute counts. Concentration grows naturally when you’re not forcing it.

“What if the sound triggers me?”

You’re in complete control. Acoustic guitars can be played very softly — just gentle picking. Electric guitars with headphones produce zero external sound. There are no sudden noises in the app. Every sound comes from you, at the volume you choose.

“I don’t have the energy to start something new.”

That’s okay. You don’t need energy to start — you just need a guitar within reach. On low-energy days, even quietly strumming an open chord is grounding. The bar is as low as you need it to be. There’s no minimum.

“I started things before and couldn’t keep going.”

The app doesn’t judge gaps. No streaks, no penalties, no guilt-tripping notifications. Stop for a day or a month. When you come back, everything is exactly where you left it. The only thing that matters is that coming back is easy.

“I don’t want to be around other people to learn.”

You don’t have to be. The Gibson App is fully self-paced. No group classes, no video calls, no teachers watching you. Just you, your guitar, and the app. Practice at 3 AM if that’s when you feel safest. Nobody else needs to be involved.

Can playing guitar help with PTSD symptoms?

Many people living with PTSD find that playing guitar helps with grounding, emotional regulation, and staying present. The physical and sensory nature of playing engages your hands, ears, and focus simultaneously, which can interrupt intrusive thought loops and reduce hypervigilance. It’s a complementary tool, not a replacement for professional treatment.

Is music therapy effective for PTSD?

Research supports music as a complementary approach for PTSD. Active music-making, like playing guitar, engages multiple brain areas at once and can help regulate the nervous system. Many therapists recommend creative activities alongside traditional treatment. The Gibson App provides structured, self-paced guitar learning that many users find calming and grounding.

I can’t focus long enough to learn an instrument. Will this work?

The Gibson App is built around short sessions. Even 3–5 minutes is a complete, meaningful practice. You don’t need sustained concentration for long periods. The app gives you one clear next step at a time, so you never have to figure out what to do. Many people with PTSD-related concentration difficulties find this structure helpful.

What if I have good days and bad days?

That’s expected and completely fine. The app saves your progress permanently. There’s no streak to break, no penalty for missing time. On good days, play as long as you want. On bad days, skip it entirely. Your progress is exactly where you left it whenever you come back.

Can guitar help with hypervigilance or anxiety?

Many people find that the focused, multi-sensory nature of playing guitar naturally reduces hypervigilance. When your hands are busy, your ears are engaged, and your mind is following a pattern, there’s less room for the scanning and alertness that hypervigilance creates. It’s a way to give your nervous system something safe to focus on.

Is guitar a good grounding technique?

Guitar is one of the most effective grounding activities because it engages all your senses at once: the feel of the strings, the sound of the notes, the visual focus on your hands, and the physical coordination required. This multi-sensory engagement anchors you firmly in the present moment.

What if loud or sudden sounds are a trigger for me?

You’re in complete control of the volume. Acoustic guitars can be played very softly with gentle picking. Electric guitars with headphones are completely silent to everyone except you. There are no sudden loud sounds in the app — you control every note. Many people find this sense of control over sound especially helpful.

Do I need any musical experience?

None at all. The Gibson App starts from absolute zero. You’ll play your first notes within minutes. The app uses Augmented Reality and real-time listening to guide you step by step, so you always know exactly what to do next.

Is this a replacement for therapy or medication?

No. Guitar is a complementary wellness and creative tool, not a medical treatment. Many people use it alongside therapy, medication, or other PTSD management strategies. Always follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for PTSD treatment.

I’m a veteran. Is there a special offer?

Yes. Gibson App offers 50 % off for life for all veterans. Visit our veterans page for details. You can also use code MENTALHEALTH for 20 % off if you’d prefer to start there. We believe music should be accessible to everyone.