Beginner Guitar Accessories: Must-Have Gear for New Players

So, you’ve picked up your first guitar or bass—congratulations! Now, it’s time to think about the best beginner guitar accessories that will make learning easier and more enjoyable.

The right gear can improve your sound, enhance your comfort, and help you develop better playing habits! 

But not all accessories are created equal—many affordable starter packs come with low-quality strings, flimsy cables, and unreliable tuners that can hold you back.

In this guide, I’ll break down the must-have guitar accessories every beginner should own. Whether it’s improving your tone with a better cable, keeping your guitar in tune with a reliable tuner, or simply finding the right picks to suit your style, this article has you covered. 

Ready to take your guitar setup to the next level? Let’s dive in to my list of essential guitar accessories!

Disclosure: If you decide to purchase an accessory using the links in this article I will earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Thank you!

1. Guitar Picks – Finding the Right One

Picks (or plectrums) come in a wide variety of different shapes, sizes, thicknesses, and materials. Depending on what style of music is being played, different styles of picks can have a profound effect on the tone you will produce, and in a lot of cases the ease with which you can play.

Thicker picks with little to no flex are great for heavier music as they allow you to really dig into the strings to produce an aggressive tone. On the other hand, thinner, more flexible picks sound great when used on a clean guitar for strumming and arpeggios.

The material that a pick is composed of will also affect the sound produced, as well as how grippy it feels between your fingers. Shredders tend to favor picks with a sharp tip to allow for ultra-precise and speedy picking. The list of variables is almost endless!

As a beginner, try and find a selection of picks in a few different thicknesses and materials to see what works best for you. There are literally thousands out there to choose from, so finding the right pick for you could be an experimental process to enjoy for years to come!

A great place to start would be Dunlop Tortex picks. These are a very popular design, come in a ton of different thicknesses, and provide superb grip. Dunlop offers a variety pack with a range of different pick designs as well – ideal for new players!

2. Guitar Cables – Upgrading from Low-Quality Leads

If you’re playing an electric guitar or bass, a good cable is essential for getting a clean, hum-free sound. Many beginner kits include cheap, poorly shielded cables that can cause buzzing, weak signals, or even stop working after a short time.

Here are three things to look out for in a good-quality guitar cable:

• Shielding – A well-shielded cable reduces interference and unwanted noise. Look for braided or multiple-layer shielding.
• Durability – Gold-plated or reinforced connectors last longer and provide a more stable connection.
• Length – A 10ft (3m) cable is ideal for home practice; longer cables can potentially cause signal loss.

A good cable ensures better tone and fewer frustrations, making it one of the easiest and most worthwhile beginner guitar accessory upgrades for new players.

I remember back when I first started, spending a minute at the start of every practice session rotating my cheap cable to find the perfect position where it wouldn’t crackle or cut out. And then, of course, I couldn’t actually move for fear of losing the sweet spot…

Popular guitar cable brands include Gator, Fender, and Ernie Ball. For a higher-end option, you can also check out the premium leads from Mogami.

3. Guitar Strings – Choosing the Right Set

Guitar strings directly affect your tone, comfort, and playability, yet many beginner guitars come with low-quality or worn-out strings that make playing harder than it should be. Upgrading to a good (or, at least fresh) set can improve your sound and make learning more enjoyable.

There are two main things to consider when looking for strings:

1. Gauge (Thickness) – Lighter strings (e.g., .009 or .010 for electric, .011 or .012 for acoustic) are easier to press down and bend, making them ideal for beginners. Heavier gauges offer a warmer tone and are harder to snap, but require more finger strength to bend.
2. Material – Nickel-wound strings are common for electric guitars, while phosphor bronze or 80/20 bronze are great for acoustics. Coated strings last longer but are also pricier.

For new electric guitarists, Ernie Ball Super Slinkys (.009–.042) are a popular choice. Acoustic players might like to opt for a set of D’Addario EJ16 Phosphor Bronze (.012–.053) strings.

If you have oily skin or live in a humid climate, definitely consider coated strings as these should stay fresher for much longer.

4. Guitar Tuner – Staying in Tune Easily

A good guitar tuner is one of the most important beginner guitar accessories for new players. Playing out of tune can make even the best practice sessions sound bad. Plus, many built-in tuners on budget acoustic guitars can be unreliable. A dedicated tuner helps ensure your guitar always sounds its best.

There are three main types of guitar tuners to consider if your guitar doesn’t already have one built-in:

• Clip-On Tuners – Attach to your headstock and tune via the vibrations produced when playing a string.
• Pedal Tuners – Ideal for electric guitarists and bassists playing through an amp, offering precise tuning and muting functions.
• App-Based Tuners – Convenient for quick tuning and often free. However, they rely on your phone’s microphone and can be less accurate.

As a new player, I would recommend a clip-on tuner as they will work with electric as well as acoustic guitars. You can pick one up from just $15 and popular models include the Fender FT-1 Pro, the Snark ST, or the D’Addario Eclipse. For a premium option, the TC Electronic Polytune Clip is the creme de la creme of headstock tuners.

5. Guitar Strap – Comfort and Stability While Playing

A quality guitar strap is an essential guitar accessory for all players, whether you’re standing or sitting. Many beginner kits include cheap, uncomfortable straps that can dig into your shoulder or slip off easily. Upgrading to a durable, well-padded strap makes playing more comfortable and secure.

There are three things to consider when selecting your guitar strap:

• Width & Padding – Wider (2” or more) and padded straps reduce shoulder strain, especially for heavier guitars.
• Material – Nylon is affordable but can be slippery, while leather and suede offer better grip and durability.
• Strap Locks – Prevent your guitar from accidentally slipping off while playing—great for peace of mind!

In addition, guitar straps are also a great way to personalize your instrument thanks to the thousands of different designs and print styles available.

One of the most popular guitar strap brands is Levy’s as they make everything from affordable nylon straps to ultra-premium leather options. If the added security of strap locks interests you then one of the most popular models is the classic DiMarzio ClipLock strap.

6. Capo – Expanding Your Playing Possibilities

A capo is a simple but powerful tool that allows you to change the key of a song without learning new chord shapes. This makes it especially useful for beginners who want to play along with their favorite songs but aren’t yet comfortable with tricky barre chords.

There are a few key elements to consider when looking for capos:

• Ease of Use – Spring-loaded capos are quick and convenient, while screw-tightened capos offer more precise pressure.
• Padding – A good capo should have soft padding to protect your guitar’s neck and prevent buzzing.
• Build Quality – Look for lightweight but durable materials like aluminum for long-lasting performance.

Read my full guide to guitar capos to find out everything you’ll ever need to know about these essential guitar gadgets.

7. Guitar Stand or Wall Mount – Keeping Your Guitar Safe

Many beginners lean their guitar against a wall or leave it in its case, but this can lead to accidental falls or make it less convenient to pick up and play. A guitar stand or wall mount keeps your instrument safe and accessible, and even adds a nice visual aesthetic to your home or practice space.

Here are three key reasons why every guitarist needs a guitar stand or wall mount:

• Prevents Damage – Reduces the risk of your guitar tipping over and getting scratched or broken.
• Encourages Practice – Keeping your guitar visible and within reach makes you more likely to play. I like to keep my acoustic guitar on display in the lounge for easy access.
• Organizes Your Space – A stand or wall mount keeps your setup neat and clutter-free.

A basic A-Frame stand is a great compact option for when space is at a premium. For a more secure design consider something like the Hercules GS414B with its autolocking neck grip. 

Those with young kids or pets running around will probably want to keep guitars off the floor. If you are handy with a drill, then a popular wall mount brand is String Swing.

8. Maintenance Kit – Keeping Your Guitar in Top Shape

Taking care of your guitar helps it sound better, last longer, and stay easy to play. Dust, grime, and old strings can affect your tone and feel, so having a basic guitar maintenance kit ensures your instrument stays in top condition.

It is especially important to keep your guitar clean if you live in a warmer country where you are more likely to sweat.  Bodily fluids will seep into the fretboard and eventually build up into a nasty grimy mess.

Essential items for guitar maintenance:

• Microfiber Cloth – Wipes away dust and fingerprints without scratching.
• String Winder & Cutter – Makes changing strings faster and easier.
• Fretboard Oil – Keeps the wood from drying out and cracking (especially for rosewood or ebony fretboards).
• Allen Wrenches & Screwdrivers – Useful for adjusting truss rods, bridge saddles, and tuning machines.

Dunlop offers a handy kit that contains the majority of the products listed above. Check out the System 65 Guitar Tech Care Kit to get off to a great start.

Conclusion

Having the right beginner guitar accessories can make a huge difference in your learning experience. Upgrading from low-quality starter gear and investing in essentials like better picks, cables, strings, tuners, and straps will not only improve your sound but also make playing more comfortable and enjoyable.

Whether it’s a capo to expand your song choices, a stand to keep your guitar safe, or a maintenance kit to keep it in top shape, this list of the best beginner guitar accessories will help you get the most out of your instrument.

Now that you know what you need, which accessory will you upgrade first? And if you’re looking for more beginner-friendly guitar tips, be sure to check out my other guides below.

Part One : Tips Before You Buy
Part Two : Beginner Electric Guitars
Part Three : Beginner Acoustic Guitars
Part Four : Beginner Bass Guitars
Part Five : Beginner Classical Guitars
Part Six : Amps
Part Seven : Effects
Part Eight : Accessories
Part Nine : Lessons