Fender and Samsung announced at CES that a native version of the Fender Play guitar-lesson app will launch on Samsung TVs in the first half of 2024. The app, first released in 2017, will allow users to access video-based lessons directly from their living room televisions without needing a paired smartphone.
Fender Play provides lessons for electric and acoustic guitar, bass, and ukulele. Courses cover all skill levels and center on popular songs, including The Beatles’ “Blackbird” and Olivia Rodrigo’s “Drivers License.” Virtual instructors guide users through on-demand content tailored to beginners and advanced players alike.
The app features Jam Mode, which enables users to play along with genre-specific playlists. This function supports group sessions, such as involving family members to create an interactive music experience at home.
Currently, Fender Play is available on the App Store and Google Play for iOS and Android devices. Users can already cast lessons to televisions by pairing their phone with an Apple TV or Chromecast device. The new Samsung TV integration offers a more seamless experience on the largest screen in most homes, eliminating the need to peer closely at chord diagrams on smaller displays.
A subscription to Fender Play costs $20 per month or $150 per year. New users receive a seven-day free trial to explore the platform’s offerings.
The native Samsung TV app supports only models released in 2025 or later. Fender and Samsung have not announced plans to extend compatibility to older TV models. This launch aligns with the companies’ stated 2026 objective to popularize “couch shredding,” referring to guitar practice from the sofa.
