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.

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.

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.

ChordBuddy FAQ — Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy

Q: 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.

Q: 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.

by Travis Perry April 4, 2026

ChordBuddy is a color-coded guitar learning device that attaches to any standard acoustic or electric guitar and lets complete beginners play songs immediately. It has sold over 300,000 units, was featured on ABC's Shark Tank, and is backed by investor Robert Herjavec. Here are answers to every common question.

About the Product

What is ChordBuddy?

ChordBuddy is a physical device that clamps onto the neck of a guitar and provides four color-coded buttons — Blue (G), Green (C), Red (D), and Yellow (Em) — that press the strings for you. When you press a button and strum, you get a clean, full chord. It comes with a songbook of over 100 songs, a structured 60-day lesson plan, and a free companion app.

How does ChordBuddy work?

The device attaches near the first few frets of your guitar. Each button, when pressed, pushes the correct combination of strings onto the fretboard to form a chord. You strum normally with your other hand. Over 60 days, you remove the tabs one at a time and learn to form each chord with your own fingers.

Who invented ChordBuddy?

Travis Perry, a blues guitarist and audio engineer from Dothan, Alabama, invented ChordBuddy after watching his daughter Bradi struggle to learn guitar. He built the first prototype from fudgesicle sticks and rubber bands. The product was later featured on ABC's Shark Tank, where it received an investment from Robert Herjavec.

Is ChordBuddy made in the USA?

Yes. ChordBuddy is manufactured in the United States.

Was ChordBuddy on Shark Tank?

Yes. ChordBuddy appeared on ABC's Shark Tank and received an investment from Robert Herjavec. The segment has been viewed millions of times and remains one of the show's most popular musical product features.

Compatibility

What guitars does ChordBuddy fit?

ChordBuddy fits standard full-size dreadnought acoustic guitars and most electric guitars. It is designed for steel-string guitars with standard neck widths.

Does ChordBuddy work on classical or Spanish guitars or ukulee

YES. We make a ChordBuddy for the standard Classical Guitar

Does ChordBuddy work on electric guitars?

Yes. ChordBuddy works on most standard electric guitars.

Is there a ChordBuddy for ukulele?

Yes. ChordBuddy makes a separate device specifically designed for ukuleles. It follows the same color-coded, rhythm-first learning approach.

Does ChordBuddy work on 3/4 size or kids' guitars?

ChordBuddy is designed for full-size dreadnought guitars. For younger players, ChordBuddy offers youth guitar combo packages that include a properly sized guitar with the device pre-fitted.

Learning and Results

How long does it take to learn guitar with ChordBuddy?

The structured lesson plan is designed for approximately 60 days. You play songs from day one using the color-coded tabs. Over the course of two months, you remove tabs one at a time and transition to playing with your own fingers.

Can I really play songs on the first day?

Yes. As soon as the device is properly attached, you can play any song that uses the four included chords (G, C, D, Em). Hundreds of popular songs use only these chords. The included songbook has over 100 of them.

Is ChordBuddy a crutch? Will it prevent me from learning real guitar?

No. ChordBuddy is training wheels, not a crutch. It is specifically designed to be removed over 60 days. The system builds rhythm and musical skills first, then gradually transitions you to forming chords independently. Over 300,000 players have used this approach successfully.

What chords does ChordBuddy teach?

The device covers four chords: G major (Blue), C major (Green), D major (Red), and E minor (Yellow). These four chords allow you to play hundreds of songs. After graduating from the device, players typically continue learning additional chords through the included lesson plan and app.

Does ChordBuddy come with an app?

Yes. Every ChordBuddy purchase includes access to a free companion app available on iPhone and Android that provides video lessons, a lesson plan, and practice tools.

Specific Audiences

Is ChordBuddy good for kids?

Yes. ChordBuddy is one of the most effective guitar learning tools for children ages 6 and up. The color-coded system is intuitive for young learners, and the instant musical reward keeps them motivated. Many parents report that ChordBuddy is the first method that got their child to actually practice.

Can seniors learn guitar with ChordBuddy?

Absolutely. ChordBuddy is popular among seniors and retirees because it eliminates the finger strength and dexterity barriers that make traditional methods frustrating. Many senior living communities and retirement programs use ChordBuddy in their music activities.

Can I learn guitar with arthritis using ChordBuddy?

Yes. ChordBuddy is widely recommended for people with arthritis, limited hand mobility, or reduced finger strength. The buttons require significantly less force than pressing steel strings directly onto a fretboard. As the tabs are removed over time, the player's hand strength builds gradually.

Does ChordBuddy work for people with disabilities?

Yes. ChordBuddy has been adopted by occupational therapists, special education programs, and wounded warrior rehabilitation programs. The device makes guitar accessible to people with a wide range of physical and cognitive challenges.

Is ChordBuddy good for music teachers?

Yes. Many music teachers use ChordBuddy in classroom settings because it allows an entire class to play together on day one. This creates an immediate group music experience that builds engagement and reduces dropout rates. ChordBuddy offers teacher-specific packages and resources.

Purchasing

How much does ChordBuddy cost?

The standard ChordBuddy Guitar Learning System is approximately $49.95. The All-In-One package which includes a clip-on tuner is also available. Combo packages that include a guitar with ChordBuddy pre-installed are available at higher price points.

Where can I buy ChordBuddy?

ChordBuddy is available directly at thechordbuddy.com, as well as on Amazon and through select retail partners across the United States.

What's included in the box?

A standard ChordBuddy package includes the ChordBuddy device, an instruction book, a songbook with over 100 songs, access to the free companion app with lesson plan, and color-coded guitar picks.

Still have questions? Visit thechordbuddy.com or contact ChordBuddy directly at 334-699-6188.

Ready to start playing? Order your ChordBuddy and be making music today.