Essential Guitar Accessories
The modern acoustic guitar was developed in the 1850s, and ever since, countless accessories have emerged alongside the instrument. While some of these tools are absolutely vital—such as tuners and strings—others are more niche, like the Pickaso Guitar Bow.
In this article, we will look at the essential guitar accessories every player should have in their toolkit.
Tuner
If you’re a beginner guitarist, a tuner is a great investment. Everyone should own a tuner. Keeping your instrument in tune is extremely important, especially when playing with others. If your guitar is out of tune, everything you play will sound off, and your technique can suffer, especially when it comes to bending notes. Regular use of a guitar tuner ensures your music sounds good while actively helping train your ears!
Strap
A guitar strap is an accessory every player should practice with. A common mistake is practicing exclusively while sitting down. One day, you may find yourself playing on a stage and potentially feeling comfortable. Standing with a strap changes how you approach and hold the instrument because the height at which you wear your guitar changes your hand positioning. Be sure to experiment with different strap lengths to find what feels best for you.
Picks
Although fingerpicking is incredibly popular on acoustic guitars, a good pick is something every player should have on hand. Guitar picks come in a variety of shapes and thicknesses. Some players prefer paper-thin picks for light acoustic strumming, while others swear by heavy, thick picks for finesse and heavy metal styles. We wrote another blog that goes into further details about choosing the right guitar pick.
Capo
A capo is a necessity for any songwriting guitarist. With a capo, someone who only knows three basic chords can instantly play a progression in any key. It is also an excellent tool for avoiding barre chords, which require practice and experience. By allowing you to easily transpose a song on the fly, a capo lets you quickly match the music to whatever vocal key you feel most comfortable singing in.
Slide
From the delta blues to the iconic lead guitar in "Free Bird," a guitar slide transforms the instrument's sonic character. Over the years, players used to craft DIY slides from the tops of broken glass Coke bottles, lipstick tube lids, and even lighters. Nowadays, the most popular commercial options are glass or brass. Both offer particular tonal characteristics that can instantly change a simple riff into something powerful and haunting. Learn how to get started on slide guitar with this article we wrote.
Stand
A guitar stand is a commonly overlooked accessory that should be considered essential by every player. Investing in a $25 stand can save a $2,000 guitar from snapping in half. Seeing a guitar fall to the ground is one of the scariest things a musician can experience, and the headstock often breaks from the neck beyond repair. A stand is also a great way to show off your guitar as a home decor piece if you don’t want to store it away every time. Keep your instrument safe and give yourself peace of mind by using a stand.
Case
Every guitar should be stored and transported in a proper case to minimize the risk of damage. A hardshell case offers maximum impact protection, while a lightweight gig bag is great for reducing scratches. Acoustic guitars especially benefit from a hardshell case during travel. One sharp turn in a car can cause a heavy guitar amp to slide into your acoustic, rendering it unplayable and unrepairable.
Strings
Guitar strings are arguably the most essential element of your tone, and choosing them always comes down to personal preference. Some players love heavy gauges for a thicker tone, while others prefer thin strings for easy bending. Additionally, players can choose between the crisp snap of steel strings or the mellow softness of nylon. The most effective method is to experiment with different materials and gauges until you find your perfect match. Learn more about how to keep your instrument sounding its absolute best by reading our guide on acoustic guitar strings.
Of course… A Guitar
This might be a given, but the one thing we didn’t discuss was the guitar itself. Choosing the right guitar is arguably the most important choice before purchasing accessories. There are so many guitars out there that we created a blog explaining the differences between them and how to choose the right guitar for you.
Shop Guitar Accessories Today
Ready to take your guitar playing to the next level? Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned musician, having the right accessories makes all the difference in your sound.
If you’re looking to upgrade your gear or fill out your toolkit, Long & McQuade has everything you need from tuners and straps to picks and cases. We’ve got a great selection of quality guitar accessories to keep you playing your best, with free shipping online over $99 or by visiting one of our stores.
