10 Essentials Every Guitar Player Needs

Whether you’re new to guitar or a seasoned pro, there are a few things you’ll need to make your guitar-playing experience complete. This is a short list of what I consider to be essential items, followed by a few items that are not essential but nice to have.
Case/Gig Bag

A case keeps your guitar protected from incidental nicks, scratches, dings, breaks, etc. and provides an easy way to carry it. It also protects from dust, which can be tough on strings and hardware, and humidity/dryness, which can create problems with the neck that result in playability and intonation issues. Fortunately, many guitars come with either a case or gig bag, and both have their uses. While a case offers better protection and is easier to store, a bag is lighter weight and easier to carry around. Having both may be the answer for some people.

Tuner

As a general rule, guitars sound better when in tune, and you’ll be happier with your own playing if you’re in tune. Having a dedicated tuner handy will help keep you there. Tuners come in a lot of formats and sizes, so it’s easy to find one that works for you. Here’s a tuner buying guide to help you decide.

Strings

Eventually your strings will wear out or break, so it’s always good to have replacement sets on hand. The more you play, the more often you’ll have to change strings. Beyond this utilitarian aspect, strings for either electric guitar or acoustic guitar come in a wide variety of sizes and materials that can greatly affect the sound and feel of your guitar. Get informed about choosing strings, and experiment with different options!

String Winder

Knowing that you will be changing strings, a string winder is the most important, guitar-centric tool. This simple and affordable device greatly speeds up the seemingly endless task of winding strings around a tuner post. Once you use one, you’ll never change strings without it.

Picks

The variety of pick shapes, sizes, and materials is vast, and the differences in sound and feel can be subtle or drastic. The nice part is, most guitar picks are relatively inexpensive, and it’s easy to experiment with different kinds. I am a bona fide pick nerd and will try any of them to see what the differences are. I have a huge collection and use quite a few, depending on the work I’m doing. Once you find your favorite pick, make sure to stock up on it. Here’s an article about how to choose a pick that may help you find your favorite.

Strap

If you’re ever going to stand up and play guitar, you’ll need a guitar strap. A good strap is comfortable and helps evenly distribute the weight of the guitar across your shoulders and back. Even when you’re sitting, a strap can keep the guitar in a consistent position, which can be really helpful when you’re practicing. Straps have an awesome visual impact as well, whether you want them to make a statement and stand out or blend in.

Stand

A guitar leaning against a wall, standing up in a corner, or balanced on a chair is a guitar begging to be knocked over and likely broken. Laying a guitar on the floor begins the countdown to someone stepping on it and also puts a lot of stress on the headstock — another big, potential break point. In a guitar stand, the guitar is vertical (takes up the least floor space) and secure, and you always know where it is. I prefer a hanging-type stand, because your cable and strap don’t get caught in the arms, but any stand is better than no stand.
Wall hangers fall into this category, especially if floor space is tight in the room where you play guitar most. Guitars look cool hanging on the wall, and they’re convenient to grab and play.
Personal aside: I am not a big fan of leaving important guitars out on display (not in a case) long-term. Humidity control is easier in a case because it’s a small space, and HVAC systems tend to remove humidity from room air. Dust is also tough on hardware and strings. For me, guitars are better off in their cases.

Cables

If you play electric guitar or want to amplify your acoustic guitar, a cable is your connection. As a general rule, don’t buy a cable that’s any longer than you need, and buy the best-quality cable you can. Better cables will last longer and, to some degree, affect your sound.

Cleaning Cloth

If you have a good cleaning cloth in your guitar case, it’s convenient, so you’ll be more likely to remember to use it. Any soft, nonabrasive rag will work, but if you buy one specifically for your guitar, then it’s the right size, shape, and material, and it’s always where you need it. I like to wipe down the strings, neck, controls, pickguard, etc. before I put the guitar back in its case. Cleaning cloths have a few other uses as well. You can wrap up anything that goes into the pocket of your case that may be delicate: a slide is one thing that comes to mind. You can also use it to pad the neck cradle in your case if it’s a loose fit.
Guitar polish and any cleaners could be added to this list, but the most important thing is to wipe your guitar down with a dry cloth after playing. If you want to use a guitar polish or cleaner (highly recommended), use a guitar-specific, general-purpose guitar polish/cleaner. I always spray a light amount of polish directly on the guitar and use disposable, lightweight paper (facial tissue or even toilet paper) to wipe it off. That will keep your guitar polish rag dry and ready for the daily wipe down.

Tool Kit

The guitarist essential tool kit just barely made the list, because a fair portion of guitarists won’t do much more to their guitars than change strings. However, a good pair of small wire cutters is a necessary item even to do that. A Phillips screwdriver can tighten loose neck screws or strap buttons, and the proper wrenches can adjust saddle height and intonation. You’ll need a wrench to tighten the nut on your input jack, so now you’ve just assembled a tool kit. Ta-da!

Nonessentials — But Nice to Have
Strap Locks

As a performing guitarist, every guitar I use onstage has strap locks. The security affords me one less thing on my mind, because there’s already enough to think about during a performance. I always use the same brand/style of strap lock for every guitar and strap so they’re easily interchangeable. Even if you don’t perform, it’s an insurance policy that’s inexpensive, easy to install, and convenient; your strap comes off and on easily and is secure.

Capo

A capo is not just for guitarists who can’t play barre chords; it’s mostly a creative tool. Open strings ringing against fretted notes on electric or acoustic is a uniquely guitaristic sound, and it’s awesome. Certain chord and note combinations are specific to a key, however, so if you want to move that sound to another key, a capo is the way to do it quickly and easily.

Slide

Another creative tool that is inexpensive and easy to experiment with, a slide can be amazingly expressive. It does require skill and practice but so does pretty much anything else on guitar. If you’re so inclined, devote some of your practice time to slide, and take your guitar playing to a different level. If you need help picking out a slide, this article offers pointers on picking the right slide.

Nut Sauce

No, nut sauce is neither a personal lubricant or an ice cream topping. It helps the strings glide effortlessly and unrestricted across the nut, making tuning easier. It also helps stabilize tuning for guitars with trem or vibrato bridges. At the nut, the strings are at a downward angle toward the tuners so there is pressure on them. Nuts are typically made of bone, plastic, or a specific polymer, and some are slipperier than others. Applying nut sauce to the string slots in your nut every time you change strings can keep them from hanging up and help you stay in tune.

Once you have all these guitar essentials and nonessentials, you’ll be set for hours of trouble-free guitar playing and ready to deal with any interruptions. If you need any additional assistance, call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700.
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