Gift Guide for Guitar Players at Every Budget

Buying for a guitar player is easier than it looks. They use up strings and picks, they always want one more gadget, and most of them have a guitar on the wish list they will not buy for themselves. Here is what works at each budget, with the things to avoid.

Under 10 dollars

Picks and strings. Every player goes through both. If you do not know what they use, a variety pack of medium picks is safe, and a set of light acoustic or regular light electric strings fits most guitars. Check whether the guitar is acoustic or electric before you buy strings, the two are not interchangeable.

Under 50 dollars

This is the sweet spot. A clip on tuner, a capo, a good strap or a tuner and metronome in one all get used every week. The Korg TM-70T is the one we recommend because it tunes and keeps time in one box. A quality capo like the Kyser or Shubb lasts for decades. A strap is the one gift that shows you paid attention to their taste.

Under 150 dollars

Protection and storage. A hardshell case or a padded gig bag is the gift most players put off buying. A wall hanger or a sturdy stand keeps the guitar out where it gets played. Our case vs gig bag guide explains which one fits their life. For a player who keeps a guitar in the living room, a leather strap is the upgrade they feel every time they stand up.

Under 500 dollars

A first real instrument. For a beginner the safest acoustic gifts are the Yamaha FG800J and FS800J, and the safest electric is a Yamaha Pacifica or a Squier. For a kid, read best guitars for kids by age and size before you pick a size. A travel size guitar like the Martin LX1 is a smart gift for someone who already owns a full size and travels.

The big one

If you are buying the guitar they have talked about for a year, buy that exact model and color. Do not substitute. By Google's own shopping data the most searched for guitars this fall are the Fender Player II Telecaster and Stratocaster, the Epiphone Les Paul Standard 50s, the PRS SE Custom 24 and the Taylor GS Mini. Each arrives set up and ready to play.

What to avoid

• Mystery brand starter kits. The guitar inside usually cannot be set up to play well and the player gives up. A plain Yamaha or Squier with a set of picks is a better kit.
• Strings without checking the guitar. Acoustic, electric, classical and bass strings are all different.
• Effects pedals for a beginner. Fun later, confusing in month one.

Timing

Order by mid December for Christmas. Every guitar is set up by hand before it ships, which adds a day or two, so earlier is safer. Every instrument we ship is set up by hand on our bench in Athens, Tennessee first. Read what a guitar setup is to see what that covers.

Browse accessories, strings and picks and best sellers. Questions? Call the shop at (423) 462-1894 and a real person will help you choose.