Beginner Guitar Accessories Checklist

A new guitar comes with a long list of things the shop would love to sell you. Most of them can wait. Here is what actually helps in the first months, in the order it matters.

1. A tuner

Non negotiable. A guitar out of tune makes practice sound wrong and teaches your ear the wrong notes. A clip on or compact tuner is fine. Read how to tune a guitar to use it.

2. Picks

Buy a pack of mediums and try a few thicknesses. They are cheap and they get lost. Our pick guide explains what the numbers mean.

3. A spare set of strings

Strings break and strings wear out. Keep one spare set in the case in the gauge your guitar uses. See how to change acoustic guitar strings.

4. A strap

Needed as soon as you play standing. Even seated, a strap holds the guitar steady so your fretting hand is free. See the strap guide.

5. A stand

A guitar on a stand gets played. A guitar in a closet does not. This is the accessory that most improves how much you practice.

6. A capo

Useful once you know a handful of chords, because it lets you play songs in any key with the shapes you already have. See how to use a capo.

7. A gig bag or case

Needed when the guitar leaves the house. A gig bag is enough for lessons. See case vs gig bag.

What can wait

Pedals, a second guitar, a fancy cable, a humidifier for a laminate guitar, a wall of picks. Buy them when you know what you want from them.

Electric players add two things

An amplifier and a cable. A starter pack bundles them. See the electric guitar buying guide.

Browse all accessories. Shipping is free on every order, no minimum.