Our verdict: Guitar Pro is the best-known tab editor and the format many tab sites share, so it is a natural choice for guitarists who transcribe, write or practise songs. Playback with realistic soundbanks, tempo control and looping makes it a strong practice tool. The trial is only seven days and needs your email address, and free TuxGuitar and MuseScore cover the basics.
About Guitar Pro
Guitar Pro is developed by Arobas Music and has been around since 1997. Version 8 edits tablature and standard notation for guitar, bass, ukulele, banjo, drums, piano and other instruments, and adds audio tracks, a pedalboard, scale diagrams and a visual metronome. It includes about 200 RSE soundbanks and 80 effect and amp models.
The demo unlocks all Guitar Pro 8 features for 7 days; after that you must buy a license to keep using it. Guitar Pro 8 costs $69.95 as a one-time purchase with free 8.x updates and installation on up to 5 computers for one user and their household. Upgrades from older versions cost $34.95.
What it does well
- Tab and score editing. Write tablature and standard notation for guitar, bass, drums, piano, ukulele and more.
- Realistic playback. RSE soundbanks and amp and effect models reproduce the sound of your parts.
- Practice tools. Slow down the tempo gradually, loop sections and use the built-in metronome and tuner.
- Audio track. Add an audio recording to a score and sync it to the notation.
- Chord and scale libraries. Insert chord diagrams and display scale diagrams on your tabs.
Who it is for
Good fit
Guitarists and bassists who transcribe songs, write tabs or practise with playback.
Look elsewhere
Anyone who only needs basic tab reading and is happy with a free editor.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Standard tablature format
- Realistic playback and amp models
- One-time price with free 8.x updates
- Up to 5 installations per user
Cons
- Trial lasts only 7 days
- Trial download requires an email address
- Free editors cover basic tabbing
How to install Guitar Pro
Enter your email address on the official Guitar Pro page to get the trial download. Administrator rights are required to install. The trial runs for 7 days; after buying, activate it with your license key.
Questions about Guitar Pro
Is Guitar Pro free?
No. The demo gives you all Guitar Pro 8 features for 7 days after entering your email address; then you need a license, which costs $69.95 one-time. No credit card is needed for the trial.
Can I install Guitar Pro on several computers?
Yes. One license allows installation on up to 5 computers for a single user and their household.
Can I get a refund for Guitar Pro?
Yes, if the license was bought on guitar-pro.com and has not been activated, within 30 days of the order.
