Five Awesome Apps That Will Help You Learn to Play an Instrument
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Learning an instrument has many benefits for all ages, including a boost in emotional and cognitive health. However, it can also be challenging and pricey; guitar lessons typically range from $40 to $60 per hour depending on which state you live in, and if it takes you some time to pick it up, you could be looking at hundreds of dollars per month. The good news is that technology now allows us to learn from the comfort of our own homes for much less than the cost of an in-person lesson, and on our own time. If you or your child have ever wanted to learn to play an instrument, now is the time!
Keep in mind that your smartphone is a wonderful tool for learning, as long as it’s compatible with the latest apps. Many newer phones actually come with built-in music tech, such as the Now Playing function on the Google Pixel 2 and Google Pixel 2 XL. This feature identifies music playing over a speaker or on television so you can easily add songs to your “gotta learn” list.
Here are five awesome apps that will help you learn music quickly and easily on your favorite instrument:
Yousician
This app allows you to choose from the guitar, ukulele, bass, piano, or even your own personal instrument--your voice--as you make your way through tutorials that are guided by instructors who give you real-time feedback. The program is tailored to your needs because it’s based on your performance, and you can even set goals and compete weekly with other students. The app is available for IOS and Android and doesn’t require anything but your instrument for you to get started. Check out their song list to get an idea of what they have to offer; it’s updated often.
GarageBand
If you’re an Apple user, GarageBand is a wonderful tool for making music and recording it yourself. With tons of features for every level of musician, this app allows you to create music on virtual instruments or play it on your own. When you’re ready to mix it all, you can become the producer and decide how you want it to sound. A smart design helps even younger users figure out the controls pretty easily.
Uberchord
If learning the guitar seems too complicated for you, consider an app like Uberchord that helps you figure out the chords while finding rhythm. Use the strumming trainer to stay on the beat; it adapts to your skill level, so that you’ll never fall behind. You can also get real-time feedback on your timing and accuracy, so you can make changes as you go that will help you improve. It’s also free to use in the App Store.
Justin Guitar Beginner Song Course
This easy-to-follow course helps you learn to play guitar to a backing track, so you can play with your choice of hundreds of songs. You can also check out the video tutorials and learn how to do everything from tuning the guitar by ear to figuring out finger placement on the fretboard. You can even learn how to properly care for your instrument, which is important for younger learners.
Chord!
This app for IOS and Android helps you find different scales, write and share songs, and of course, learn chords on instruments like the guitar, ukulele, bass, banjo, or the mandolin, just to name a few. You don’t have to understand music theory, as the app already knows which chords are optional and which key certain notes should be in. It will even help you reset broken strings!
Learning to play an instrument no longer needs to be a complicated job. With all the tech available at your fingertips, it’s easier than ever to figure out how to play no matter how old you are or what your experience level is, making these apps perfect for children and adults alike.
