acoustic guitar, strings, capo, beginner guitar
Tags
tuner string winder plectrum guitar strap guitar hanger guitar case guitar gig bag chords capo beginner guitar acoustic

So you’ve just picked up your first guitar — great! While you can most definitely start playing right away, here are a few accessories that can help the start of your journey to be a bit smoother and more enjoyable. These aren’t must-haves, but they can make learning the guitar more comfortable, improve your sound, and even make your guitar feel more like your instrument. Let’s take a look at what’s worth considering:

1. Plectrum / Pick

A plectrum, also called a pick, is a small tool that can really elevate how your guitar sounds. It helps you strike the strings cleanly, which gives your playing a louder, clearer sound. Picks come in different thicknesses, and each one feels a bit different in your hand and affects your tone.

 

  • Thinner picks (light) are flexible and great for soft strumming - perfect for acoustic rhythm playing.
  • Medium picks give a nice balance between flexibility and control.
  • Thicker picks (heavy) are less bendy and give you more precision, making them ideal for playing solos or picking individual notes.
  • Thumb picks and jazz picks are more specialized and suit fingerstyle or technical playing.

You won’t know what pick is for you without trying them, so it’s best to get out there and collect a few different ones, maybe you'll be surprised by what you come to like.

2. Capo

A capo is like an extra set of fingers that clamps across the fretboard, making certain chords easier to play. It can be very useful if you’re just learning and want to avoid tricky barre chords. By using a capo, you can play along with lots of popular songs without needing to perfect some advanced chord shapes right away.

It also allows you to:

  • Change the key of a song quickly.
  • Match the pitch to your singing voice more comfortably.
  • Try out new sounds and chord voicings.

 

Even though it’s not essential, it’s a really helpful tool that opens up a lot of possibilities early on.

3. Guitar strap

You might not think you need a strap if you’re only playing while sitting — but having one can make a big difference. A strap lets you play standing up, which can feel much different and takes a bit of getting used to.

Straps are especially useful if:

  • You want to sing and play at the same time.
  • You plan to play in front of others or at open mics.
  • You just want to be able to move around while you play!

Plus, straps come in tons of colours and designs, so you decide how you customise your guitar.

4. Tuners

Keeping your guitar in tune is one of the most important things you can do to sound good. Even if you’re just starting, an out-of-tune guitar can make things sound wrong — even if you’re playing the right notes.

 

  • Clip-on tuners attach to your headstock and work by sensing vibration. They’re super accurate and great in noisy rooms.
  • Phone tuner apps are free and handy, but they rely on your phone’s microphone, so they can cause issues in loud rooms or open spaces.

 

Either option will work, but if you’re serious about sounding your best, a clip-on tuner is a small investment that goes a long way.

5. Bag / Case

You’ll want to protect your guitar when you’re not playing it — or especially when you’re taking it anywhere. A gig bag or hard case keeps your guitar safe from bumps, dust, and temperature changes.

  • Gig bags are soft, padded cases that are lightweight and easy to carry.
  • Hard cases offer more protection, especially if you’re traveling or storing your guitar for a while.

6. Extra strings & string winder

Strings don’t last forever, and they can break at the most inconvenient times — especially when you’re still learning how to tune and play. Having an extra set of strings on hand means you won’t have to pause your practice or be completely lost mid-gig on what to do.

And a string winder? It’s a simple little tool that makes changing strings way faster and easier. Some winders even have built-in tools for clipping the ends of the strings cleanly.

7. Guitar stand / Wall hanger

You’ve splashed the money on a new guitar — don’t just leave it in a corner or under the bed! A guitar stand keeps it safe and accessible, so you’re more likely to pick it up and play regularly.

Alternatively, a wall hanger is a great space-saving option, and it can also turn your guitar into a decorative piece when you’re not using it.

Plus, having your guitar in sight is a great motivator to practice more often!