An Honest Review of Fender Play [The Good & The Bad]

Fender Play is like a digital playground for guitar enthusiasts. With its intuitive design and vast library of lessons, it aims to be your go-to resource for learning guitar at your own pace. But does it really hit the mark for everyone, especially those of us with a penchant for the heavier subgenres? Let’s break it down and see what’s great, what’s not so much, and whether you might want to give it a whirl.

The User-Friendly Interface

One of the first things you’ll notice about Fender Play is its sleek, user-friendly interface. It’s kind of like walking into a room where everything is organized just the way you like it. Lessons are easy to find, and the navigation feels intuitive, even if you’ve never used a learning platform before. This is particularly useful if you’re juggling learning guitar with work, school, or other commitments.

For beginners, having a platform that doesn’t overwhelm you with too much information at once is a breath of fresh air. You can easily see your progress and pick up right where you left off. This is great for keeping motivated, as you can visibly track your improvement over time.

However, for those of us who are more experienced, the simplicity can sometimes feel like it’s lacking depth. If you’re diving into metal subgenres like djent or progressive metal, you might find yourself wishing for more intricate options or advanced settings that cater specifically to these styles. That’s where platforms like Riffhard come in, offering more specialized content for metal enthusiasts.

Lesson Variety and Content

Fender Play offers a wide range of lessons across different genres, making it a versatile choice for guitarists with varied tastes. Whether you’re into rock, blues, folk, or pop, there’s something for you. The platform covers all the basics, from chord progressions to strumming patterns, and even delves into some music theory.

But here’s the catch: if you’re a metalhead, you might find the content a bit vanilla. While Fender Play does include some rock and alternative lessons, it doesn’t go deep into the more complex techniques that define metal guitar playing. Concepts like sweep picking, palm muting, and intricate riffing are either glossed over or not covered in the depth you might want.

For those with a passion for metal and its subgenres, Riffhard can provide the depth you’re craving. With lessons from some of the most respected metal guitarists, it dives into the nitty-gritty of metal techniques, ensuring you’re not missing out on the skills necessary to shred like a pro.

Progress Tracking and Motivation

Keeping track of your progress is crucial when learning an instrument, and Fender Play does a commendable job here. The platform offers a clear path through its lessons, showing you exactly what you’ve completed and what’s next. This structured approach can be highly motivating, especially for beginners who thrive on seeing tangible progress.

Fender Play also awards badges as you complete lessons, giving you a little extra push to keep going. It’s a bit like a video game achievement system, which can be quite satisfying for those who enjoy gamified learning experiences.

However, if you’re more advanced and looking for a challenge, the motivation might wane once you’ve mastered the basics. Riffhard takes it a step further by offering riff-writing contests and live streams, engaging you in a community of like-minded musicians and providing goals that are more aligned with an advanced skill set.

Video Quality and Instruction

When it comes to video lessons, quality matters. Fender Play does a decent job with high-quality videos that are easy to follow. Instructors are clear and articulate, making it easy to understand the material, even if you’re new to the guitar.

The lessons are shot with multiple camera angles, so you can see exactly what the instructor is doing. This is crucial for understanding finger placement and technique. However, the pacing of the lessons can sometimes feel a bit slow for those who have a basic understanding and want to move quickly into more complex material.

If you find yourself craving more advanced instruction, Riffhard is the place to be. Our platform features lessons from renowned metal guitarists who focus on advanced techniques, offering a depth that Fender Play doesn’t quite reach.

Price Point and Value

Fender Play offers a subscription model, which is pretty standard for online learning platforms. The cost is reasonable, especially considering the access you get to a wide range of lessons. For a beginner, it’s a decent investment, as it can save money compared to traditional face-to-face lessons.

However, if you’re a more advanced player looking to hone specific skills, you might question the value. The content, while broad, doesn’t dive deep into specialized techniques, particularly in the metal genre. That’s where spending a bit more on a platform like Riffhard can pay off, offering lessons that go beyond the basics and into the specialized skills you need to stand out as a metal guitarist.

Community and Support

Learning guitar can sometimes feel like a solitary journey, but Fender Play tries to counteract that with its community features. There’s a forum where you can connect with other learners, share progress, and ask questions. It’s a nice touch, offering some social interaction that can be motivating.

However, the community is quite generalized. If you’re looking to connect with fellow metal enthusiasts, you might feel a bit out of place. In contrast, Riffhard offers a more targeted community experience, where you can engage with others who share your passion for metal genres. There’s something about collaborating with people who get your musical taste that makes learning even more rewarding.

Accessibility and Device Compatibility

Fender Play is accessible on a range of devices, whether it’s your smartphone, tablet, or computer. This flexibility allows you to learn on the go, which is great if you have a busy lifestyle and need to fit practice sessions into your day.

The mobile app is particularly user-friendly, allowing you to practice anywhere, whether you’re commuting or taking a break at work. The functionality is consistent across devices, making it easy to pick up where you left off.

While the accessibility is a big plus, the content remains the same across all devices. If you’re looking for specialized content that caters specifically to your interests in metal guitar, Riffhard provides a more tailored experience, allowing you to dive into lessons that match your skill level and musical preferences.

Final Thoughts

Fender Play offers a solid foundation for beginners and casual players, with its user-friendly interface and broad lesson variety. However, for metal enthusiasts seeking advanced techniques and a specialized community, we at Riffhard offer the depth and focus you’re looking for. Our platform is designed to help you master the intricate skills necessary for modern metal genres, providing a learning experience that’s both engaging and rewarding.