Samsung Electronics is expanding the role of the television beyond entertainment through a new global partnership with legendary guitar maker Fender, unveiling a large-screen music learning experience designed for the living room. The collaboration will see the launch of Fender Play TV, an interactive app built for Samsung smart TVs that allows users to learn guitar and other string instruments directly on their television.

Set to roll out in the first half of 2026, Fender Play TV is designed to make music education more engaging and easier to stick with. Fender has identified that around 90 per cent of beginner guitarists give up early, often due to lack of motivation or difficulty following lessons on small screens. By shifting learning to high-definition TVs with built-in sound systems, the partners aim to create a more immersive and social experience that fits naturally into daily home life.

The app offers structured learning paths for electric guitar, acoustic guitar, bass, and ukulele. Beginners are guided through fundamentals such as holding and tuning an instrument, understanding tablature, forming chords, and playing well-known riffs. Lessons are delivered through step-by-step video content, with additional on-demand courses organised by skill level and built around familiar songs to help learners progress with confidence.

A standout feature is Jam Mode, which places players in a virtual stage environment and encourages practice by letting users play along with curated tracks from a range of musical genres. The mode is designed to make practice feel less like study and more like performance, helping to keep new players motivated.

Samsung showcased a live preview of the Fender Play TV experience at CES 2026, offering on-screen demonstrations of how the platform works in a real home setting. The company said the partnership aligns with its broader strategy to turn televisions into interactive lifestyle hubs that support learning, creativity, and shared experiences, rather than passive viewing alone.

Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of Samsung’s Visual Display Business, said bringing Fender Play to TVs allows music learning to blend seamlessly into everyday routines and encourages people to learn and play together at home. Fender echoed that sentiment, with executives saying the collaboration supports its long-standing mission to educate and inspire musicians worldwide by making high-quality instruction more accessible.

Founded in 1946, Fender is one of the most influential names in music, with instruments associated with artists such as Eric Clapton, Kurt Cobain, and Buddy Holly. From 2026, Fender Play TV will be available on 2025 and later Samsung TV models across 49 countries, including Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, Europe, and the Americas. Users will need their own instrument, an internet connection, and a Samsung account, with some content potentially requiring a subscription.

With two decades at the top of the global TV market, Samsung is betting that its display and audio technology can help keep aspiring musicians engaged for longer, turning the living room into a place to learn, practise, and perform.