Essential Guitar Accessories Checklist
Eight small items that make a beginner setup actually work. We intentionally do not list accessory prices - they vary too much by retailer and bundle; budget a modest extra amount on top of the guitar and check current prices at the retailer.
Clip-on tuner (or a reputable tuning app)
Tune every session - a beginner cannot hear being out of tune yet.
Check price on Amazon Snark ST-8 Super Tight Clip-On Tuner
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Picks in a few thicknesses
Thin picks are forgiving for strumming; medium picks give control.
Check price on Amazon Jim Dunlop Guitar Pick LT/MD Variety Pack - 12 Pack (PVP101)
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Strap
Helps posture standing or sitting and keeps the guitar secure.
Check price on Amazon Ernie Ball Polypro Guitar Strap, Black (P04037)
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Guitar stand or wall hanger
A guitar on a stand gets picked up. A guitar in a case in a closet does not.
Unpriced
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Capo
Lets beginners play along with songs in tough keys using easy chord shapes.
Check price on Amazon Kyser Quick-Change Guitar Capo for 6-string acoustic guitars, Black (KG6B)
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Spare set of strings (match the guitar type)
Your first broken string should not stop practice for a week. Electric and acoustic strings are not interchangeable.
Check price on Amazon Ernie Ball Regular Slinky Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings 10-46 (P02221) - electric
Check price on Amazon D'Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze Acoustic Guitar Strings, Light 12-53 - acoustic
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Padded gig bag or case
Protects the guitar in transport to lessons.
Unpriced
Retailer affiliate links not yet active - approval pending, not live offers. Buy from any reputable retailer.
Instrument cable (electric only) + headphones for the amp
Cable connects guitar to amp; headphones keep practice quiet at home.
Check price on Amazon Fender Original Instrument Cable, 10ft, Straight-Angle - cable only; buy headphones separately
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Strings guide: gauges, coated vs uncoated & our Elixir pick - All gear guides