Society & Ethics

Guitar company D’Addario admits that AI music was used in a promotional video

· August 12, 2026
Guitar company D’Addario admits that AI music was used in a promotional video

What happened

D’Addario, a prominent guitar accessory company, confirmed that AI-generated music from Suno was used in its latest promotional video. The admission came after nearly two weeks of denials while evidence mounted. The company had initially blamed audio issues on low-quality exports, plugin effects like Autotune, and AI-assisted mastering tools from LANDR, before finally acknowledging AI’s role in the production.

Why it matters

This revelation puts a spotlight on transparency and authenticity in music marketing. Companies promoting musical products rely on trust that the sounds showcased represent real musicianship or traditional production methods. Admitting to AI-generated music pressures brands to clarify where AI intersects with creativity, especially when it influences customer perception. It also raises questions about the boundaries between human performance and AI in advertising, potentially complicating claims about product effectiveness for musicians who rely on authentic sound quality.

What to watch next

Watch for how other music-related brands handle AI in their promotional content. The incident could push marketing teams to disclose or better explain AI usage, or it might trigger backlash if customers feel misled. Expect debates on regulatory standards for AI disclosures in creative promotions, as well as potential shifts in industry norms for presenting music technology products. For AI providers like Suno, this could mean both new business opportunities and increased scrutiny on how their output is deployed commercially.

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