Guitar accessories are designed to make your musical journey a smooth ride. They are not only practical but also affordable.
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1. Tuner
A tuner is one of the most essential guitar accessories for any musician, especially beginners. Having a tuner helps you tune your instrument properly and quickly before playing. You can get a tuning fork or a small rectangular tuner that plugs into your guitar input, but the best option is a clip-on tuner that you place on the headstock of your guitar.
These can be found in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours but all work the same by generating vibrations to recognise the pitch of your string. They are usually very cheap and easy to use, making them an indispensable accessory for any guitarist.
Alternatively, you can also pick up a metronome with built-in tuner (also available in a wide range of sizes and styles) or a simple smartphone app for Android/iOS.
2. Headphone Amp
A headphone amp is a must-have for any guitarist. It allows you to practice with a full-bodied guitar tone without bothering other people in the room. It also provides a lot of different effects and can give you an insight into the sounds of a professional recording studio.
Pedals are another essential accessory for every musician. They can add a whole new dimension to your tone and provide you with an endless amount of creative possibilities. You can find pedals to suit any music genre, from a simple distortion pedal for rock to a complex delay, octave or even chorus pedals for more modern musical styles.
Another handy tool for any guitarist is a capo. This device allows you to shorten the string length to transpose a song to other keys and play open chord shapes rather than barre chords.
3. Tech/Tool Kit
Having a guitar accessory kit is a must if you want to get serious about your playing. These kits will include essentials like a metronome, which can help you keep time whilst you play and improve your overall performance.
Other accessories in this kit may include string winders, which are ideal for a quick restringing, and cutters to cut off the old strings once you’ve replaced them. Hex wrenches are also useful, especially if you want to make minor adjustments to your guitar.
Music stands are another useful accessory, particularly for those who use sheet music when they play. This will allow them to easily look at their music without having to strain their neck or shoulders. Finally, plectrums (picks) are an essential for anyone who plays steel-stringed acoustic guitars. They offer a much more driven and aggressive sound than fingerpicking and can save your nails from getting worn down when you’re strumming hard.
4. Extra Strings
A guitar may be able to get by with just one string, but it’s not a good idea to go without a spare. Having a couple of spare sets is a necessity, especially for gigging guitarists.
Some musicians find it helpful to use a capo, especially when playing in certain keys, as it can make things much easier on the fingers. These are available for electric, acoustic and even ukulele guitars.
A lot of beginner guitars come with a soft case, but some players prefer to purchase a hard case instead. These are great for carrying your guitar around, from home to band practice or a gig and back again. They are also lightweight and can be carried on your back like a backpack. They come in a variety of colors, shapes and sizes. Some are more expensive than others, but they all have their purpose.
5. Strap
For guitarists that tend to play sitting down, a strap is important for comfort and preventing injuries over time. A good strap can also distribute the weight of the guitar more evenly and be easily adjusted to fit the player’s needs.
There are many different types of straps on the market, from more basic nylon straps to premium leather straps that provide both comfort and style. For example, the D’Addario strap features a special strap-lock system that prevents it from falling off while playing, allowing you to concentrate on your music without worrying about your guitar.
Another useful accessory for guitarists is a capo, which can be used to quickly change the key of the open strings on a guitar. This can be a great help when learning new songs or preparing for live performance. It can also make it easier to play songs that are normally difficult for beginners.
6. Cables
Often overlooked, good quality cables are an essential accessory for guitarists. They get stuffed into gig bags, kicked around stages and sometimes don’t even come with wrapping. A good quality cable will be durable, and will have a conductor that allows the electricity to pass through it uncorrupted.
The shielding is also important, as it will block out any interference that could be picked up by the conductor. There are also different types of connectors, such as RCA or XLR, which are used for more professional gear that requires a higher output.
Another useful accessory is a pick holder. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can be attached to a strap, or sometimes onto mic stands for singers who play guitar (like me). They’re great for not having to keep track of spare picks while performing.
7. Picks
Even if you play fingerstyle, it’s a good idea to have some guitar picks handy. They’re cheap, easy to find and come in many shapes and sizes. I suggest that you try iron age guitar accessories as they are made from good quality making your music a good quality too.
A guitar pick can make a huge difference in how your sound comes out, so be sure to try out different ones until you find the one that suits you best. Teardrop shapes are popular and great for strumming, while triangular-shaped picks allow you to play single notes and intricate fingerpicking.
A pick holder is another useful accessory for keeping your spare picks in a convenient place. Some of them stick to your strap, but others can fit on a mic stand or stick to the guitar body. They can also double as a metronome, which is an excellent tool for improving your rhythm.
8. Tune-o-matic
There is a lot of stuff that can be purchased to help make playing guitar more enjoyable and easier. However, it’s important to remember that no amount of accessories can replace hard work and dedication to practice.
For those that play live, a metronome is an invaluable tool to help keep you in time and in tune. Most tuners come with a built in metronome and some of the more advanced ones offer features like tap tempo, custom beats, automatic BPM increase and more.
A roller bridge is a great option to add to any guitar that has a classic tune-o-matic style bridge. This allows for a tremolo without adding extra weight to the strings. These bridges are also found on many SG and Les Paul style guitars.
9. Electronics
Whether you’re playing live or recording at home, you’ll want to invest in an audio interface. This device connects to your guitar and your computer and allows you to record and play back songs.
A capo is a great beginner guitar accessory that helps you transpose chord progressions. It clamps down on any fret, allowing you to shorten the string length and play open chord shapes (as opposed to barre chords).
Loop pedals are another fun and useful tool that allow you to layer up your sound, like Ed Sheeran’s one-man band. They’re also helpful in practicing and songwriting, letting you repeat phrases to perfect your playing. They’re pretty inexpensive and easy to find in most music stores.
10. Guitar Case
A guitar case is a must-have accessory for anyone who wants to keep their instrument safe and secure. Whether you choose a hard case that provides a higher level of protection or a gig bag for more lightweight storage, having one is essential.
Depending on your genre, you may also want to consider purchasing a guitar slide. These are particularly useful for blues guitarists and offer a more driven sound than fingerpicking.
Finally, you might want to consider purchasing a stand for your guitar. This allows you to keep it on display and can encourage you to pick up the guitar more often. There are stands available that can accommodate several guitars and some even feature a lock for increased security.
