Guitar Start Guide
Put these two side by side and you will find genuine differences in feel, song choice and how strict the scoring is. What you will not find is a difference in business model. Both charge you every month, for as long as you keep learning, and neither has a point at which you are finished paying.
So the comparison worth having is not Yousician against Simply Guitar. It is renting an app against buying a course outright. Jamorama costs $97 once, listed at $287, and gives you ten modules in a deliberate order from Mark McKenzie with jam tracks behind them. Neither its video production nor its lack of real-time feedback will impress anyone arriving from an app, but the bill only arrives once.
See why we recommend Jamorama →
Song-based lessons that listen to your playing and give instant feedback — a low-pressure way for beginners to start.
Try Simply Guitar free →Yousician vs Simply Guitar is one of the most common decisions new players face, because both apps listen to your playing and both promise to take you from zero to songs. But they feel very different in practice: one is a fast-paced game, the other a gentle guided tour. This side-by-side comparison breaks down which suits which kind of beginner, so you can pick the right one before your free trial runs out.
The short answer
If you’re motivated by games, streaks, and a bit of a challenge, Yousician will keep you hooked. If you’re a nervous total beginner who wants a calm, hand-holding start, Simply Guitar is friendlier. Both teach real skills — the difference is temperament, not quality.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Yousician | Simply Guitar |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching style | Gamified, fast-paced | Gentle, song-led |
| Listens to your playing | Yes, real-time scoring | Yes, checks each note |
| Best for | Motivated by games & streaks | Nervous total beginners |
| Instruments covered | Guitar, bass, piano, ukulele, voice | Guitar (Simply Piano is separate) |
| Free tier | Limited, daily time cap | Limited trial |
| Approx. price | Around $15/mo | Around $10–15/mo |
One thing both share: they’re subscriptions — you keep paying month after month. If you’d rather pay once and own a full course for life, Jamorama is our overall pick: a one-time payment, lifetime access and a 60-day money-back guarantee (see what’s inside →).
Teaching style: game vs guided tour
Yousician plays like a rhythm game — notes scroll toward you, and you’re scored on accuracy and timing as you play along. It’s exciting and competitive, which is brilliant for people who thrive on measurable progress. Simply Guitar takes the opposite approach, walking you slowly through each new skill with lots of encouragement and familiar songs. There’s less pressure and more reassurance, which matters enormously if you’re worried you’ll be “bad at it”.
Feedback and accuracy
Both apps use your device’s microphone to hear what you play. Yousician’s real-time scoring is more granular and demanding, which pushes you to clean up your playing but can feel discouraging if you’re struggling. Simply Guitar’s feedback is gentler and more forgiving, celebrating small wins. Neither is objectively better — it depends on whether tough love or gentle praise keeps you going.
Song libraries and variety
Yousician covers multiple instruments and has a broad, regularly updated song catalogue, so it grows with you if you later pick up bass or ukulele. Simply Guitar keeps a tighter focus on guitar and leans on recognisable songs to teach, which keeps beginners motivated but offers less breadth long term.
Price and free tiers
Both sit in a similar price band — roughly $10–15 a month at the time of writing, with cheaper annual plans. Yousician’s free tier caps your daily practice time, while Simply Guitar offers a limited trial before subscribing. Try both free before you decide; the “feel” is what should sway you, not a dollar or two.
Which should you choose?
Pick Yousician if you love a challenge, want multiple instruments, and stay motivated by scores and streaks. Pick Simply Guitar if you’re a complete beginner who wants a calm, confidence-building start. For a broader look at how these stack up against other apps, see our best guitar learning apps roundup.
If you only pick one thing: Both apps have their charms, but a beginner who wants lessons that build in a sensible order will get further with Jamorama.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yousician or Simply Guitar easier for absolute beginners?
Simply Guitar is generally easier for absolute beginners thanks to its slower pace and gentler feedback. Yousician can feel demanding early on, though its game format motivates plenty of newcomers too.
Do both apps work with any guitar?
Yes. Both listen through your device’s microphone, so they work with acoustic and electric guitars. Just play in a quiet room so the app can hear each note clearly.
Can I switch between them later?
Absolutely. Many learners start with one and switch when their needs change — for example, moving from Simply Guitar’s gentle intro to Yousician for more challenge. Both are month-to-month, so there’s no long-term lock-in.
Are these apps enough on their own?
For the first several months, yes. Later, many players add a structured video course for deeper fundamentals. An app plus a course is a powerful combination.
What to read next
Prefer one structured course you own for life over renting an app? Jamorama is our top recommendation — a 10-part video course, pay once, with a 60-day money-back guarantee.
See what’s inside Jamorama → Read our reviewHow we reviewed this (updated 16 October 2026): this page is based on the vendor’s official information, pricing and policies and on public user feedback. We have not hands-on tested the products listed.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend what we genuinely rate.
Related: what Simply Guitar gives you free, is Simply Guitar worth it, is Yousician free and guitar lessons with no monthly fee.