Having the right accessories can seriously enhance your guitar-playing experience, whether you're just starting out or have years of experience. Here’s a list of must-haves that every guitarist should keep handy.
1. Guitar Tuner
A guitar tuner is your best friend for staying in tune. From pedal tuners and clip-ons to phone apps, there’s no shortage of options. And hey, if you’re old school, even a tuning fork will do the trick. There’s nothing worse than sounding out of tune, so keep it close by to stay pitch-perfect. Clip-ons are especially great since they’re compact, easy to use, and you can tune up even in a loud room without a fuss.
2. Extra Strings
Let’s face it: strings have a knack for snapping at the worst times, and no guitarist wants to be left high and dry mid-performance. Having an extra set of strings on hand is a lifesaver. Plus, different strings can completely change your tone, so why not experiment with various brands and gauges? You’ll never know how much you love a certain set until you try them out.
3. Guitar Cables
You might not give much thought to cables, but a good cable is like a lifeline for your sound. It connects your guitar to your amp or pedals, so you want one that won’t mess with your tone or add a bunch of unwanted noise. Cheap cables can make your sound crackly and unreliable, so splurge a little on one that will last and make you sound great—your audience will thank you!
4. Guitar Strap and Strap Locks
For any guitarist who plans to play while standing (a.k.a. most of us), a comfortable guitar strap is a must. It takes the weight off your shoulders, literally, and helps you play for longer without fatigue. And if you’re really going to be rocking out, strap locks are essential—they keep your guitar from flying off mid-solo! With these, you’ll play with confidence knowing your guitar is securely by your side.
5. Capo
Ever wish you could change the key of a song on the fly? That’s what a capo is for. It clamps down on the fretboard to raise the pitch, making it a breeze to adapt to different keys without needing to learn new chords. A capo is also great for creative songwriting—switch things up and see what new sounds you can come up with. Once you get the hang of it, you won’t want to play without one!
6. Pedalboard
If you’ve got a collection of pedals, a pedalboard is going to be your new best friend. It keeps all your effects in one place, nice and organized, so you’re not scrambling to hook things up every time you play. Pedalboards also make transporting your gear a lot easier—and protect your pedals from getting stepped on. Plus, a well-organized pedalboard just looks cool, right?
7. Guitar Picks
A good pick can make a huge difference in how you sound and feel while playing. They come in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and thicknesses, so don’t be shy about trying out a few different kinds until you find your favorite. Picks let you control your dynamics and give your strumming that extra bit of punch. And they’re small enough to stash everywhere—keep a few in your pocket, your guitar case, or even your wallet, so you’re never caught without one!
8. String Winder
Changing strings by hand is a slow and boring job. Enter the string winder, a handy little tool that makes re-stringing a breeze. With a string winder, you’ll be back to jamming in no time! Many of them also come with a built-in string cutter and bridge pin puller, making them a multitool you’ll definitely want in your gig bag.