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Your idea for a guitar practice planner for intermediate hobbyists falls into a category where there's minimal market activity, suggesting it's either a very niche problem or not critical enough for many. With only one similar product found, confidence is low, indicating a need for significant validation. Engagement for similar products is also low, with an average of only one comment, suggesting a lack of strong initial interest. Given this, it's crucial to prove that real demand exists before investing heavily in development. The current landscape suggests caution; more validation is needed before committing significant resources.

Recommendations

1. Start by engaging in online guitar communities (Reddit, forums, Facebook groups) to gauge interest in a structured practice planner. Don't just ask if people want it, describe the features and see if people volunteer to test a free version or offer feedback. This directly addresses the 'Minimal Signal' category by actively seeking validation.
2. Offer personalized practice plans manually to 2-3 guitarists for free, soliciting detailed feedback. This will not only validate the need but also provide valuable insights for refining the product features. Focus on identifying their pain points and tailor solutions accordingly. Look closely at the discussions and criticisms from the similar product (GuitarLingo) to understand potential pitfalls, such as needing more development.
3. Create a concise explainer video showcasing how your practice planner solves common problems for intermediate guitarists (e.g., lack of structure, plateauing skills). Track viewership closely; full views indicate stronger interest. A/B test different messages to see which attracts better view rates.
4. Create a simple landing page that enables users to request early access and collect email addresses. Offer to build a FREE practice plan for anyone that signs up, so you can collect feedback and see who is truly interested. This will help assess genuine demand and build an initial user base. It's especially important given the low engagement observed in similar products.
5. Consider offering different tiers of service, even at this early validation stage. You could offer a completely manual service, then a basic tool, then a more advanced tool, all at increasing price points (even if these are not real). This will help you understand willingness to pay, and at what level.
6. Based on the feedback you gather, be prepared to pivot. Perhaps the initial subscription model isn't appealing, and a one-time purchase or a freemium model would be more viable. Or perhaps the needs of intermediate hobbyists are different that what you thought, and they are not willing to pay for a structured practice session. The key is to stay agile and adapt to the market's response.

Questions

1. Given the low engagement seen in similar products, what specific features will differentiate your planner and create a 'must-have' experience for intermediate guitarists?
2. What are the three most common frustrations intermediate guitarists face when practicing, and how does your planner directly address those pain points in a way that existing resources don't?
3. Considering the criticisms of similar products, such as needing more development, what's your plan to ensure a polished and feature-rich experience from the outset, even in a minimally viable product (MVP)?