Top Five Guitar Accessories You Actually Need
By Joshua LeBlanc
Walk into any guitar store and you’ll be bombarded with enough accessories to fill a small warehouse. Fancy straps with skulls on them, boutique picks that cost more than your lunch, and gadgets that promise to make you sound like your favorite guitarist overnight. The truth is, most of this stuff is designed to separate you from your money, not improve your playing.
After years of teaching guitar and watching students waste money on unnecessary gear, I’ve narrowed down the essential accessories to five items that will actually make a difference in your playing experience. These aren’t the flashiest options, but they’re the ones that solve real problems every guitarist faces.
1. A Tuner (Your Phone Will Do Just Fine)
I don’t care if you have perfect pitch or think you can tune by ear – you need a tuner. And before you run out and spend $50 on a fancy clip-on tuner, let me save you some money: your phone already has everything you need.
Why you need it: An out-of-tune guitar sounds terrible no matter how well you play. It’s also one of the fastest ways to train your ear to recognize proper pitch. Even if you can tune by ear, a tuner gives you a reference point and catches those subtle intonation issues you might miss.
Start with your phone: Download a free tuner app like GuitarTuna or Fender Tune. Here’s why phone apps are actually perfect for beginners:
- They’re free (can’t beat that price)
- Most generate the actual pitch of each string so you can hear what you’re tuning to
- They work great in quiet practice environments
- No extra gear to carry around or lose
When to upgrade: Once you start playing with other people or in noisy environments, consider a clip-on tuner for acoustic guitars or a pedal tuner for electrics. But honestly, most of my students use their phone apps for years without any problems.
The pitch generation feature is especially valuable for new players. Instead of just watching a needle move, you can actually hear what an in-tune E string should sound like. That’s ear training disguised as tuning.
2. A Metronome (Also on Your Phone)
Before you roll your eyes, hear me out. I know metronomes aren’t sexy, and I know they’re about as fun as doing taxes. But if you want to play with other people without them wanting to kick you out of the band, you need to develop solid timing.
Why you need it: Rhythm is the foundation of all music. You can play all the right notes, but if your timing is off, you’ll sound like a beginner. A metronome forces you to play in time and helps you develop internal rhythm.
Your phone is perfect for this: Apps like Metronome Plus or Pro Metronome are free and offer everything you need:
- Different time signatures (4/4, 3/4, etc.)
- Volume control that won’t wake the neighbors
- Visual cues along with the audio click
- No extra device to remember or break
How to use it: Start slow – painfully slow. If you can’t play a simple chord progression perfectly at 60 BPM, you’re not ready for 120 BPM. Gradually increase the tempo as you get comfortable.
Most guitarists hate practicing with a metronome because it exposes their timing issues. That’s exactly why you need to use one. It’s like having a brutally honest practice partner who never lets you get sloppy.
3. A Capo That Actually Works
Not all capos are created equal. I’ve watched students struggle with cheap capos that buzz, don’t hold tuning, or leave dents in their neck. A good capo is worth every penny, and this is one area where you shouldn’t cheap out.
Why you need it: Capos let you play in different keys without learning new chord shapes. They’re essential for acoustic players and incredibly useful for anyone who wants to play along with songs in different keys.
What to look for:
- Even pressure across all strings
- Easy to adjust and move quickly
- Doesn’t interfere with your fretting hand
- Won’t damage your guitar’s finish
Recommended types:
- Kyser capos are quick and reliable for most players
- Shubb capos offer more precise tension control
- Avoid the cheap elastic ones – they’re more trouble than they’re worth
Pro tip: Practice moving your capo quickly between songs. Nothing kills the momentum of a performance like fumbling with a capo for 30 seconds between songs.
4. Extra Strings (And Know How to Change Them)
Strings break. Usually at the worst possible moment. Having spare strings and knowing how to change them isn’t just convenient – it’s essential for any serious guitarist.
Why you need them:
- Strings break during practice, performances, and jam sessions
- Old strings sound dull and go out of tune easily
- Different string gauges can change your guitar’s feel and sound
- It’s cheaper to buy sets than individual strings
What to buy:
- Buy complete sets, not individual strings
- Keep at least two full sets on hand
- Light gauge (.010-.046) strings are easier for beginners
- Medium gauge (.011-.049) strings have more tone but require more finger strength
String changing basics:
- Change one string at a time to maintain neck tension
- Stretch new strings by gently pulling them away from the fretboard
- Tune up gradually – new strings take time to settle
- Cut the excess string close to the tuning peg
When to change them: When they sound dull, feel rough, or have visible wear. For regular players, that’s every 2-3 months. For heavy players, it might be monthly.
5. A Good Guitar Stand
Your guitar needs a safe place to live when you’re not playing it. Leaning it against a wall or laying it on the couch is asking for trouble. A proper guitar stand protects your investment and makes your guitar more accessible for practice.
Why you need it:
- Prevents accidental damage from falls
- Keeps your guitar easily accessible (more accessible = more practice)
- Protects the neck from warping
- Looks more professional than a guitar lying on the floor
What to look for:
- Stable base that won’t tip over
- Padded contact points to protect your guitar’s finish
- Adjustable height for different guitar sizes
- Folds flat for transport (if you plan to gig)
Types available:
- A-frame stands are simple and affordable
- Tripod stands are more stable but take up more space
- Wall hangers save floor space but require mounting
- Multi-guitar stands if you have several instruments
Placement tip: Put your guitar stand somewhere you’ll see it often. If your guitar is visible, you’re more likely to pick it up and play. If it’s hidden in a case in the closet, it might as well not exist.
The Accessories You Don't Need (Yet)
Before you start filling your cart with every accessory imaginable, here’s what you can skip as a beginner:
- Expensive picks: A basic medium pick works fine. You’ll lose them anyway.
- Fancy straps: Your guitar (hopefully) came with a strap. An inexpensive one that is comfortable will do the job. Use it until it breaks.
- Effects pedals: Learn to make your guitar sound good without effects first.
- Multiple cables: One good cable is better than three cheap ones.
- Guitar polish: Your guitar doesn’t need to be polished every week.
Focus on the essentials first. You can always add more gear later as your needs become clearer.
The Bottom Line
These five accessories solve real problems that every guitarist faces. They’re not glamorous, but they’re practical tools that will improve your playing experience and help you sound better.
Don’t get sucked into the gear acquisition trap. The best accessory for any guitarist is consistent practice with quality tools. Start with these basics, master your instrument, and add other accessories as you actually need them.
Your wallet (and your playing) will thank you for focusing on substance over style.
Joshua LeBlanc is a performer and guitar teacher who believes in practical advice over flashy gear. Visit www.lafayetteschoolofguitar.com to learn more about guitar lessons in Lafayette, LA.