When you are just starting out with playing guitar, it is an exciting journey, but all of the equipment you need to get can be overwhelming. Getting the right equipment, guitar parts and a guitar is important for your playing experience.
Choosing the Right Guitar: Acoustic vs. Electric
Acoustic and electric guitars are vastly different. It is important to choose the one that is right for you.
Acoustic Guitar: Simplicity & Versatility
If you don’t want to get other equipment, you need to look into getting an acoustic guitar. It has a beautiful and natural sound that allows it to be played immediately. It is versatile across many genres, is straightforward to play and is portable.
Electric Guitar: Power & Variety
Due to pickups and amplifiers, electric guitars have a very wide range of sounds. If you enjoy rock, blues or metal, consider investing in an electric guitar. Keep in mind that electric guitars need amplifiers and cables before they can be played.
Essential Accessories for Guitar Beginners
There are still some necessary accessories, regardless of the type of guitar you choose.
Tuners: Ensuring Your Guitar is in Tune
To keep your instrument sounding right for the music, you need a tuner. You can either get a clip-on tuner or an app till you can tune by ear.
Picks: The Right Tool for Strumming & Picking
Guitar picks come in many shapes, sizes and materials. The right pick for you depends on your personal preference and the type of music you want to play. Thicker picks provide more control, but thinner picks provide more speed for picking. Try a variety of picks so you can decide which one suits you best.
Guitar Stand: Keep Your Instrument Safe
A sturdy guitar stand is necessary. It allows you to store your guitar when you are not playing.
Amplifiers for Electric Guitars: A Critical Component
If you choose to get an electric guitar, you will need an amplifier to be able to hear your guitar when you play it. Look for an amplifier with adjustable tone, volume and gain. Pick a simple model that doesn’t have too many features so that you don’t overwhelm yourself with options.
Selecting the Right Amp for Your Needs
A portable amp is perfect for beginners. As you progress, you can get better amps with more features.
Other Helpful Accessories for Guitarists
There are more accessories that will ease your practicing, but are not essential when you start out.
Guitar Strap: Playing Comfortably While Standing
If you want to play while standing up, a guitar strap is essential. A strap supports the weight of the guitar and allows you to move freely while playing. An adjustable strap allows for adjustments to be made to the guitarist’s height, which promotes better posture and less fatigue.
Extra Strings: Be Prepared for Breakage
Guitar strings can break. Keep an extra set on hand to avoid any unnecessary interruptions while playing. This will also allow you to experiment with string thickness, and you can find what is right for you.
Starting Strong with the Right Gear
Make sure you have the right guitar and the right equipment so you can play without a hitch and continue to improve your skills. It’s important to find the right guitar that will help you to motivate yourself to practice. The more you practice, the better you will get and the more of your favourite music you can play.