Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned guitar player, there are various essentials you must have in your collection to enjoy your experience. If you have an acoustic or electric guitar, you can enjoy the experience with only a guitar and an amplifier.
Many people enjoy playing the guitar as a hobby, but it is also a profession and source of livelihood. Therefore, having all the essentials ensures you do not disrupt your schedule or performance due to a slight malfunction. Always research your guitar model to get the right and matching tools.
Here are some essentials a guitar hobbyist cannot miss:
Guitar Tuner
While a tuner may be obvious for pro guitarists, it could mean a “wow” moment for beginners. A digital tuner can last long and perfect your pitch in only ten seconds.
There are options for all guitarists. You can invest in a rechargeable, durable tuner or purchase a battery-operated model. A stomp box tuner could also be a perfect addition to your pedalboard.
Guitar Cleaning Products
A guitar gets dirty from dust and sticky fingers. Cleaning and maintaining it are the best ways to ensure its durability. A simple cloth works just well with many guitar owners.
However, it would be beneficial to have a collection of cleaning materials, such as a simple microfibre, polish cloth, and nitrocellulose lacquer. These products not only last your guitar long but also make it shine.
Guitar Amplifier
Although an acoustic guitar player can do without an amplifier, it is a necessity for electric guitars. An amplifier gives you a chance to experiment with various tones. A small ten to twenty-watt modelling amp will do you good when starting your guitar-playing hobby. It would help to research well when sourcing an amplifier for your electric guitar.
Plectrums or Picks
There are countless options for guitar picks, varying from design to colour to shape to how pointed the tip is. It helps to have a collection since it is easy to misplace them and face difficulties when you want to play.
Since there is no golden rule for which plectrum should go with which guitar model, choosing your collection according to your preferences is advisable.
Guitar Strap
A guitar strap has multiple purposes that influence its choice. For instance, besides carrying your guitar when going out to rock, it is also a perfect way to express your individuality and artistic taste.
There are countless options, varying in design, adjustable length, and thickness. When choosing a strap, consider the weight of your guitar. A wider strap will distribute the weight of a heavy guitar across your shoulder.
Guitar Stand
A guitar stand holds your instrument safely, preventing it from falling and breaking. It also makes a perfect display, making it easy to access when you want to practice and saving you the trouble of retrieving the case. A guitar stand also comes in handy when displaying your guitar, among other musical instruments.
Hard Case or Guitar Bag
A guitar bag is essential when you want to travel with your guitar. A soft padded bag is excellent for moving around to lessons or gigs since many of them have backpack-like strings, making them easy and comfortable to carry.
On the other hand, a hard case can be uncomfortable for short movements, but it is ideal when travelling long distances by plane or car. It also comes in handy when you want to store your guitar away for some time.
However, it would be best to check that your case is impact-resistant. Consider your needs and schedule when shopping for a guitar bag or hard case. It would help to have both since they serve different purposes.
Capo
A cadastre, commonly known as a capo, is predominant among acoustic strummers but can still be valuable to guitarists of all stripes. It effectively replaces your guitar’s nut wherever you place it on the neck. A capo is excellent for swift key changes. For instance, it re-pitches a song to suit a particular vocal better.
Extra Guitar Strings
Guitar strings often break due to age, tension, or wear and tear. Extra strings save you the trouble of looking for a replacement when that happens suddenly, like in the middle of a performance.
Generally, electric guitars work well with nickel strings due to their versatility, clarity, and articulation. They can also use stainless steel strings, which are bright and less prone to wear.
On the other hand, an acoustic guitar requires about 80/20 bronze strings, which are bright and metallic. Still, you can use phosphor bronze strings, which are dark and mellow. Nevertheless, starting with a lighter gauge that produces less tension is best, especially if you are a beginner. They are easier to work with.
