Fender Musical Instruments Corporation (FMIC) and Fender Digital expanded Fender Play to additional platforms and devices, including iPad, available now on the App Store and Android, and available on Google Play on March 29. The app is designed to change the way beginning players learn how to play guitar through hundreds of easy-to-follow, instructor-guided video lessons utilizing a song-driven, personalized learning path that enables even brand-new players to master chords and riffs in minutes.
According to Fender, Fender Play was created to solve an ongoing challenge: 90 percent of players who take up guitar will abandon the instrument after one year. The result is a highly sophisticated guitar learning platform and curriculum created with a panel of educational advisors from prestigious music programs, such as the Thornton School of Music at University of Southern California in Los Angeles and Musicians Institute in Hollywood. Concepts are taught through bite-sized video lessons using songs from popular artists, such as U2, Shawn Mendes, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Carrie Underwood and more.
“Fender Play is one of the fastest-growing and engaged guitar lesson communities of its kind,” said Ethan Kaplan, general manager of Fender Digital. “We’re seeing musicians on Fender Play grow their skills right before our eyes, and with expanded access through iPad and Android devices, we’re excited that even more people will have the opportunity to learn or rediscover their passion for guitar through the accessibility and convenience of Fender Play.”
In addition to the iPad and Android platforms, Fender Play will soon have ukulele and bass lessons, as well as new R&B and metal genre paths later in 2018. New players can sign up for a free 30-day trial at Play.Fender.com and continue their journey for $9.99 a month thereafter, or take advantage of a year of unlimited lessons for only $89.99.