19 Items That Guitar Players Should Have
You need certain items or accessories for any new guitarist to get off on the right foot. As you practice the songs you want to learn, no matter the genre, here is what new guitar players need. Build out your guitar toolkit one item at a time, and the result will be guitar playing, which sounds better and better, and a terrific guitar. Here are some items that every guitar player should have:
Amplifier
Suppose you use an electric guitar; purchase at least a small amplifier to get some of the amplified tones you expect to hear. Without an amplifier, you’re playing unplugged.
Guitar Cable
To connect your guitar to an amp, you need a moderate-length cable. Consider whether you want a cable with an L-shaped or straight connector plug.
Headphones
Whether you want to keep your practicing private or are being asked to keep the volume down, a set of headphones can provide excellent audio quality and allow you to play amplified at all hours of the day and night.
Guitar Strings
Experiment with different gauges for guitar strings and find what works for you. Start with ‘light’ strings before moving on to heavier gauges. You may also want to experiment with string types, i.e. nickel, stainless steel, bronze, and phosphor bronze.
Guitar Picks
Like with guitar strings, sort through various picks in different shapes, sizes, materials, and thicknesses to find the optimal pick for your guitar playing. Thick picks are best for control, while thinner picks are better for strumming.
Guitar Stand
A guitar stand puts your instrument on display. They can be freestanding or hung up on the wall with a guitar stand.
Guitar Cleaning Kit
A guitar cleaning kit provides the tools you need to maintain your guitar. Especially with a nitrocellulose lacquer finish, you want to ensure it’s properly cleaned and upheld.
Guitar Tuner
A guitar tuner will keep you in tune. No one wants to play a guitar that is out of tune. Using a guitar tuner will also fine-tune your ear and train you to recognize when your guitar strings need adjusting.
Metronome
A metronome improves timing, feel, and rhythm. You set the tempo and play along with the beat. For practicing, it will turn you into an infinitely better musician.
Capo
A capo allows a guitarist to move basic first-position open chords up into different keys across the guitar neck. They are widely used in popular music and are an affordable accessory a guitar player in any style could use.
Heavy-Duty Guitar Strap
A heavy-duty guitar strap, which helps you keep your guitar up while you stand, is a central part of any guitarist’s accessory kit.
Guitar Case
You never know when you’ll need your guitar to be portable. A guitar case or gig bag avoids dirt and scratches and makes your guitar easier to carry.
Guitar Humidifier
A humidifier placed inside your guitar case will help guard against extreme temperature and humidity changes, which can cause cracking and warping of the wood of your guitar.
Guitar Tab Book
A last addition to a guitar player’s arsenal of essentials is their first tab book. Tab books instruct a player on the precise notes and chords to play along to a guitarist’s favourite music. All sorts of tab books are available, so be sure to buy one that is in line with the style of music you want to play.
Guitar Lessons
Another way to learn is to sign up for guitar lessons. A guitar teacher can ensure you’re using proper technique and put you on the path to becoming the best guitarist you can be.
Effects Pedals
To play in the tones of your favorite genre, you need effects pedals or an effects board. Every genre is a little different. A rock guitarist may prefer a distortion pedal, an indie rock player might wish for a reverb or echo pedal, or an acoustic guitar player may want a loop pedal.
Music Stand
As you start learning songs, you will want your laptop or a music sheet in front of you. A heavy-duty, angle-adjustable music stand means you can set up anywhere and learn to play from your device or right off the page. A music stand is not expensive and will make practicing easier.
Guitar Magazine Subscription
A guitar magazine subscription allows you to see guitar culture from all over the world. It provides free tabs, shows new artists and songs, and inspires you to play.
Computer Interface
An interface for recording music on your laptop or computer can be extremely helpful for a guitar player whose goal is to record and create music at home. An interface allows you to plug in, record, edit, and produce a professional-quality song in hours.
