The Best Guitar Accessories
With all of the embellishments available for musical instruments these days, walking into a guitar shop can be an overwhelming experience. We might even think we know what we want, but how do we really know it's the exact right item we need? Well, there's no need to fret (pun intended). Just read our thorough roundup of some of our favorite guitar accessories below, and you'll be rockin' in the free world in no time.
Fender Left-Handed Locking Tuner
If you’ve ever watched The Simpsons, you’d know from Ned Flanders, owner of The Leftorium, that one out of every nine Americans is left-handed. But fortunately for you left-handed musicians out there, you don’t have to travel all the way to Springfield to grab accessories that work for you. This helpful little contraption is made to fit virtually any electric guitar crafted for lefties. This is a breeze to use, as it not only comes with all the washers and bushings you need to attach it, but the instructions also provide a guide that illustrates which pin is meant for which string. The lovely chrome finish is a bonus and will ensure that your guitar looks and sounds perfect.
Pros:
- Easy to install and easy to remove in case you want to swap them out
- Since these pins are locking, there’s no need to stretch or bend the strings before attaching
Con:
- Some guitar models may require some extra drilling to ensure these lock into place correctly
Blisstime 6 Piece Ebony Guitar Pins
Put A Pin In It
Every musician has their “signature sound”, and an easy way to find yours is by switching out the pins on the bridge of your guitar. Though these pieces are tiny, they can make a surprisingly noticeable difference in tone simply due to the materials they’re crafted from. These particular pins are made from ebony, which can add various types of sonic alterations to your strum. Pins made from ebony can enrich your sound, increase volume, and even extend sustain. These are extremely aesthetically-pleasing too, and the green abalone will give some added personality to your instrument.
Pros:
- A cost-effective way to quickly and easily change up your sound
- Hand-made
- Pins are tapered consistently which makes for easy-install
Con:
- Some guitars may require some small modifications to ensure a tight fit
LBingbrother Guitar Accessories Kit
The Whole Kit And Kaboodle
You’re finally the proud owner of a new acoustic guitar – but no one told you just how many other items you need to accompany your purchase. No need to stress though, as we’ve found the perfect solution that will help put an end to the overwhelming task of figuring out what’s necessary. This kit comes with virtually all the tools you could ever need, complete with instructions on how to properly utilize them. Included in the eleven-piece set are strings, tuners, a capo, picks, and more. There are even a set of finger protectors to reduce finger pain after hours of practice. This kit is sure to take the anxiety out of sorting out what essentials you’re missing and is an excellent collection of items for novices and experts alike.
Pros:
- Great value for the number of items included
- Tuner and capo are both made from extremely durable materials which means they should last quite a while before needing to be replaced
Con:
- The strings are not compatible with electric guitars
ChordBuddy with Songbook, Lesson Plan, App
Let All The Children Boogie
Guitar Hero really makes rocking out seem easy: just follow the colors on the screen, and boom – you’re basically Van Halen. Learning how to play the guitar in the real world usually isn’t that simple… unless you’ve got a nifty little tool like this one. This simple device fits squarely on the neck of your guitar and provides different colored buttons to teach the user how to finger and play fundamental chords. After a bit of practice, you’ll be able to remove the little tabs and play each chord on your own. It even includes a tuner which easily clips on and quickly tells you if you’re flat or sharp, also by the use of colors. This is a definite must-have for anyone who is curious about taking up the guitar but feels a bit intimidated.
Pros:
- The attachment is made from rubber which means it won’t do any external damage to the appearance of your guitar
- The soft buttons won’t hurt your fingers
- Suitable for both acoustic and electric guitars
Con:
- Not compatible with left-handed guitars
Bikoney Wall Mounted Guitar Holder
While My Guitar Gently Sleeps
With all of the wear and tear your guitar endures, it deserves a well-protected spot to rest when you’re not shredding. This wall hanging unit provides a fantastic space that not only displays your six-string but also protects it. The holder is covered in a soft material so the wood won’t scratch the neck of your guitar. The small shelf is super convenient for storing any accessories, like picks, capos, tuners, straps, and more. And with five different finishes to choose from, this is sure to be a great addition to any musician’s home.
Pros:
- Extremely lightweight
- Easy to install
- Handsome wood design
- All hardware needed to assemble is included
Con:
- The hanger is a bit narrow and may not be wide enough to fit classical guitar necks
Frequently Asked Questions
Do acoustic and electric guitars require different accessories?
As far as basic needs are concerned, both acoustic and electric guitars will require similar items: strings, picks, a capo, and a tuner. However, beyond that, the options differ depending on the guitar. For example, if you’re playing an electric guitar, you’d probably want to eventually purchase amps, cables, and perhaps some effects pedals. Acoustic models, on the other hand, don’t require too many accouterments, and in fact, can be used really without anything extra at all. However, a protective case is always a good idea for both acoustic and electric guitars as well.
Are more expensive accessories worth the money?
Every musician has different equipment and their own distinct sound, so ultimately, price shouldn’t be a make-or-break factor in your purchase decisions. Our advice would be to give various products a try and figure out which is the best for you and your budget. Just because another guitarist uses strings that are pricier than yours, doesn’t necessarily mean they’re better. Ultimately, the focus should be on the tone, sound, and vibe you want – not pricepoint.
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.