An In-Depth Review of the Yousician App: Pros and Cons
The Yousician app is a popular choice for those looking to learn to play the guitar. But is it really as effective as many suggest? In this article, we'll explore the pros and cons of the app, and provide some advice for aspiring guitar players.
Introduction to Yousician
The Yousician app offers a comprehensive platform for guitar players, from beginners to those with some experience. It uses a combination of tablature, ear training, and a game-like approach to help users learn to play guitar. The app is packed with over 100 songs, covering a variety of genres, and a structured learning path that helps users advance their skills.
Pros of the Yousician App
1. Massive Song Variety and Skill Progression
The Yousician app boasts a vast library of songs, covering various genres and styles. From classic rock to folk and blues, the app offers a rich and diverse selection of tunes. In addition to the extensive song catalog, the app provides a structured progression of skills that learners can follow, making the learning process both fun and rewarding.
The app plays sort of like Guitar Hero, but instead of just following the on-screen notes, players move tablature on the screen, which is the classic rock/folk/blues method. This approach helps users learn to read and play from a tablature, a skill that is essential for any guitar player.
2. Standard Notation Training Method Module
Yousician also offers a standard notation training module, which can be beneficial for users who want to learn to read and interpret sheet music. This feature makes the app a well-rounded tool for developing a comprehensive guitar-playing skill set.
Cons of the Yousician App
1. Dependency on the App
While the Yousician app is an excellent tool for learning guitar, there are some drawbacks. One of the biggest weaknesses is that users become very dependent on the app. The app has a user-friendly interface and a game-like structure, which can make it easy to become addicted to practicing with the app.
Some players argue that the app does not teach players to play by ear or to read music without relying on the app. Traditional guitar players, who learned to play by ear and without any music or tabs, may find it challenging to pick up their guitar and play spontaneously if they have spent too much time with the app.
2. Lack of Traditional Guitar Skills
The Yousician app focuses on playing the guitar through a tablature method, which can be limiting for some users. Traditional guitar players learn to play by ear and can pick up their guitar and play spontaneously. While the app is excellent for learning specific songs and techniques, it may not fully prepare users for real-world situations where they need to play without relying on the app.
Alternative Learning Methods
If you are very disciplined and persistent, you might consider learning guitar on your own with YouTube tutorials. There are countless video tutorials available on platforms like YouTube that offer a wide range of learning materials. These tutorials can be tailored to your specific learning style and preferences, making the learning process more personalized.
Conclusion
The effectiveness of the Yousician app varies depending on the learner. For those who are very disciplined and persistent, the app can be a valuable tool in their guitar learning journey. However, if you are looking to develop more traditional guitar skills, you might consider a combination of app-based learning and personal instruction.