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You probably spent a lot of time selecting just the right guitar to purchase. Now that you have your axe, determining what accessories you’ll need it is an important step to creating your sound. There are dozens, maybe hundreds, of accessories available for you to consider. Before you go all glossy-eyed travelling down the guitar accessory rabbit hole, here are 5 Must Have Acoustic Guitar Accessories… and why you need them.
Gig Bag or Hardshell Case
You need a gig bag or a hard-shell case to protect your guitar. Basically, the gig bag is okay, but a hardshell case is much better. Several factors should be considered when determining what type of protection you should get for your guitar.
First, the cost of the instrument should help narrow things down. If you buy a $500 guitar it doesn’t make any sense to spend upwards of $1,000 for a top-of-the-line Calton case. If you buy a Preston Thompson guitar for $7,000… it makes a lot of sense. Generally, you should invest in a case much like you did your guitar. If you spend less than $1K on your instrument you can find a nice Guardian gig bag or hardshell case for under $150.
So, which is it? Gig bag or case. If you are on the road with your guitar, or tend to throw things around a bit, go for the hardshell case. It will typically provide more protection and humidification levels can be adjusted easier. That said, a gig bag is fine for a mid or entry level guitar if you don’t subject it to rough use and handling.
Electronic Tuner
Tuning is essential to your sound. It’s kind of like stretching out before you exercise. You will likely be sorry if you don’t take the time to do it.
We suggest always having a clip-on tuner available whenever you play your guitar. Yes, you can use your phone, or a tuner on your pedal board (if you use one), but the convenience of clipping one on to your headstock is a good move.
Clip-on tuners can range in price from the economical D’Addario Planet Waves tuner for about $15 to the awesome Peterson StroboClip HD Tuner ($70).
Remember, being meticulous about being in tune is a must if you want to sound your best.
Capo
If you are going to play an acoustic guitar, and especially bluegrass music, you will need a good capo.
One of the most useful of guitar accessories, the capo is clamped on the guitar neck just behind the desired fret to raise the pitch of the strings by shortening the string length. This enables you to transpose a song to a higher key, and still use the original chord shapes. For instance, a song in the key of A, played with the capo on the second fret, would allow you to use the G chord shape in place of the A chord shape. Very handy for bluegrass and other genres.
There are lots and lots of great options available. Shubb capos are very popular and will run you in the neighborhood of $85 for a top shelf capo. Other brands such as Paige and D’Addario offer capos in the $20-$30 range that will serve the purpose just fine.
Guitar Strap
We know, you want to look cool with that guitar hanging off your neck, but comfort should be your number one consideration. Genuine cowhide leather straps will likely outlive you. Suede leather is very supple and comfortable. Padded straps made from cotton, etc., are also popular. Just make sure it’s comfortable to wear.
Budget straps will run you less than $30. Midrange straps will range from $30-$60. Premium straps will cost you $60 or more. Brands to look for include Golden Gate, Levy’s, D’Addario and Henry Heller. Grab your guitar and a mirror and get yourself a cool looking comfortable strap.
Plectrums
Yes, we are talking picks.
According to Wikipedia, a plectrum is a small flat tool used to pluck or strum a stringed instrument. For hand-held instruments such as guitars and mandolins, the plectrum is often called a pick and is a separate tool held in the player's hand.
Some players spend years trying to find just the rick pick, or picks, to match the style and tone they are trying to achieve. You should experiment with lots of shapes and thickness until you determine what works for you. Once you settle in on the shape and thickness, do yourself a favor and try a Blue Chip pick. They are expensive… and worth every penny if you are going to be an acoustic guitar player.
With 25+ years of experience in the acoustic music industry as The Chapmans, our goal is to provide you with the best customer experience possible so we can be your music store for life. Voted NAMM Top 100 Dealer for 7 years in a row (2015-2021) & Top 3 Emerging Dealer in 2017, 2018 & 2019.
For more information, give us a call at 417-720-1223, shoot us an email at info@theacousticshoppe.com, or stop by our showroom at 1913 E
Seminole St. in Springfield, Missouri.
