Our verdict: TuxGuitar is the best-known free alternative to Guitar Pro for writing and playing back tabs. It opens most common tab formats; playback uses a basic built-in synth, and the installers are not code-signed.
About TuxGuitar
TuxGuitar was written by Julián Casadesús. After the original websites disappeared at the end of 2022, volunteers continued development in a new GitHub repository and a new home at tuxguitar.app.
It edits multi-track tablature and standard notation side by side, plays songs back through MIDI, and opens Guitar Pro, Power Tab Editor, TablEdit and MIDI files. Versions 2.0 and later use a new file format that older versions cannot read, but you can still export to the old format.
What it does well
- Tab and notation editor. Write multi-track tablature with standard notation shown alongside.
- Guitar Pro import. Opens Guitar Pro, Power Tab Editor, TablEdit and MIDI files.
- Playback. Plays songs back with a built-in soundfont and adjustable tempo.
- Chord and effect tools. Chord editor plus note effects such as bends, slides and hammer-ons.
- Export. Export to MIDI, PDF and other formats for sharing.
Who it is for
Good fit
Guitarists and bassists who write, learn or share tabs and want a free Guitar Pro alternative.
Look elsewhere
Users who expect realistic guitar playback sounds like the commercial RSE engine in Guitar Pro.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Free and open source
- Opens Guitar Pro and Power Tab files
- Tab and standard notation together
- Available on many platforms, including Android
Cons
- Installers are not code-signed
- Basic MIDI playback sound
- New 2.x file format is not readable by older versions
How to install TuxGuitar
Download the Windows x64 installer from tuxguitar.app (it points to the official GitHub release). The packages are not signed, so Windows SmartScreen may warn you; choose More info → Run anyway. Files saved in TuxGuitar 2.x cannot be opened in 1.x.
Questions about TuxGuitar
Is TuxGuitar free?
Yes. It is open source under the GNU LGPL.
Can TuxGuitar open Guitar Pro files?
Yes. It opens Guitar Pro, Power Tab Editor, TablEdit and MIDI files.
Why does Windows warn me when installing TuxGuitar?
The packages are not officially signed. The project's website notes this and asks you to allow the installation.
