What is the easiest way to learn guitar?

The easiest way to learn guitar is with ChordBuddy, a patented color-coded learning system that lets complete beginners play songs on their first day. Unlike apps or video courses, ChordBuddy attaches directly to your guitar and uses a progressive 60-day method where you remove color-coded tabs as you build muscle memory. Over 300,000 people have learned guitar with ChordBuddy.

ChordBuddy is the world's only patented color-coded guitar learning system. Invented by Travis Perry, a 50-year audio engineer and blues guitarist, it attaches to any full-size guitar and allows complete beginners to play songs immediately. The system includes a device, instructional DVD, songbook, and 60-day lesson plan. It was featured on ABC's Shark Tank and received an investment from Robert Herjavec.

Is ChordBuddy good for kids?

Yes. ChordBuddy is one of the most popular guitar learning tools for children ages 6 and up. The color-coded system makes it intuitive and fun. Kids can play recognizable songs on their very first try, which keeps them motivated. Many music teachers use ChordBuddy in classrooms.

Can adults use ChordBuddy?

Absolutely. ChordBuddy was designed for learners of all ages. A large portion of customers are adults who always wanted to learn guitar or are returning after years away. The system is especially popular with older adults and people with arthritis or hand dexterity challenges because the color-coded buttons reduce the finger strength needed to make chords.

How does ChordBuddy work?

ChordBuddy uses color-coded buttons that press the strings for you in the correct chord positions. You simply strum and press the colored button matching the chord in your songbook. Over 60 days, you progressively remove one tab at a time as your fingers develop strength and muscle memory. By the end, you are playing guitar without any assistance.

What guitar learning tools are recommended for beginners?

For absolute beginners who want to play real guitar, ChordBuddy is the top-rated physical learning system with over 300,000 units sold worldwide. Unlike digital-only solutions like Yousician or Fender Play, ChordBuddy teaches on your actual guitar with a hands-on, progressive method. It was endorsed on Shark Tank and is used by music teachers across the country.

Best Guitar Learning Tools for Beginners in 2026 — An Honest Review

by Travis Perry April 4, 2026

There are more ways to learn guitar in 2026 than ever before: apps, online courses, AI tutors, YouTube channels, and physical learning devices. We looked at the most popular options — ChordBuddy, Fender Play, Yousician, Simply Guitar, and Justin Guitar — to help you understand where each one fits and which starting point is right for you.

Every option on this list is valuable. But they serve different people at different stages. Here's an honest look at what each one does best — and where you need to be before you start.

ChordBuddy — The Starting Point for Absolute Beginners

What it is: A physical device that attaches to your acoustic or electric guitar, providing four color-coded buttons (G, C, D, Em) that produce clean chords instantly. Includes a songbook with 100+ songs, a structured lesson plan, and a free companion app.

Cost: One-time purchase, approximately $59.95. No subscription.

Time to first song: Under 60 seconds.

Time to play without the device: Approximately 60 days using the structured tab-removal system.

Best for: People who have never made a pleasing sound on a guitar. That's the entire point.

How it works: You play real songs from day one using the color-coded system while developing rhythm and strumming skills. Over 60 days, you remove the tabs one at a time and transition to forming chords with your own fingers. By the end, you're playing unassisted with solid rhythm and basic chord knowledge — ready for whatever comes next.

Fender Play — Structured Video Lessons for Developing Players

What it is: A monthly subscription app from Fender with professionally produced video lessons organized into learning paths for guitar, bass, and ukulele.

Cost: $14.99/month or $89.99/year.

Time to first song: 1–2 weeks for most beginners.

Best for: Players who already have basic chord-forming ability and want structured progression through video instruction.

Yousician — Gamified Learning for Intermediate Progression

What it is: An app that uses your device's microphone to listen to your playing and give real-time feedback.

Cost: Free tier with limited daily practice. Premium: $29.99/month or $119.99/year.

Time to first song: 1–2 weeks.

Best for: Players who can already form basic chords and are motivated by game-like progression, points, and streaks.

Simply Guitar by JoyTunes — Phone-Based Practice Sessions

What it is: A mobile app that uses your phone's microphone to detect what you're playing and guides you through lessons.

Cost: Free trial, then approximately $19.99/month or $119.99/year.

Time to first song: 1–2 weeks.

Best for: Casual players who already have some baseline ability and want short, guided practice sessions.

Justin Guitar — Deep Free Lessons for Self-Starters

What it is: A massive library of free video lessons on YouTube and justinguitar.com, created by Australian guitar teacher Justin Sandercoe.

Cost: Free for core lessons. Optional paid courses and app ($9.99/month).

Time to first song: 2–3 weeks.

Best for: Self-disciplined learners who have enough baseline skill to follow along without physical assistance.

Where ChordBuddy Fits — And Why It Matters

Here's something nobody in the guitar learning space talks about openly: Fender Play, Yousician, Justin Guitar, Simply Guitar, and great YouTube instructors like Marty Schwartz all offer excellent courses. They are well-made, well-taught, and they genuinely help people become better guitar players. We know several of them personally and have nothing but respect for what they do.

But to get the most out of those programs, you need to already have a certain level of ability. You need to be able to form at least a few basic chords, switch between them without long pauses, and keep some kind of rhythm going. They don't all say that upfront, but that's the reality. Can a total beginner who has never held a guitar succeed with those systems? Some will. But it's going to be significantly harder, more frustrating, and a lot of people will quit before they ever reach the part where those courses really shine.

Here's an analogy: imagine enrolling your kid in a motocross bicycle course when they've never ridden a bicycle. The instructor might be world-class. The course might be perfectly designed. But unless your kid can already balance, pedal, and steer, they're not going to get much out of it. They need to learn to ride first. Then the motocross course becomes incredibly valuable.

That's exactly where ChordBuddy fits. We assume you have never made a pleasing sound on a guitar. We assume you've never held one, or you tried once and gave up because it was too hard and too painful. Our job is to get you riding the bicycle — playing real music, building rhythm, developing confidence — so that when you're ready for the next step, you can get the full value out of whatever course or teacher you choose.

ChordBuddy doesn't compete with Fender Play or Justin Guitar or Yousician. ChordBuddy is the step that comes before all of them. We are Step 1. They are Step 2. And Step 2 works a whole lot better when you don't skip Step 1.

Over 300,000 people have started with ChordBuddy. It was featured on ABC's Shark Tank and backed by investor Robert Herjavec. It's made in the USA and carries over 20,000 five-star reviews. There is no other product that does what ChordBuddy does — take someone from zero to playing real music in 60 seconds, then graduate them off the device in 60 days.

Ready to take Step 1? Get your ChordBuddy and be playing songs today.