Guitar Start Guide
The JustinGuitar vs Fender Play question really comes down to one thing: are you happy paying for a slick, guided experience, or would you rather learn from one of the most respected free resources on the internet? JustinGuitar has taught millions of people, and its core lessons cost nothing. Fender Play is a paid subscription with a tightly produced curriculum and a big-brand feel. Both are genuinely good — so this guide focuses on what you actually get for your money (or lack of it) and which suits how you like to learn.
The short answer
If budget matters and you’re self-disciplined, JustinGuitar is almost unbeatable value — a complete, well-sequenced beginner course for free. If you’ll pay a modest monthly fee for extra polish, shorter lessons and a hand-held path, Fender Play is a comfortable choice. Neither will hold you back; the deciding factor is your wallet and your appetite for structure versus self-direction.
What JustinGuitar gets right
Justin Sandercoe’s free lessons are famous for a reason. The beginner grades are logically ordered, he explains the “why” behind every technique, and there’s an enormous back catalogue covering theory, songs, technique and practice routines. The paid app adds practice tools and song play-alongs, but the website lessons alone can take you from your first chord to confidently strumming songs.
The trade-off is that it’s largely self-serve. There’s no gamified nudge dragging you back each day, so you supply the motivation. For a broader look at how free lessons stack up against paid course libraries, our Guitar Tricks vs JustinGuitar comparison digs into exactly that.
What Fender Play gets right
Fender Play feels effortless to follow. Lessons are short, well-lit and consistent, and the “path” format decides what you learn next so you never stare at a menu wondering where to start. It’s especially strong on getting you to recognisable songs quickly, which is a big motivator early on. If you like being led rather than navigating a big free library yourself, that guidance is worth paying for.
JustinGuitar vs Fender Play compared
| Feature | JustinGuitar | Fender Play |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Core lessons free; optional paid app | Subscription, around $10/month or less annually (at time of writing) |
| Structure | Graded courses you self-navigate | Guided path chosen for you |
| Depth of theory | Extensive and well explained | Lighter, song-focused |
| Lesson style | Longer, teacher-led explanations | Short, polished video steps |
| Song library | Large, with detailed breakdowns | Curated popular hits |
| Motivation help | Self-directed | Structured path keeps you moving |
| Best for | Budget-conscious, self-starters | Those who want an easy guided route |
Is free actually as good as paid here?
Honestly, in this matchup free is remarkably competitive. JustinGuitar isn’t a stripped-back teaser; it’s a full curriculum. What you pay Fender Play for is convenience and polish, not necessarily better teaching. Consider a few practical points:
- Choose JustinGuitar if you can motivate yourself and want maximum depth for zero cost.
- Choose Fender Play if a done-for-you path and short lessons will keep you consistent.
- You can start free with JustinGuitar and add a paid tool later only if you feel you need it.
- Try Fender Play’s trial before paying, so you know the format clicks with you.
If you’re still deciding whether an app-style or course-style tool suits you overall, browse our full set of reviews and comparisons before you commit any money.
JustinGuitar is free and Fender Play is a subscription. If you want a structured beginner course you pay for once, Jamorama is on the vendor’s page (checked 30 September 2026) with a 60-day refund through ClickBank. It is video lessons, so it cannot listen to your playing, and JustinGuitar’s free lessons are the better starting point if budget is the main concern. On Trustpilot it shows a 1.4 score from 41 reviews: older reviews praise the teaching and a few from 2023 to 2025 report account or support problems (we did not test it hands-on). What to check before buying.
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See Jamorama on the vendor’s page →Our recommendation
Start with JustinGuitar. It costs nothing, the teaching is excellent, and you lose nothing by trying it first. If you find you need more structure and a path that decides your next step for you, Fender Play is a sensible, affordable upgrade.
Our take for new players: Both are strong free-to-paid options, but if you’d rather follow one deliberate track from day one, we’d reach for Jamorama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is JustinGuitar really free?
Yes. The core beginner-to-intermediate lessons on justinguitar.com are free. There’s an optional paid app with extra practice tools and song features, but you can learn a huge amount without spending anything.
Is Fender Play worth paying for over a free option?
It can be, if you value a guided path and short, polished lessons that keep you consistent. You’re paying for convenience and structure rather than fundamentally better teaching.
Which is better for learning music theory?
JustinGuitar goes deeper on theory and explains the reasoning behind techniques. Fender Play keeps theory light and song-focused, which some beginners prefer early on.
Can I use both?
Many people do. A common approach is to learn structure and songs from one and dip into JustinGuitar’s free lessons whenever you want a deeper explanation of a particular skill.
What to Read Next
- Yousician vs Simply Guitar: Which Is Better for Beginners?
- Fender Play vs Guitar Tricks: A Straight Comparison
- Guitar Tricks vs JustinGuitar: Paid vs Free, Compared
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