Several unique terms and phrases describe the features of software we review on this site, some easier to grasp than others. This list briefly defines terms relevant to Guitar Lesson Software.

Ratings

Ease of Use

This criterion evaluates how easy guitar lesson software is to use. Ease of Use may take into account menus, buttons and icons, as well as how the program is organized.

Feature Set

The feature set is the collection of abilities or activities a program offers. In guitar lesson software, this may include features such as, whether the software can teach to left and right-handed players, a guitar tuner and the number of lessons and songs available.

Ease of Installation

Some products are easier to install or download then others. This criterion rates the level of difficulty of a product's installation and relates information about additional downloads or other services the product may require.

Lesson Coverage

Teaching and Interactive tools refer to the types and quantities of lessons available in guitar lesson software. Instruction and interactive tools may include lessons on rhythm, intervals and chords.

Practice Tools

Practice tools are features that assist with the learning process. These tools may include a metronome, learning games, an animated fretboard or record/playback options.

Help/Support

Customer service is an important factor in evaluating a product's quality. Email, telephone, fax and instant message are common forms of customer contact methods. Other types of help include FAQ, product manuals, help menus and tutorials. Good software offers multiple contact options and several help features.

Features

Lessons with Video

Video lessons display a musician playing a certain song that relates to a specific lesson, for fingering instruction. Some software has the ability to let the student play as an accompaniment to the video player. Many programs incorporate the ability to slow down a video or enlarge the image to cover the full screen. Some video lessons include sound and others do not.

Lessons with Audio

Lessons taught with the aid of sound, voice narration or prompts.

Right-Handed View

The guitar lesson software has the ability to teach the positions and notes to accommodate a right-handed player.

Left-Handed View

The program teaches the finger positions associated with playing left-handed.

Chord Dictionary

A guitar chord dictionary is a collection of chords with finger positions related by code or an image.

Glossary

A collection of words employed in the guitar lesson software that may be unfamiliar to new students.

Computerized Guitar Tuner

Software that offers this feature has a built in tuner that can evaluate sound received through the microphone and determines whether the instrument is in key or not.

Make Printouts

Some programs will offer a print function to print sheet music, lessons or self-composed music.

Number of Lessons

The total quantity of guitar lessons available through the software, high-end software will include many lessons and approach subjects from different angles-maximizing the learning experience.

Number of Songs

The total number of songs or sheet music available through the guitar lesson program for instruction purposes or to teach style.

Lesson Coverage

Information on Types of Guitars

The program includes a lesson dedicated to the origin and the different types of guitars.

Teaches How to Tune a Guitar

A tutorial that teaches the player how to tune the guitar.

Teaches How to Count Time

There are instructions on how to keep time and read proper music notation.

Teaches You to Play by Ear

A lesson that teaches the player how to recognize a musical note on the guitar by sound.

Teaches You to String a Guitar

The software provides instructions on how to string your guitar properly and information on choosing the right kind of guitar strings.

Teaches You to Read Tablature

The program teaches you how to read guitar tablature, which consists of a diagram showing finger positions, indicated by numerals, which correspond to frets.

Teaches Bass Chord Accompaniments

The guitar lesson program offers lessons that include the bass chord parts for playing duets.

Teaches Rhythm

Lessons and instruction for teaching rhythm.

Teaches Intervals

Instruction related to intervals, which are expressed in steps and are the difference between two pitches.

Teaches Chords

The program provides a detailed introduction to all guitar chords.

Teaches Hammer-ons and Slides

Includes lessons to teach you hammer-ons and slides, which are slurred notes. A slide raises or lowers the pitch and a hammer-on raises the pitch.

Teaches Hand Positions

The guitar lesson software provides lessons on proper hand and finger placement.

Teaches How to Care for a Guitar

Offers instruction on the proper care and maintenance of your instrument.

Teaches Scales

The program provides information on scales and how to play them.

Practice Tools

Metronome

An instrument that maintains a steady beat to keep exact time. The speed of the beat is determined by the tempo of the song.

Animated Fretboard

Displays the correct fingering positions on an animated guitar fretboard, while the music is playing, so that you can follow along.

Repetition Loops

A feature that allows you to select a group of bars from a song that can be set to repeat so that you can practice them repeatedly.

Tempo Adjustment

A feature that adjusts the speed or tempo of a song.

Interactive Feedback

Included in many guitar lesson programs that allow you to input sound through a microphone. The program will evaluate how you play and offer constructive feedback and advice.

Record and Play Back

A feature that allows you to record and listen to your performance.

Music Tracking as You Play

Notes display on your screen and some sort of tracking tool (highlighting, cursor and so on), which indicates what note to play and when.

Compose Music

The guitar lesson software has a built in studio for composing and arranging your own music pieces.

Accompaniment

The option of playing a piece of music with accompanying musical instruments.

Interactive Games

The guitar lesson program provides games designed for learning and entertainment. These games also score your performance.

Help/Support

Phone Support

Allows you to call the manufacturer support team directly or send in a fax for technical support.

Manual

Support provided by the manufacturer via a user manual, online or built into the program.

FAQs

A list of the most commonly asked questions with answers, offered either online or included in the software.

Tutorials

In-program walkthroughs that are either automatically conducted while using the software or promted by the user.

eMail Address

Manufacturer support provided through email.

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