Question 1

What is Gitaartabs.nl?

Accepted Answer

Gitaartabs.nl is the largest Dutch platform for learning guitar and playing along. Since 1998, we've built a library of more than 25,000 songs with chords and tabs, plus a structured learning path from your first chord to advanced pieces. More than 65,000 members use the site on phone, tablet and computer.

Question 2

How do I start learning guitar on Gitaartabs?

Accepted Answer

Create an account and start with the free section: find a song you like and view the chords. If you want to learn step by step, the learning path starts from zero — your first grips, your first rhythm, your first complete song. You have nothing to install; everything works in your browser.

Question 3

Do I need experience to get started?

Accepted Answer

No. The learning path starts from zero: your first chords and your first song. Already playing for a while? Then you jump in at your own level and use the library and ProTabs to expand your repertoire.

Question 4

What devices does Gitaartabs work on?

Accepted Answer

On your phone, tablet and computer. You only need a browser and internet — there's nothing to install. Your account and progress stay the same across all your devices, so you can start on the couch and continue later on your phone.

Question 5

Is Gitaartabs suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Yes. There are plenty of children's songs, St. Nicholas songs and Christmas songs with easy chords, ideal for playing together. The learning path is built up gradually, so young beginners can keep up too.

Question 6

What are ProTabs?

Accepted Answer

ProTabs are interactive sheet music tabs that you play and play along with in your browser. You slow down each passage, repeat the difficult parts and practice at your own pace — the music moves with you. This way you learn a song note by note, without installing a separate app.

Question 7

How many songs are on Gitaartabs?

Accepted Answer

More than 25,000 songs with chords or tabs, from Dutch-language classics to international pop, rock and more. The library grows continuously as members submit new songs that we verify before they go online.

Question 8

Can I play along with a song?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with ProTabs the tab plays along with you. You can slow down the tempo, loop a section and build up gradually to the original tempo. Perfect for mastering difficult passages without having to start over each time.

Question 9

I added a song or playlist, but I don't see it in my menu

Accepted Answer

Your favorites and playlists appear in the "Songs & Tabs" menu under "Your Favorites" and "My Playlists". The menu doesn't refresh live: reload the page once (F5) and your new favorite or playlist will be there. In the menu we show your three most recent favorite songs and playlists as shortcuts; via "Your Favorite Songs" and "Manage Your Playlists" you always see the complete overview.

Question 10

Can I play a song in a different key?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Many songs can be transposed so the chords match your voice or your capo. This way you play a song a few tones higher or lower without having to do the calculations yourself.

Question 11

What is a capo and how do I use it?

Accepted Answer

A capo is a clamp that you place on a fret to raise all strings at once. With it, you play easy open chords in a higher key. For songs with a capo, it indicates which fret to place it on; in our reference guide you can read exactly how it works.

Question 12

How many guitar chords can I learn here?

Accepted Answer

In the chord library you'll find all commonly used chords with clear finger diagrams, plus alternative grips and fingering. From basic open chords to barre and seventh chords — with multiple ways to play each chord.

Question 13

Can I submit a song myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Members can submit songs with chords or tabs. We review both the lyrics and chords before a song goes online, so the library stays reliable. This way we maintain high quality and keep rights in order.

Question 14

How does the lesson path work?

Accepted Answer

The lesson path is a structured route from beginner to advanced. You work through each section: watch, play along, practice and check off. Each lesson builds on the previous one, so you learn chords, rhythm and technique in the right order instead of in isolation.

Question 15

Can I learn guitar without a teacher?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that's exactly what Gitaartabs is for. You follow the lesson path at your own pace, repeat sections as often as you want and play along with real songs. If you'd still like personal guidance, you can request a private lesson or intake separately.

Question 16

How long does it take to learn to play guitar?

Accepted Answer

With just a few times a week practicing for fifteen minutes, you'll play your first song within a few weeks. Switching chords smoothly and keeping tight rhythms takes longer — that's normal. Because you work at your own pace and play along with music you enjoy, you'll stay motivated.

Question 17

Can I also learn bass guitar?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside guitar you'll find bass tabs and lessons to learn bass guitar. You play along with the bass line and practice at your own pace, just like with regular guitar lessons.

Question 18

I've been playing for a while — is there anything for advanced players?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. There are lessons for intermediate and advanced players, plus riffs, licks and more challenging ProTabs to deepen your technique. You start at your own level and pick what takes you further.

Question 19

What does a Gitaartabs subscription cost?

Accepted Answer

Subscriptions start from € 7.50 per month (with annual billing). With Songs & ProTabs you get all songs, chords and the play-along player; with Guitar Lessons you get the structured lesson path; and with All-in-one both together — the most affordable complete choice. On the pricing page you'll see the current rates per plan.

Question 20

What's the difference between the subscriptions?

Accepted Answer

With Songs & ProTabs you get all songs, chords and the play-along player. With Guitar Lessons you get the structured lesson path. All-in-one combines both — lessons and songs — and is the most affordable complete choice.

Question 21

How does the WELKOM1 offer work?

Accepted Answer

With code WELKOM1 you get your first month of All-in-one for € 1 instead of € 24.95 — all lessons and all songs with ProTabs. If you choose a year right away, you get a month free: € 126 instead of € 149.95. Enter the code at checkout. The offer applies only to the All-in-one subscription.

Question 22

Can I start with no commitment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. All subscriptions are cancellable monthly, so you're not locked in. If you don't like it, you simply cancel again.

Question 23

Can I cancel monthly?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all subscriptions are cancellable monthly. You're not locked in and your cancellation takes effect at the end of your current period.

Question 24

How do I cancel my subscription?

Accepted Answer

You manage your subscription in your account under Settings. There you can see your current plan and cancel, upgrade or downgrade. Cancellation takes effect at the end of the period you've already paid for.

Question 25

What payment methods can I use?

Accepted Answer

Payment is secure via our encrypted payment environment. You can pay with iDEAL, credit card, Bancontact and Apple Pay or Google Pay, among others. Your subscription renews automatically each month or year depending on what you choose, and you can cancel at any time. All prices shown are inclusive of VAT.

Question 26

How do I create an account?

Accepted Answer

Click on login and register with your email address. You'll have immediate access to the free section; for the full library and learning path, choose a subscription that suits you.

Question 27

I've forgotten my password. What now?

Accepted Answer

On the login page, use the option to reset your password. You'll receive an email with a link to choose a new password. If that doesn't work, contact us.

Question 28

Are my favorites saved across all my devices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you're logged in, we save your favorite songs and artists in your account so they're the same on your phone, tablet, and computer. If you log out or use the site as a guest, we only save favorites on that device.

Question 29

Where do I change my name, password, or notifications?

Accepted Answer

Everything is in Settings in your account: your name, password, profile photo, and which notifications you want to receive (subscription and payment, new songs and ProTabs, lesson tips, and product news). You'll also see when you became a member and your subscription details.

Question 30

How do you handle my data?

Accepted Answer

We handle your data carefully and comply with GDPR. We only use your data to provide the service and do not sell it. In our privacy policy you can read exactly what we store and why.

Question 31

Do you also sell guitar books?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Alongside the online library, Gitaartabs publishes physical songbooks with chords and lyrics, such as collections of Christmas songs and Dutch-language numbers. You'll find them in the books section on the site.

Question 32

Do I need a subscription to buy a book?

Accepted Answer

No. The guitar books are purchased separately, independent of a subscription. A subscription gives you access to the online library, ProTabs, and the learning path; the books are a supplement for those who like to play from paper.

Question 33

Does Gitaartabs work for electric, acoustic, and classical guitar?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for all three. The basic techniques — chords, rhythm, and switching — are the same on every guitar, so you follow the same lessons whether you play acoustic, electric, or classical. In the advanced lessons, specific electric techniques like bends, vibrato, and soloing are covered. The ProTabs with the play-along player work on every type of guitar.

Question 34

Which guitar is best for me to buy as a beginner?

Accepted Answer

For most beginners, an acoustic guitar is the finest start: you don't need an amplifier and your fingers naturally get stronger. A budget of € 80 to € 150 is plenty to get started. Want to play electric right away? That works too — just budget for an amplifier. Above all, choose a guitar that feels good in your hands, and you'll pick it up more often.

Question 35

What's the difference between the Modules and the Lesson Levels?

Accepted Answer

The Modules are our updated learning route: compact, tightly structured, and with one fixed instructor throughout the entire beginner phase — ideal for a clear, focused start. The Lesson Levels are the extended original method with more videos, more practice material, and different instructors for each topic — great if you want more variety or have tried guitar before. Unsure? Start with the Modules; you can always switch.

Question 36

What can I do with the play-along player in the ProTabs?

Accepted Answer

The interactive player gives you complete control to study a song: slow down every passage without changing the pitch, loop a section, and transpose to a key that suits your voice. The staff, tab, and chords move in sync, so you see exactly what you're playing. This way you practice difficult passages at your own tempo until they stick.

Question 37

I see an error in the song lyrics, tab, or chords — how do I report it?

Accepted Answer

Great that you noticed! Below each song you can submit a correction and edit or expand the chords, tab, or explanation. We review every submission before it goes live. Many songs were added by members in the past, so your attention helps the entire community build a more reliable library.

Question 38

I can't log in — what can I do?

Accepted Answer

First, check that you're using the email address you signed up with. If you've forgotten your password, use 'Forgot password' to set a new one. If you ever signed up with Google or Facebook, log in using that same button — otherwise your email won't match. Still stuck? Get in touch and we'll help you out.

Question 39

How do I delete my account?

Accepted Answer

If you no longer want to use Gitaartabs at all, send us a request via the contact form to delete your account. We'll process it in accordance with GDPR. You don't need to give a reason, but we'd love to hear what could be better.

Question 40

Can I try Gitaartabs first?

Accepted Answer

Yes. With code WELKOM1, play your first month of All-in-one for € 1 instead of € 24.95 — all lessons and all songs with ProTabs. After that, the regular monthly price applies and you can always cancel month-to-month. The chords and tabs themselves remain free to play anyway.

Question 41

How do I link my guitar book with the code?

Accepted Answer

Each Gitaartabs book comes with a unique code on a sticker. Go to the books section on the site, choose your book and enter the code. If you're new, you'll create an account right away; if you're already a member, you'll link the book directly to your existing account. After that, you'll have access to the corresponding online learning environment.

Question 42

Can I still link a secondhand book I bought?

Accepted Answer

A book code can only be linked once, so a secondhand copy whose code has already been used cannot be reactivated. If you still want access to the online learning environment, you can purchase a separate subscription. Unsure if your code is still valid? Get in touch and we'll check it out for you.

Frequently asked questions

Getting started

Songs, chords & tabs

Learning & lessons

Subscriptions & payment

Account & privacy

Guitar books

Can't find your question?