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By the KYI Team. Last compared 7 November 2026; prices and trial terms were checked on both platforms’ own sites that day.
Quick verdict
| Guitar Tricks | Fender Play | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Beginners who want to keep going past the basics | Casual beginners who want to play a few songs fast |
| Price | $29.95 a month or $179 a year ($143.20 with SAVE20) | $19.99 a month or $149.99 a year |
| Trial | 14 days, plus a 60-day money-back guarantee | 7 days on the monthly plan, 14 days on the annual plan |
| Instruments | Guitar | Guitar, bass and ukulele |
| Path | Core Learning System, then four full style courses | Song-based paths by genre; thinner past beginner level |
| Feedback | Weekly Q&A video and instructor video feedback included | None |
| Our pick | Most beginners | Ukulele or bass learners, and the very casual |
Price
Fender Play is cheaper month to month ($19.99 against $29.95) and slightly cheaper for a year at list ($149.99 against $179). With the Guitar Tricks code SAVE20 the annual plans flip: $143.20 against $149.99. Both discount around the holidays; Guitar Tricks is selling a year for $99 right now for Black Friday 2026. Guitar Tricks pricing in full.
The first month: both good, Fender Play faster to a riff
Fender Play is built to get you playing a recognisable riff in the first session, and it does; its own pitch is a riff in seven minutes across three short lessons. The interface is the cleanest in the category, the video quality is high, and the path for your chosen genre is simple to follow. Guitar Tricks’ Core Learning System spends longer on fundamentals (holding the guitar, picking, clean chord changes) before the songs arrive, which feels slower but builds better habits.
Months two to twelve: Guitar Tricks pulls away
This is the real difference. Fender Play’s intermediate and advanced material exists but is thin and not promoted; most users hit the end of what is useful within a few months. Guitar Tricks continues into four full style courses (Blues, Rock, Country, Acoustic, each at two levels), lessons in 12 more styles, Artist Studies and a technique library. If you expect to still be playing in a year, Guitar Tricks gives you a year of material.
Songs
Both have large song libraries. Fender Play’s are shorter, simplified arrangements aimed at getting you through the song; Guitar Tricks breaks songs into parts with note-for-note solos, single-guitar versions and jam tracks. Casual players will prefer Fender Play’s approach; anyone who wants to play the song as recorded will prefer Guitar Tricks.
Instruments
Fender Play covers bass and ukulele; Guitar Tricks is guitar only. If you want ukulele, this ends the comparison.
Support and community
Guitar Tricks includes a weekly instructor Q&A video, a Feedback System in which an instructor replies to a video of your playing, and a forum, with paid extras for a custom lesson plan and 1-on-1 Zoom lessons. Fender Play has no feedback and no community. Subscription management on Fender Play also depends on whether you signed up on the web or in the app, which trips people up; Guitar Tricks is managed in one place.
Who should pick which
- Want to play a few favourite songs and nothing more: Fender Play.
- Want to actually become a guitarist: Guitar Tricks.
- Ukulele or bass: Fender Play.
- Buying for a teenager who is serious: Guitar Tricks.
- Want someone to check your playing: Guitar Tricks.
Frequently asked questions
Is Fender Play good for beginners?
Yes, very. It is the easiest start. It just does not go far.
Is Guitar Tricks harder than Fender Play?
Slightly slower at the start, not harder. The lessons are three to five minutes.
Which is cheaper?
Fender Play monthly; Guitar Tricks annually with SAVE20.
Can I learn ukulele on Guitar Tricks?
No.
Last compared 7 November 2026. Guitar Tricks review · Fender Play review · Guitar Tricks vs JamPlay, TrueFire, JustinGuitar, Yousician and Pickup Music.
