Jets,
No. there is no replacement for a live person. I do think that the apps can keep most people from getting bored with praticing alone. That is what the allure of the Rocksmith programe is. it makes it fun. I like to have personal interaction,everyone does. As a student you want the guy to say "Not bad, but if you hold your wrist this way..." My 12yrold just restarted his lessons. He could learn from You Tube, or the $30.00 set of DVDs I bought him, but its not the same.
As far as the apps I have played with, they are not great. one is a nice chord notebook. show you chord charts. Its not bad. one other shows you scales and plays a backing track, its ok but not for a beginner thats for sure.
“Find your own sound. Dont be a second rateYngwie Malmsteen be a first rate you”
– George Lynch 2013 (Dokken, Lynchmob, KXM, Tooth & Nail etc....)