Otis Singleton
Electric guitars are a great choice for beginners due to their smaller necks and the fact that they don't require an amp to get started. However, there are several essential accessories that every electric guitarist should consider to enhance their playing experience and maintain their instrument. These include guitar picks or plectrums, which improve agility and facilitate different playing styles and tones; guitar straps, which allow you to play standing up and provide extra style; spare strings, as strings break easily and you'll need to replace them; a cable to connect your guitar to an amp; a guitar tuner to keep your instrument sounding great and in tune with your band; and a maintenance kit to keep your guitar clean and in good condition. Additionally, a guitar stand or hanger is useful for storing and protecting your instrument, and a stompbox or guitar pedal can add creative effects to your music.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tuner | Clip-on, battery-operated, rechargeable, stomp box |
| Guitar picks | Thicker for electric guitarists, thinner for acoustic guitarists, various shapes, thicknesses, colours and pointiness |
| Guitar strap | Adjustable, comes in various designs |
| Strings | Different strings for different guitar types |
| Stand | All-purpose or specialised for specific types of guitars |
| Stompboxes | Distortion, delay, reverb |
| Metronome | Electronic or wind-up |
| Maintenance kit | Microfibre or polish cloth, cleaning spray, lemon oil |
| Amplifier | Various sizes, sound quality, volume potential |
| Cable | Copper wires wrapped in a dielectric insulator and plastic coating, various lengths and qualities |
| Guitar pedals | Various effects that alter the sound and volume |
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Guitar picks/plectrums
Guitar picks, or plectrums, are a must-have accessory for any guitarist. They are a small tool that can have a significant impact on your playing style and the sound produced. When choosing a guitar pick, there are a few key factors to consider: thickness, shape, and material.
Thickness: The thickness of a guitar pick can affect your playing technique and control. Thinner picks, such as the Dunlop Nylon Series in 0.46mm, are great for strumming and produce a rich, bright sound. They are also easy to control, making them ideal for beginners. However, thinner picks may bend too much during chord picking, resulting in a lack of control and inaccurate string hits. For chord picking, a slightly thicker pick, such as 0.55mm or 0.73mm, can help maintain volume and improve accuracy.
Shape: The two most common shapes for beginners are the standard guitar pick and the teardrop pick. The standard pick, also known as the Fender 351, has rounded sides, corners, and a triangular tip. This shape works well with traditional pick grips. The teardrop pick is similar but has straighter sides and a more rounded top, making it easier to grasp, especially for those with smaller hands.
Material: Different materials will produce different tones and playing experiences. Beginners should typically choose plastic celluloid or nylon picks. Celluloid picks offer a balanced tone, a reasonable amount of flexibility, and are the most inexpensive option. Nylon picks have a warmer sound, last longer, but can be smoother and harder to grip. Other materials to consider as you progress include Delrin, acrylic, metal, polycarbonate, and carbon fiber.
It is worth noting that there is no single "best" guitar pick. The best pick is the one that suits your particular needs, playing style, and comfort. It is recommended to experiment with different picks to find the right combination of thickness, shape, and material that enhances your playing experience and produces the desired sound.
Lastly, don't be afraid to change your guitar picks as your skills develop and your preferences evolve. Many professional guitarists keep a variety of picks on hand to suit different genres and playing techniques.
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Guitar straps
When choosing a guitar strap, there are several factors to consider, including material, length, and style, and colour. Firstly, the material of your strap can vary from classic leather to lightweight and flexible polyester or nylon. If you play a heavier instrument, consider a strap with padding, such as a wide bolstered shoulder or memory foam pad, for added comfort during extended gigs.
The length of your guitar strap is also crucial. If you play with your guitar at arm's length, opt for a longer strap. Conversely, if you prefer to hold it higher near your shoulder, a shorter strap will prevent tangling. Adjustable straps offer customisation to suit your personal playing style and ensure the guitar sits comfortably.
Beyond functionality, guitar straps are a fantastic way to showcase your unique style. From bold and bright neon colours to pastel shades, you can make a statement. For a vintage aesthetic, tweed or cotton straps evoke a rock or pop vibe, while suede, vinyl, or velvet straps offer a distinctive look. You can also find straps adorned with graphics, from skull designs to animal prints or even your favourite band.
Ultimately, the guitar strap you choose should align with your image and the style of music you play. Whether you're expressing your love for retro-inspired designs or embracing a colourful alternative to plain straps, there is a vast array of options to suit your individual needs and preferences.
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Guitar strings
When it comes to guitar strings, there are many varieties, including big, small, roundwound, flatwound, nylon, acoustic, electric, coated, and uncoated. For electric guitars, the most common types of strings are nickel wound, pure nickel, and stainless steel.
As a beginner, it is recommended to start with light or extra-light strings as they are easier on the fingers and make learning more enjoyable. Coated strings are also a great option for beginners as they last longer and feel smoother. Phosphor bronze strings are another popular choice for acoustic guitars as they offer a more balanced tone and a richer, warmer sound.
It's important to note that guitar strings break relatively easily, so it's always good to carry spare strings. When buying strings, make sure to get the right ones for your type of guitar. You can also save money by buying in bulk or purchasing with your band or friends.
Lastly, guitar strings require regular maintenance to keep them in good condition. Cleaning and polishing your strings will help prolong their life and maintain the quality of your guitar's sound.
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Guitar amps
When it comes to choosing a guitar amp, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, the type of music you play will influence your choice. Different genres of music require different sounds, so look for an amp that can give you the specific sound you're looking for. Additionally, consider the size of the space where you'll be playing. If you're practising at home or travelling, a smaller, more portable amp might be a better option. On the other hand, if you're playing in a band or a larger venue, you might need a bigger amp with more power.
Another important consideration is the speaker configuration. Combo amps combine the speakers, preamp, and power amplifier in one unit, making them a popular choice for beginners. Alternatively, you can choose a separate "head" unit that connects to a separate speaker cabinet.
When it comes to effects, while they can be useful, it's best for beginners not to get too caught up in them. Built-in digital effects can be a great way to experiment without having to buy separate pedals. Some amps also allow you to switch between different channels, each with its own unique sound.
For beginners, it's recommended to choose an amp that provides flexibility and the ability to experiment with different sounds. The Mustang Micro and the Frontman 10G are great options for beginners, offering portability, ease of use, and a variety of effects and tone options. If you're looking for a simple and affordable option, the Vox Blues 2 headphone amp provides excellent sound quality and the ability to practice quietly.
Lastly, don't forget to consider the wattage and volume of the amp. A small practice amp is usually sufficient for beginners, and you can always upgrade as you become more experienced and your needs change.
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Guitar cables
Most guitars use the same 1/4-inch jack cable, which is compatible with most guitar gear. However, some electric guitars with active pickups use balanced cables instead of traditional jack cables, so you will need a specific cable.
The length of a guitar cable can impact your sound. Longer cables introduce more capacitance, which can alter your sound. The longer the cable, the more noticeable this effect will be.
There are two types of cable: unbalanced and balanced. Unbalanced cables have a single conductor wire and a ground wire, while balanced cables have two conductor wires and a ground wire. The extra conductor in a balanced cable reduces noise and can be used for stereo guitar pedals, expression pedals, and studio gear.
When choosing a cable, consider the durability and longevity of the product. While budget options may be cheaper upfront, they are more likely to break and may not be cost-effective in the long run. It is also worth noting that some manufacturers offer discounts when buying in bulk.
Finally, some other cable types you may want to consider include patch cables, speaker cables, and extension cables.
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Frequently asked questions
Here are some essential accessories to get you started:
- A clip-on tuner to keep your guitar sounding pitch-perfect.
- A guitar strap to help you hold your guitar comfortably, especially when standing.
- A cable to connect your guitar to an amplifier.
Amps are vital for electric guitars as they enable you to make some noise and experiment with tones and sound options. They come in different sizes, sound quality, and volume potential, so choose one that suits your needs and budget.
Here are some accessories to help with maintenance and protection:
- A maintenance kit, including a microfibre or polish cloth, to keep your guitar clean.
- A gig bag or a guitar stand/hanger to protect your guitar when not in use and during travel.
- Spare strings, as guitar strings break easily and you'll need to replace them.
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