July 26, 2023
Essential Guitar Accessories: A Beginner-Friendly Guide
Whether you’re buying your first guitar or adding to your collection, there’s a world of accessories to explore that can help you get the most out of your instrument and playing experience. In this article, we’ll cover the top accessories every guitar player needs.
First, we’ll look at essential accessories for all players, then explore accessories that are specific to electric guitar. Let’s dive in…
Essential Guitar Accessories for All Players
Guitar Cases and Gig Bags
A case or gig bag gives you the freedom to take your guitar to band practices, live performances and lessons without damaging the finish or vital components of your new instrument.
A good case will have hard sides that provide maximum protection for your guitar. Some cases are molded to fit specific guitar types or models like a Gibson Les Paul, Fender Stratocaster or dreadnought acoustic. We recommend getting a case like this over a “universal” hard case that’s made to fit all guitars. If you play an acoustic guitar, a hard case is an excellent choice because acoustics are more delicate than their electric counterparts.
Gig bags are soft-sided and come in a range of sizes, with different features. Some gig bags are streamlined and basic, essentially acting as a sleeve to help you carry your guitar. This type of gig bag is affordable, but it won’t provide much protection. High-quality gig bags are heavily padded and come with a variety of pockets to carry all your accessories. Some even have shoulder straps so you can carry your guitar like a backpack, leaving your hands free to tote an amplifier and other gear to a gig or practice.
Here are some of our top choices for guitar cases and gig bags:
Electric:
- BOSS CB-EG01 Guitar Gig Bag
- Road Runner RR5TEG Highway Premium Electric Guitar Gig Bag (pictured above)
- Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Electric Guitar Case
Acoustic:
- Road Runner RR5TAG Highway Premium Acoustic Guitar Gig Bag
- Gator Flight Pro V3 TSA Series ATA Molded Acoustic Guitar Case
- Road Runner RRDWA Deluxe Wood Dreadnought Acoustic Case
Different Types of Guitar Strings
Strings are considered a guitar accessory, but of course they’re essential to your instrument and a crucial element of your tone. Finding the best guitar strings for you can be a long journey. Remember to be patient, have fun and know that your preferences will likely change as you learn more about your instrument and explore different musical genres and playing styles.
Probably the most important thing to consider when choosing guitar strings is the string gauge. Strings come in sets of different thicknesses, or gauges, that are measured in 1/1000th of an inch (for instance, an 11-gauge string has a diameter of .011 inches). These different string gauges provide different tonal characteristics and other playing properties.
Here’s a quick overview of the differences between string gauges:
Electric guitar strings
Lighter-gauge string sets, like 8-38, 9-42 and 10-46, are thinner and make it easier to fret, play barre chords and bend notes. We recommend lighter strings for beginner guitarists since they’re easier to play.
Medium to heavy string sets, like 11-49 and 12-54, are thicker, which means higher string tension, and require more effort to play. Thicker strings tend to pack a bigger tonal punch and handle rigorous picking with greater ease and more tuning stability. (There are plenty of exceptions in the way of tone: Jimi Hendrix and ZZ Top’s Billy F Gibbons are just two of many huge-sounding players who got there with light- or ultra-light-gauge strings.)
String sets in which the high-E string is in the 9 to 11 range are a great all-purpose choice for most players and excel across many genres; this 10-46 set is especially in-demand. Heavy-gauge strings are best left to seasoned players. These strings are also used more often by players who tune their guitars down, or who work in genres like blues, fusion, jazz and hard rock or metal.
A note on acoustic guitar strings
Electric and acoustic guitar strings are not the same or interchangeable. The big difference is the material they’re made of. Strings for acoustic guitars are most often made of bronze or, in the case of classical and flamenco guitars, nylon. Bronze strings provide the bright, radiant sound that resonates throughout the woods of the guitar. Electric guitar strings are typically made of steel or nickel. These materials are magnetic and allow your tone to be amplified through your guitar pickups. In terms of gauge, acoustic strings are typically thicker than electric strings; for example, D’Addario classifies a 12-53 Phosphor Bronze acoustic string set as “Light Gauge.” So when you’re buying new strings, check the packaging to make sure you’re purchasing the strings you need for your instrument.
Feel free to ask your guitar instructor for recommendations on the best guitar strings. Here are some of our favorites:
Electric:
- D’Addario NYXL0942 Super Light Electric Guitar Strings (09-42)
- Ernie Ball Regular Slinky (10-46) Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings
- Elixir Electric Guitar Strings With OPTIWEB Coating, Medium (.011-.049)
Acoustic:
- D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Light Acoustic Guitar Strings (.012-.053)
- Elixir 80/20 Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings With NANOWEB Coating, Medium (.013-.056)
- D’Addario XS Acoustic 80/20 Bronze Coated Guitar Strings Light (12-53)
Electric & Acoustic Guitar Picks
When it comes to guitar playing, picks are where the rubber meets the road or, more precisely, where the pick meets the string. A guitar pick, also known as a plectrum, is a flat tool used to pluck or strum the strings. They’re typically made of materials like plastic or nylon, with more unusual pick options being made out of wood or metal.
Picks come in a variety of shapes, sizes and thicknesses to suit different playing styles and preferences. For example, virtuosic jazz players often use small, thick picks that help them move nimbly through fast solos and improvised flourishes. On the other hand, acoustic guitarists tend to prefer broader picks that provide a fuller strumming sound.
Of course, the type of pick you use is entirely a matter of preference. If you don’t yet know what you prefer, we recommend purchasing a variety pack that gives you an assortment of pick thicknesses and types to choose from.
Here are some of our favorites:
- Dunlop PVP110 Pick Tortex Variety 12-Pack
- Dunlop Nylon Standard Guitar Pick
- Fender 351 Premium Celluloid Guitar Picks
Adjustable Guitar Straps
Unlike other essential guitar accessories, straps don’t affect the tone of your instrument, but they do add functionality and fashion to your guitar.
Guitar straps allow you to move around the stage or practice space and perform how you want. Without them, concerts would be a whole lot different—just imagine Angus Young of AC/DC sitting on a folding chair instead of strutting around the stage. No thanks. The right strap will make your rehearsal more comfortable and your gig more exciting, so be sure to pick up a strap that’s sturdy and has enough padding for long playing sessions.
Straps are also a great way to express yourself. Aspiring singer-songwriters can pair a full-grain leather strap with their Martin acoustic for a rootsy touch. Looking to write the next punk anthem? Throw on a checkerboard or studded lightning-bolt strap. No matter what image you want to present, there’s a strap to help you look the part.
Pro tip: Strongly consider buying a pair of strap locks. Over time, the eyelets on a strap that connect to your guitar can wear out. When that happens, the strap can slip off your guitar’s metal strap buttons—and always at the worst time. Some straps come with built-in locks, which don’t require installation like strap locks.
Here are some of our favorite straps and strap locks:
- D’Addario Comfort Leather Auto Lock Guitar Strap
- Fender 2” Monogrammed Guitar Strap
- Souldier Raceway Checker Guitar Strap
- Dunlop Dual-Design Straplok System
- Schaller S-Locks
Guitar Stands & Wall Hangers
Two of the most underrated but important guitar accessories are stands and wall hangers. Sure, you could lean your new guitar against a wall or amp. But sooner or later it’ll slip and fall and break your heart. That’s where stands and wall hangers come in.
Guitar stands are the perfect support when you’re at a practice space or playing a gig and you need to set your guitar down. Stands are highly portable, easy to set up, and typically feature a three-legged or A-frame design to keep them stable. Every guitarist needs at least one stand in their rig.
Guitar wall hangers are ideal for showcasing your guitars in your home or studio—all while saving floor space. While your instruments should be stored for extended periods in their cases, if you regularly play multiple guitars, we recommend picking up a couple of wall hangers or a multi-guitar rack-style stand. That way, even if you aren’t playing all your guitars in a given session, your instruments are secure, stable and within arm’s reach if inspiration strikes.
Check out some of our favorite guitar stands and wall hangers:
- Musician’s Gear Electric, Acoustic and Bass Guitar Stand
- Hercules GS525B Multi-Guitar Rack
- Proline Solid Wood Guitar Wall Hanger
Digital Guitar Tuners
It doesn’t matter how good your chops are if your guitar isn’t in tune. It may seem obvious that a tuner is an essential guitar accessory, but what isn’t obvious is what kind of tuner to buy. Here’s a brief overview of some of the most common types of guitar tuners you’ll find on the market.
Clip-On Tuners
These small devices clip onto the headstock of your guitar and detect the pitch of the strings through vibrations. Clip-on tuners are portable, easy to use and popular among acoustic and electric guitarists alike. The only downside is they’re finicky to use in loud or “sonically cluttered” environments. Because of this, we recommend using clip-on tuners at home or in more controlled practice and performance spaces.
Handheld Tuners
Handheld tuners are small portable devices that typically feature a built-in microphone and an input jack for electric guitars. If you’re an acoustic player, we recommend sticking with the clip-on tuner. But if you’re an electric player, the input jack will help you tune quickly, wherever you are.
Pedal Tuners
As the name suggests, these tuners are foot-controlled pedals that live next to your distortion and other effects units on a pedalboard. They connect to the guitar through a cable and are activated by stepping on them. Pedal tuners are highly accurate and can easily mute the signal while tuning, which is perfect for live performances. We recommend this type of tuner for guitarists who play relatively high-volume gigs and perform with an electric or acoustic-electric guitar.
App-Based Tuners
With the rise of smartphones, app-based tuners have become increasingly popular. These apps use your phone’s microphone to detect the pitch of the guitar strings. They often include a variety of tuning modes and features. While they are convenient, their accuracy can be easily affected by background noise. So think of app-based tuners as a good backup, not a replacement for a dedicated instrument tuner.
These are some of our favorite tuners:
- Snark Super Snark Rechargeable Tuner
- KORG CA-2 Chromatic Tuner White
- BOSS TU-3 Chromatic Tuner Pedal
Metronomes for Guitar
OK, so maybe it’s not the coolest piece of gear, but using a metronome is a game-changer for guitarists looking to improve their skills. One of the most significant benefits of using a metronome is enhancing your sense of time and rhythm. Since a metronome provides a consistent beat, you can practice locking in on the tempo, which is crucial for playing with other musicians or recording. Using a metronome is also especially beneficial to helping you master complex sections of a song.
If you want to really level up your skills, pick up one of our favorite metronomes below:
Professional Guitar Capos
A capo is essentially a clamp that tightens onto the neck of the guitar, pressing down all the strings at a chosen fret. This raises the pitch of the strings, allowing you to change the key of a song without altering your familiar chord shapes.
Using a capo also allows you to unlock new tones from your guitar. By raising the pitch of the strings, it creates a brighter, more jangly sound, especially when placed higher up the neck. Best of all, capos let you play popular songs like “Wonderwall,” “Hotel California,” “Fast Car” and countless others without changing your guitar tuning. Even though capos are pretty simple items, you still want to buy a high-quality one that will provide stable tuning and be easy to use.
Here are our favorite capos:
- Shubb Deluxe S Series Steel String Capo
- Kyser Quick-Change Capo for 6-String Guitars
- D’Addario NS Tri-Action Capo
Guitar Cleaning Accessories
After hours of practicing and playing gigs, that once-polished guitar can start to look rough. Sweat from your picking hand will slowly rust the metal bridge of your electric guitar. Oil and dirt from your fretting hand will gunk up your strings and fretboard. The list goes on. So whether you play acoustic or electric, cleaning your guitar is essential to extending the life and improving the playability of the instrument.
To keep your guitar playing and looking its best, use a microfiber towel to wipe off sweat and fingerprints after every session. Then, as needed, use a dedicated guitar cleaning kit to give your instrument a deep clean. We like to do this whenever we change strings: That way it’s easier to clean and oil the fretboard, clean in between the tuning machines, and get under the guitar bridge with ease.
Check out these guitar-cleaning accessories to keep your instrument at peak performance:
- Music Nomad Premium Guitar Care System
- D’Addario Guitar Care and Cleaning Kit
- Dunlop System 65 Guitar Maintenance Kit
Essential Electric Guitar Accessories
High-Quality Instrument Cables
Cables—the unsung heroes of the electric guitar world—are responsible for transmitting the electrical signals from your guitar pickups through your guitar pedals and all the way to your amp speakers. And the best guitar cables do this while keeping your signal clear and strong and preserving the true tone of your guitar. Without a good cable, even the best guitar and amp setup can sound crackly, muddy or too thin due to interference or signal degradation.
To get the most out of your rig, buy cables with good connectors (the pieces that plug into your guitar and amp). Some high-quality cables have gold-plated connectors that resist corrosion. Also, you want a cable with a high percentage of shielding to eliminate noise. Over time a low-quality cable without proper shielding, or with a bad connection between the cable and the plugs, will start to snap, crackle, pop and kill the mood of your practice or performance.
Here are some of our favorite guitar cables:
- Hosa GTR-210 Guitar Cable
- D’Addario PW-AG Circuit Breaker Instrument Cable
- Livewire Signature Guitar Cable
- Mogami Overdrive Guitar Cable
Top Guitar Effects Pedals
When it comes to electric guitar gear, pedals are probably the most fun. Effects pedals modify your guitar’s tone in endless ways, allowing you to diversify your sound and create something uniquely you. No matter what you want your guitar to sound like, there’s a pedal that will allow you to do it.
Want to add distortion and overdrive for thick riffs or searing solos? There are pedals for that. Want to transport listeners to new sonic landscapes with lush spatial effects like reverb, delay and chorus? There are pedals for that. And that’s barely the tip of the iceberg.
If you want to start experimenting with guitar effects, we recommend buying a combo amp that includes a multi-effects unit, or a stand-alone multi-effects unit. This will allow you to play around with popular guitar effects, see which sounds you like and craft your own unique tone—all without breaking the bank. Once you’re more experienced with guitar effects, you can start building a pedalboard of your very own.
Here are some essential guitar pedals to get you started:
- BOSS DS-1 Distortion
- Electro-Harmonix SLAP-BACK ECHO Analog Delay
- Dunlop Original Cry Baby Wah
- BOSS GT-1 Guitar Multi-Effects Processor
Ready, Set, Rock!
Having the right guitar accessories will significantly enhance your playing experience and ensure your instrument stays in top condition. From protective cases and essential maintenance tools to tone-shaping gear like pedals, each accessory plays a vital role in your musical journey.
