Do you imagine serenading audiences with your mind-blowing guitar skills, or are you preparing for an upcoming show? Whether you are a professional guitarist or an aspiring player, the first step is to buy guitars—but it is not the only step. Like other professions, a guitar, too, requires a toolset. Along with strumming the strings, you also need accessories to hone your skills, find your tune and maintain your guitar.
Guitar Case
Like a phone or laptop cover, your guitar requires a guitar case to protect it from damage, scratches, or stains. As your prized possession, protecting your instrument should be a priority. A case ensures your guitar remains safe from accidental scratches and marks. It protects your instrument from dust and humidity and ensures the strings stay intact. Additionally, guitar cases allow you to carry your guitar comfortably. If a case isn’t your style, you can also go for a bag; while the former provides overall protection, the latter is easier to lift and transport.
Guitar Tuner
As the name suggests, tuners tune your guitar. Tuned guitars sound better and ensure you stay in tune. This tool measures the frequencies your strings produce and arranges them as notes on the scale. If the frequencies and notes march, the tuner displays the note, giving you live updates and allowing you to check your tune. Since tuners are available in various types and sizes, pick one that fits you best.
Guitar Pick
While you can play the guitar directly with your fingers, a pick provides better access. A guitar pick is ideal if you have long nails since long nails can damage the strings or vice versa. However, only some picks will suit your hands. Therefore, before you buy guitars, read instructions and guides on guitar picks to get an idea about their thickness, sizes, and shapes. For instance, thicker picks provide more precision, and thinner ones work excellently with acoustic guitars.
Backup Strings
Strings are simultaneously strong and delicate. Since their function is to be strummed, their design supports strength and durability. However, they are still susceptible to corrosion and pressure due to constant usage and age, causing them to break. For instance, if your string breaks during a show or performance, extra packs will come in handy since you won’t be able to purchase a new pair instantly.
Strings vary according to the guitar, so ensure you pick one compatible with yours. Usually, nickel or stainless steel strings work with electric guitars due to their durability and clarity. On the other hand, beginners usually choose acoustic guitars since their bronze strings are lighter, allowing them to practice and control them with precision.
Supporting Strap
A guitar strap allows you to play while standing. Playing the guitar in a standing position requires balancing your body and the instrument while ensuring your arms don’t ache. You can efficiently and comfortably hold the instrument with a guitar strap without straining your muscles. Pick a strap that is neither too light nor too heavy. Lightweight straps tend to snap quickly, whereas heavy straps might put additional weight on your shoulders, hurting them. It would also be best to purchase padded straps for extra comfort.
Wrapping Up
As a budding musician, you must be strumming—pun intended—with excitement to buy guitars. Getting your hands on a new instrument is a big deal. However, only purchasing a guitar won’t do the trick; you require the whole set. Accessories like straps, strings, picks, capo, tuner, case, stand, and cleaners make up a guitar.