Buying a guitar is just the beginning. Once you have it, a flood of accessories starts to call your name—pedals, tuners, cases, cables, gadgets. Some are useful. Some are overpriced junk.
So what do you actually need to get the most out of your guitar?
This guide sorts it out. Whether you’re a beginner or just trying to stop wasting money, here’s what matters, what doesn’t, and what makes playing more fun.
Do You Really Need a Guitar Tuner?
No matter how confident you are in your ears or experience, a tuner brings consistency, speed, and sanity to your practice or performance.
Out-of-tune strings make even the best hands sound sloppy. Every serious guitarist, novice or veteran, needs one in their gig bag or pedalboard.
Clip-On Tuners vs Pedal Tuners
Clip-On Tuners are small, budget-friendly devices that attach directly to your headstock. They detect vibrations through the wood, not sound, which makes them ideal for noisy environments.
Great for beginners, casual players, or anyone using an acoustic guitar without a pickup. Just press a button, pluck a string, and get instant feedback without cables or setups.
Pedal Tuners, on the other hand, are a must for electric players with pedalboards.
Built for precision, they mute your signal when activated—perfect for silent tuning between songs. Accuracy tends to be higher, and most models are built like tanks for road use.
They also double as signal mute switches, which helps during live performances.
Why Tuning by Ear Isn’t Worth the Struggle (At First)
Unless your ear is trained and you’re familiar with pitch reference, tuning by ear is a frustrating experience.
You’ll likely go in circles trying to match tones while your audience, or your own patience, grows tired.
Precision comes with time and practice, but even professionals rely on tuners to save time and guarantee perfect pitch.
A tuner takes out the guesswork. It lets you focus on music, not mechanics.
What’s the Deal With Guitar Straps?
Guitar straps aren’t just accessories, they’re essential tools. Get the wrong one and you’ll feel it in your neck, back, and tone.
Long sessions can become short if a strap cuts into your shoulder or keeps slipping off.
Choosing the right strap makes a difference, especially if you’re someone who plays standing up or gigs frequently.
You Need One That Fits You
Straps matter more than most expect. A basic strap might look fine, but if it digs into your shoulder, that discomfort spreads fast. Your playing suffers before you even realize it.
Announcing key things to look for:
- Padding: Crucial for standing players. It eases shoulder pressure and adds comfort during long sets.
- Material:
- Leather: Durable and classic, but comes at a price.
- Nylon: Lightweight and affordable, good for most players.
- Adjustability: Non-negotiable. If you’re hunched while playing, your strap is working against you.
Strap Locks? Worth It.
Gig often? Play standing? Then strap locks are a no-brainer.
Bullet points on why they help:
- Prevents Accidents: Stops the strap from slipping off the strap button.
- Protects the Guitar: No one wants a cracked body mid-solo.
- Peace of Mind: You focus on the riff, not the risk.
Basic locks are cheap, easy to install, and save a fortune in repairs. If you care about your instrument, add them now.
A guy in Brooklyn shared this:
“I lost a $900 Telecaster because the strap slipped during a show. Got locks after that. Never again.”
Should You Buy a Guitar Stand or Wall Hanger?
You need something to secure your guitar when it’s not in your hands. Leaving it leaning against furniture is a fast track to chips, dents, and a broken headstock.
When choosing how to store your instrument, you have two solid options: guitar stands or wall hangers.
Each serves a purpose, and each has its pros and cons depending on your space, habits, and style.
Guitar Stands
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If simplicity and mobility are priorities, a guitar stand is ideal. It’s cheap, easy to move, and doesn’t require drilling into your walls.
Great for anyone who likes to play in different rooms or travel with their gear.
Still, not all stands are created equal. Some are more of a hazard than a help if they lack basic protective features.
Keep in mind the following when buying a guitar stand:
- Padding where the guitar makes contact – No padding means scratches and dents are inevitable.
- Stable base and non-slip feet – Prevents tipping and sliding.
- Foldability – Helps with portability if you’re moving between gigs or practice spots.
A floor stand is grab-and-go convenience, but you’ll need the floor space to accommodate it.
Wall Hangers
Wall hangers are a win if you’re short on space or want to display your guitar like art.
They elevate the instrument off the floor and out of the way, making your room look tidy and musical all at once. Still, they’re not foolproof and need thoughtful installation.
Before installing a wall hanger, take these precautions:
- Mount into a stud – Drywall alone won’t hold. Without a stud, the hanger could rip out, taking your guitar with it.
- Keep guitars away from direct sunlight or heat sources – Prolonged exposure can warp the neck and damage finishes.
A wall hanger isn’t just about looks. When installed correctly and placed in a safe environment, it can serve as a practical and attractive solution.
Are Expensive Cables Worth It?
Not really. A $15 cable and a $50 cable will often give you the same sound.
What truly matters is how long the cable lasts, not how flashy the packaging looks.
When choosing a cable, focus on durability features:
- Metal plugs: They hold up better than plastic and resist bending.
- Thick rubber shielding: Protects the internal wiring against twists, pulls, and rough handling.
- A solid strain relief: Prevents the cable from fraying or breaking near the connectors.
- Lifetime warranty (if possible): Gives peace of mind and reflects build confidence.
No need to chase boutique brands unless you’re into collecting colored wires for fun.
Do Guitar Picks Actually Make a Difference?
Absolutely. Picks are one of the simplest tools that shape your tone and how your playing feels. Materials, thickness, and shape all affect sound and comfort.
Start by testing different pick thicknesses:
- Thin: Best for bright, light strumming. Less resistance.
- Medium: Versatile for rhythm, arpeggios, and leads. A safe default.
- Heavy: Ideal for tight control, solos, and aggressive riffs.
Each player ends up with preferences—just like picking a favorite pen. Buy a variety pack and run through them all until one feels right.
Also, never carry just one. Picks are tiny traitors that vanish when you need them most. Keep extras:
- In your guitar case
- In your jeans pocket
- On your desk
- Next to your amp
You’ll thank yourself when the pick fairy strikes again.
Is a Capo Worth Buying?
If you play acoustic or sing, absolutely. A capo allows you to shift keys effortlessly while still using familiar chord shapes. It unlocks a broader song selection without forcing you to relearn fingerings or bar chords in difficult positions.
Here’s what to look for in a capo:
- Consistent clamping pressure across all strings
- Soft but durable padding that won’t damage the fretboard
- Even grip that prevents buzzing or tuning issues
- Reliable brands, such as Kyser and Shubb, known for solid builds
Avoid bargain-bin capos. A cheap one will buzz, lose tension, or even pull your strings sharp, turning your jam session into a tuning nightmare.
What About Pedals? Which Ones First?
If you’re just starting out, no need to assemble a spaceship of a pedalboard. Keep it minimal. Two carefully chosen pedals can do more than ten you don’t know how to use.
Start with:
- Tuner pedal – Essential if you’re playing electric; your bandmates and audience will thank you
- Overdrive or distortion – For rock, blues, or metal tones, this gives your sound grit and growl
- Reverb – Adds depth and space, especially if your amp doesn’t have it built-in
- Looper – Fantastic for practice, solo performance, or creating layered textures on the fly
A player from Portland said:
“I bought ten pedals before I knew how to use two of them. Now I stick to one distortion and one looper. That’s all I need.”
Learn your sound before building a pedalboard. Otherwise, you’ll end up with expensive clutter.
Do You Need a Hard Case?
It all depends on how the guitar is used. A hard case isn’t a fashion statement—it’s protection. Ask yourself one thing: are you leaving the house with it?
Gigging or Flying?
A hard case is a must. No room for debate here. Your instrument will face:
- Drops during transit
- Shifts in weather or humidity
- Baggage handlers who treat everything like it’s made of rubber
Without a hard case, expect dings, warps, or even a cracked neck.
Just Playing at Home?
A padded gig bag does the job, as long as it’s a decent one. Look for:
- Thick padding along all sides
- A built-in neck support strap to keep it from shifting
- Durable zippers and handle stitching
Important tip: don’t stack heavy objects on a soft bag. Throwing books or amps on top? You’re basically asking the neck to snap.
What About Cleaning and Maintenance Gear?
Yes. You need a few basics.
Must-Haves:
- Soft cloth (microfiber is best)
- Lemon oil (for fretboard, not body)
- String winder/cutter combo
- Allen wrench (usually comes with guitar)
Cleaning helps your guitar last. It also feels better to play a clean fretboard than one coated in sweat and grime.
Should You Trust Reviews When Buying Accessories?
Reviews can be faked, biased, or just plain wrong. Look for ones with detail. Skip any review that just says “Great product!!” with no info.
Also, don’t base your choice on one angry 1-star rating. One customer might have had a unique issue. If it looks sketchy, you can always learn how to dispute a Google review and flag it for removal. Same goes for leaving reviews about gear yourself.
For more details about how businesses deal with Google reviews check this article from Erase.
Ask friends, teachers, or other musicians what they use. First-hand advice beats random reviews every time.
Final List: Accessories You Actually Need
- Tuner
- Strap + strap locks
- Picks (multiple types)
- Stand or hanger
- Cleaning cloth
- Capo (optional but helpful)
- One or two pedals (if electric)
- Gig bag or case
- Extra strings
Everything else is optional. Start small. Upgrade later.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need a mountain of gear to be a good guitar player. Buy what makes your playing easier and your sound better. Skip the shiny stuff that collects dust.
Try things, make mistakes, and find your setup one step at a time. The best accessory is the one that helps you play more—and enjoy it.
Now get back to playing.
