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Head-to-head · Music Learning Apps

JustinGuitar vs Fender Play

  • Updated Nov 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score JustinGuitar #2 in Music Learning Apps 8.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit JustinGuitar
Fender Play #3 in Music Learning Apps 8.7/10 Paid ✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Fender Play

JustinGuitar leads on 1 check, Fender Play on 1, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreJustinGuitar · 8.8/10
  • Free planonly JustinGuitar

JustinGuitar scores higher on our rubric for music learning apps: 8.8 against 8.7 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #3.

JustinGuitar offers free plan; Fender Play doesn't. Fender Play leads on included instruments: 4 versus 1.

JustinGuitar is the better fit for beginner guitarists wanting a free curriculum. Fender Play is the better fit for personalized song-based instrument learning.

  • JustinGuitar fits best

    Beginner guitarists wanting a free curriculum

  • Fender Play fits best

    Personalized song-based instrument learning

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Side by side

Feature JustinGuitar 8.8/10 Visit ↗ Fender Play 8.7/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.8 8.7
Ranking #2 in Music Learning Apps #3 in Music Learning Apps
Best for Beginner guitarists wanting a free curriculum Personalized song-based instrument learning
Pricing model Free plan + paid Paid
Starting price — —
Free plan ✓ (best) —
Free trial — —
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud, Mobile
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web, iOS, Android
Support Email, Community Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo
Features JustinGuitar 3/4 · Fender Play 3/4
Live feedback ✓ ✓
Practice tools ✓ ✓
Offline access Not checked yet Not checked yet
Progress tracking ✓ ✓
Specs
Curriculum scope Instrument Instrument
Included instruments 1 4 (best)
Platform support Multi-platform Multi-platform
Our review
Pros
  • Structured Grades 1–3 curriculum with 210 video lessons
  • Chord-change exercises, tuner and daily 10-minute practice routine
  • Song library includes lyrics, chords and adjustable tempo
  • Personalized learning paths guide progress through lessons and courses.
  • Feedback Mode evaluates playing, while Practice Mode auto-scrolls tablature.
  • Metronome, backing tracks and song tutorials support focused practice.
Cons
  • Focused on guitar rather than multiple instruments
  • Paid app subscriptions and content tiers can be confusing
  • App-store prices may vary by country and storefront
  • There is no free plan, so access requires a paid subscription.
  • The curriculum is focused on guitar, bass and ukulele.
  • The annual and monthly plans list the same core features.
Our verdict

JustinGuitar is a guitar-learning service and mobile app built around Justin Sandercoe’s beginner teaching method. It is designed for people starting guitar who want a guided path rather than isolated lessons. The curriculum covers Grades…

Read the review →

Fender Play is a guided online music-learning program for beginner and intermediate players. It focuses on guitar, bass and ukulele through bite-sized video lessons, song tutorials and structured learning paths. Progress bars show movement…

Read the review →
  1. JustinGuitarMusic Learning Apps 8.8Free plan
  2. Fender PlayMusic Learning Apps 8.7Paid

Strengths and trade-offs

  • JustinGuitar — where it wins

    • Structured Grades 1–3 curriculum with 210 video lessons
    • Chord-change exercises, tuner and daily 10-minute practice routine
    • Song library includes lyrics, chords and adjustable tempo

    Where it doesn't

    • Focused on guitar rather than multiple instruments
    • Paid app subscriptions and content tiers can be confusing
    • App-store prices may vary by country and storefront

  • Fender Play — where it wins

    • Personalized learning paths guide progress through lessons and courses.
    • Feedback Mode evaluates playing, while Practice Mode auto-scrolls tablature.
    • Metronome, backing tracks and song tutorials support focused practice.

    Where it doesn't

    • There is no free plan, so access requires a paid subscription.
    • The curriculum is focused on guitar, bass and ukulele.
    • The annual and monthly plans list the same core features.

More comparisons

All music learning apps comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

Last updated · How we research and update