NAMM 2021: Gibson launches “epic” new app featuring augmented reality lessons, play-along tabs and more

NAMM 2021: Gibson has launched the Gibson App, a new smartphone app aimed at guitarists from beginner to expert. It offers a number of features, including a new approach to augmented reality learning, a tuner, play-along tabs and more.

Audio Augmented Reality

The technology at the core of the app, it has been developed in partnership with Swedish tech company Zoundio. Audio Augmented Reality allows for the app to respond to your playing as you learn – so rather than a set video, the virtual lesson becomes much more interactive. No equipment other than a smartphone, an acoustic or electric guitar and a pair of headphones is required.

The Gibson App covers electric and acoustic lessons, across multiple genres and styles. Lessons themselves consist of play along tabs, but enhanced with the realtime feedback fed through your headphones. They’re set in a wider structure of learning, so beginners, intermediate and expert players can all pick their own path on learning.

Play-along tabs

Tabs for songs by artists such as Eric Clapton, BB King, Tom Petty, Dolly Parton, Santana, Aerosmith, Billie Eilish, The Beatles, Foo Fighters, Thin Lizzy are accessible through the app, with each song being able to be adjusted to your skill level.

Virtual guitar tech

Players can get a free one-on-one consultation with a Gibson pro guitar tech. The video call will cover a variety of basic guitar tune-up and maintenance tasks.

Other features

The app also has an in-built tuner, with alternate tunings and chromatic tunings available. It also has a direct line to Gibson TV, and to the online store for Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer instruments, as well as Gibson Brands official apparel, gear and accessories.

JC Curleigh, Gibson CEO, said of the launch: “Our focus over the past few years has been all about our obsession with guitars, our connection with artists, and on re-building our iconic brands of Gibson, Epiphone, and Kramer.

“Now it’s time to bring guitar playing to life for the current and next generation of guitarists in a modern, comprehensive, and intuitive way.”

“There has never been a better time to learn how to play guitar or to improve your guitar skills with all of the amazing tools available, but it can still be confusing and a little intimidating,” added Cesar Gueikian, Gibson CMO.

“So, we set out to create the Gibson experience, centred around real insights, innovation, and simple intuition all delivered through one app, the new Gibson App. Early feedback has been inspiring and we are excited to take this next step into even more guitar solutions from Gibson.”

Take a look at the trailer for the app below

You can download the app from the App Store for iOS or the Google Play Store for android to try it for free. For more from NAMM 2021, see our hub here.