So you've started guitar lessons — great! You've got yourself a guitar, now what else do you need? The world of guitar gear is a bit of a rabbit hole, so here are five accessories you should consider investing in to enhance your practice.
1. Chair
Playing guitar on a couch or bed is not great for your back. I recommend a chair with back support (and no arms), to maintain good posture. Yes, you can also stand and play, but having a comfortable seated option is essential.
Arms on a chair will get in the way of your strumming arm and force you into an awkward position. A simple, straight-backed chair is ideal.
2. Tuner
Tuners come in many different forms. I recommend an inexpensive clip-on tuner or a tuning app on your smartphone. I prefer the former, but either way, you need something to check your tuning.
Playing in tune is non-negotiable — an out-of-tune guitar makes everything you practise sound wrong, and it trains your ear in the wrong direction.
3. Music Stand
A music stand is clutch if you plan on practising with any books or sheet music. Placing your sheet music on the couch or the floor and craning your neck is uncomfortable and bad for your neck and back.
A decent music stand costs very little and makes a real difference to how comfortable your practice sessions feel, especially when you're working through new material for extended periods.
4. Strap
A strap isn't essential for acoustic guitars, but if you own an electric, it's a must-have. Not only does it allow you to stand and play, it also helps position the guitar comfortably when seated.
Electric players: make sure your guitar has a strap button on the upper bout (near the neck joint). Some guitars only have one strap pin at the base — if that's the case, you can use a strap with a lace that ties around the headstock.
5. Gigbag / Soft Case
Always transport a guitar in some form of case. I recommend a soft case or gigbag because they are generally light, affordable, and you can wear them on your back, which frees up your hands.
Hard cases offer more protection but are heavier and pricier. For most students, a well-padded gigbag is more than sufficient for getting your guitar to and from lessons safely.
By using these simple accessories in your practice, you'll improve your posture, play more in tune, be more organised, and protect your instrument better. This leads to more productive and enjoyable practice sessions — and ultimately, faster progress.