.GP File Extension

Guitar Pro 7 Document

Developer	Arobas Music
Popularity	Average rating 4 / 5. Vote count: 6
Category	Audio Files
Format	.GP
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an GP file?

The .GP file extension is associated with a specific type of file that serves various purposes in the realm of digital media and design.

These files are most commonly linked to Guitar Pro software, which is widely used by musicians and guitar enthusiasts.

The Guitar Pro software allows users to create, edit, and play guitar and bass sheet music in both tablature and standard notation.

More Information.

The history of the .GP file extension is closely tied to the evolution of Guitar Pro software. When Guitar Pro was first introduced, it aimed to provide musicians with a digital platform to create and share sheet music, particularly for guitars and bass guitars.

Before the advent of Guitar Pro, musicians relied on handwritten notation or traditional sheet music.

With .GP files, Guitar Pro revolutionized the way musicians transcribed and shared their compositions. Musicians could now easily create, edit, and share guitar and bass tablatures, as well as scores in standard musical notation, using a computer-based platform.

Origin Of This File.

.GP file extension originated with the Guitar Pro software, which was developed by Arobas Music.

The software was first released in the early 2000s and has since become a standard tool for guitarists, bassists, and composers around the world.

.GP files are primarily used to store musical compositions and tablature, making it easier for musicians to share and collaborate on their work.

File Structure Technical Specification.

Understanding the file structure and technical specifications of the .GP file extension is crucial for working with these files effectively. .GP files are essentially encoded in a proprietary format developed by Arobas Music. Here are some key technical details:

File Format: .GP
MIME Type: application/x-guitar-pro
File Structure: Binary

.GP files are binary files, meaning they contain encoded data that can only be properly interpreted by compatible software, such as Guitar Pro.

These files store information about musical notes, tablature, timing, and various settings related to the composition.

How to Convert the File?

Converting .GP files to other formats can be useful when you need to share your compositions with musicians who do not use Guitar Pro. Here are some common conversion options:

Export to MIDI: Guitar Pro allows you to export your .GP file as a MIDI file (.MID). This is a standard format that can be opened by many music notation software applications.
Print to PDF: You can use Guitar Pro to print your composition as a PDF file. This allows you to share the sheet music in a widely accepted and easily readable format.
Use MusicXML: MusicXML is an open standard for sharing digital sheet music. Some music notation software applications support MusicXML, allowing you to convert your .GP file to this format.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantages of .GP Files

Versatile: .GP files can represent a wide range of musical compositions, from simple melodies to complex arrangements.
Interactive: Guitar Pro software allows for interactive playback, making it easier for musicians to hear how a composition should sound.
Collaboration: Musicians can share .GP files with each other, enabling collaborative work on compositions.
Learning Tool: .GP files are valuable for musicians looking to learn new songs, as they can view and play along with the tablature and notation.

Disadvantages of .GP Files

Proprietary Format: .GP files are not an open standard, which means they can only be fully accessed and edited using Guitar Pro or compatible software.
Limited Compatibility: .GP files may not be widely supported by all music notation software, limiting their usability for some users.
Learning Curve: Guitar Pro software has a learning curve, which might be challenging for beginners.

How to Open GP?

Open In Windows

Using Guitar Pro:

If you have Guitar Pro installed, double-click the .GP file, and it should open within the program.

Alternative Software (Limited Compatibility):

There are alternative music notation software programs available for Windows, such as TuxGuitar or MuseScore, which may offer limited .GP file support. Open the program, then go to “File” and select “Open” to load the .GP file.

Open In Linux

Using Wine:

Linux users can run Guitar Pro on their systems using compatibility layers like Wine. Install Wine if you haven’t already.
Right-click the .GP file, select “Open With,” and choose “Wine Windows Program Loader” or a similar option. This will open the .GP file in Guitar Pro within the Wine environment.

Alternative Software (Limited Compatibility):

There are open-source music notation programs available for Linux, like MuseScore. However, .GP file compatibility with these programs may be limited.

Open In MAC

Using Guitar Pro for macOS:

If you have Guitar Pro installed on your Mac, simply double-click the .GP file, and it will open in Guitar Pro.

Alternative Software (Limited Compatibility):

macOS also has alternative music notation software like MuseScore or Finale Notepad, but their .GP file support may be limited. Open the program, then use the “Open” option in the File menu to load the .GP file.

Open In Android

Open In IOS

Open in Others

Mobile Devices (iOS and Android)

Using Guitar Pro Mobile App:

Download and install the Guitar Pro mobile app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
Open the app on your mobile device.
Use the app’s built-in file browser to locate and open the .GP file.

Alternative Apps (Limited Functionality):