Songsterr vs Ultimate Guitar: An In-Depth Comparison

Have you ever wondered where to turn for the best guitar tabs and lessons online? Two names often pop up in this discussion: Songsterr and Ultimate Guitar. But which one truly stands out? Let's find out by taking a look at the following factors:

• pricing
• accurate tabs
• tab collections
• player feedback

Pricing Comparison: Which Guitar Tab Platform is the Cheapest?

Songsterr's paid version costs $9.99 a month, a stark contrast to Ultimate Guitar Pro's $25 monthly fee. However, for those looking for a longer commitment, Ultimate Guitar provides an annual subscription option at $99. This makes Ultimate Guitar cheaper, if you're willing to fork up the cash up front. Of course both offer a free version as well, which removes some of the helpful functions like solo mode,

A notable mention for Ultimate Guitar is its unique offer where contributors can sometimes get premium access for free by submitting a tab. This not only encourages community participation but also provides an affordable way for budding musicians to access premium features.

When it comes to value for money, it's essential to delve deeper into what each platform offers, ensuring that users get the most bang for their buck.

But How Good are the Guitar Tabs?

At the end of the day, no other features, pricing, or anything matters if the guitar tabs from Ultimate Guitar or Songsterr are no good. So how do the guitar tabs from each platform compare?

Song Selection

As an avid player myself with a penchant for rock, stoner, metal and even video game soundtracks, I play a pretty wide and varied selection. In some cases, I'm looking for tracks from popular artists that have just released and in others a niche sound track that the majority of guitarists may not have even heard of!

At the end of the day, Songsterr tabs are fewer and take longer to get onto the platform, whereas the tabs on Ultimate Guitar Pro are more plentiful and get updated/uploaded faster. That being said Songsterr doesn't slouch and will likely meet most guitarists appetite for guitar tabs.

Accuracy and Authenticity

While a broad song selection is a significant advantage, the accuracy of tabs is equally crucial. Songsterr, despite its slightly smaller collection, often stands out for its tabs that mirror the exact position on the fretboard used by the original artists. This precision becomes evident when comparing songs across platforms.

Take, for instance, the song "Emotion Sickness" by Queens of the Stone Age. After watching a live performance and observing Josh Homme's playing, it was clear that Songsterr's tab was more in line with the original.

However, personal preferences play a significant role in tab selection as well. While the Songsterr tabs offered a more accurate rendition, the Ultimate Guitar tabs, although not exact, provided a unique advantage. Positioned differently on the neck, it allowed for more improvisation and ad-libbing during performances, making it a preferred choice for me.

Tabs, in essence, are more than just about accuracy; they're about how they resonate with the player. Some might seek authenticity, while others might opt for tabs that offer more freedom and flexibility in their performances. And in any case, we only tested a limited selection, and you may find that the tabs in your genres of choice/from your artists of choice are better on one platform or another.

Ease of Use and Functionality

Both Songsterr and Ultimate Guitar offer a similar feature set, but the user interface and features.

Songsterr's Sleek Design

Songsterr stands out with its modern and user-friendly interface. One of the most appreciated features is its dark mode, which not only gives the platform a contemporary feel but also reduces eye strain during extended browsing or practice sessions. The platform's layout is intuitive, with clearly labeled sections and a straightforward search function. Additionally, Songsterr's display of difficulty levels for each song provides users with a quick overview, allowing them to gauge if a song aligns with their skill set.

Ultimate Guitar's Functional Approach

Ultimate Guitar, on the other hand, takes a more functional approach. While its interface might not win design awards, it's practical and gets the job done. The platform's strength lies in its vast content, and the UI is designed to make this content easily accessible. One area where Ultimate Guitar could improve is its difficulty filter. Currently, it's tucked away, offering only three levels: beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Bringing this feature to the forefront could enhance the user experience, especially for those looking to find songs that match their proficiency.

What are Others Saying About Songsterr vs Ultimate Guitar Pro?

Forums, social media platforms, and review sites are flooded with discussions, debates, and opinions about every conceivable guitar-related topic. When it comes to Songsterr and Ultimate Guitar, the online guitar community has a lot to say.

Songsterr often receives accolades for its sleek and modern user interface. Many users appreciate the platform's dark mode, which offers a visually pleasing experience, especially during extended sessions. The accuracy of Songsterr's tabs, particularly for certain songs and genres, is another point of praise. However, some users have pointed out that while Songsterr offers quality, it might not always match the vast quantity of tabs available on other platforms.

One of the few areas where the community favors Ultimate Guitar is do to its inclusion of multiple versions. This feature is liked by guitarists who value the ability to see multiple takes on the same piece of music.

Conclusion

Both platforms, with their unique strengths and weaknesses, cater to a diverse range of guitarists, from budding strummers to seasoned shredders. While Songsterr shines with its modern interface and focus on quality, Ultimate Guitar stands tall with its vast collection and community-driven ethos. At the end of the day, the choice between the two often boils down to individual preferences and specific musical needs.