You’ve got the guitar—great start! Now what? As private guitar teachers, we’re often asked what gear new students actually need before their first lesson. There are so many products out there, it can get overwhelming fast.
To make it easier, we’ve put together this quick checklist of guitar accessories for beginners that are essential (and a few that are just nice to have). Whether you’re learning acoustic or electric guitar, a few key tools will make your practice time smoother and your learning curve much shorter.
The Must-Have Accessories
Here’s what you should have on hand before your first few lessons:
- Tuner – Whether it’s clip-on or app-based, a tuner is non-negotiable. Guitars go out of tune easily, and learning to hear pitch starts here.
- Picks – Get a few different sizes and thicknesses to experiment. Most beginners prefer medium.
- Spare Strings – Trust us, they break. It’s best to be ready.
- Strap – Especially if your student will play standing up. Look for adjustable ones with good padding.
- Case or Gig Bag – Protect the guitar during travel. Soft cases are fine for most students.
- Music Stand – Essential for posture and ease of reading. (Stacking books on a chair = bad idea!)
- Capo – Not mandatory for beginners, but very helpful once you start changing keys.
We walk through this setup with all of our students in their first lesson. If you’re wondering how else to support your young guitarist, this guide on setting kids up for successful guitar practice offers more tips for home support.
Optional (But Fun!) Add-Ons
- String winder – Makes changing strings faster
- Foot stool – Helps with posture during seated playing
- Guitar stand – Keeps the instrument handy and encourages more practice
- Metronome – Great for rhythm practice once students have the basics down
You’ll find that many of these items are included in starter packs, but you can also mix and match based on your budget and your child’s comfort. For those wondering about electric setups, this beginner guitar gear guide from Andertons offers helpful comparisons.
FAQ: Guitar Accessories for Beginners
Do I need all these accessories on day one?
Not all at once—but the tuner, picks, and case are essentials. The rest can be added over time.
What if we buy the wrong size or type of pick?
That’s part of the fun! Picks are inexpensive, and experimenting helps students develop their preferences.
Can I tune the guitar without a tuner?
Eventually, yes—but for beginners, a digital or clip-on tuner is a must to avoid starting off with the wrong pitches.
