Guitar Accessories and Instruments

When buying a guitar, new owners often do not think about what accessories and instruments they may need in the process of using it. The list of these components is quite wide, but it is better to purchase everything you need in advance than to endure discomfort. Finger cots, accessories and gloves, keys and capos, and other devices for the game should be studied in more detail in advance.

A set of tools is essential for every guitarist. Without it, you will not be able to adjust the position of the neck, replace the tuning pegs or strings. Regardless of whether it is an electric guitar or an acoustic instrument, the following names should be included in the list of mandatory components of such a set.

They are necessary when using steel and other metal strings to shorten protruding ends. It is especially important to have wire cutters on hand when it comes to thick bass elements that are difficult to cut with scissors.

They should be present as a kit, since there is a wide variety of guitar accessories. A Phillips screwdriver will definitely be among the options required. You will also need a flat-blade screwdriver.

They should also be purchased as a kit. Depending on whether you use a four-sided or hexagonal version of the fittings, you will have to prepare the keys of the appropriate type. On electric guitars, using keys, anchor and scale are adjusted.

They are manual and electric, greatly facilitate the work of unwinding the string from the mount or winding it. Rotators are easy to use and indispensable in emergency situations. Manual is much cheaper, automatic is worth buying only if you have to service several tools at once.

There is no one-size-fits-all guitar maintenance toolbox. For example, in some cases, a fretboard radius and string height meter, a nut depth gauge, may be useful.

The list of "must-haves" for playing the guitar largely depends on how deeply the music lover is willing to master the instrument. For example, silicone fingertips are useful for protecting your hands while learning chords. For those who have not yet mastered changing the key, a special string holder will come in handy. Gloves or other finger protectors on the left hand that are played are just as important as dampers or straps for the instrument itself.

The basic must-have accessory list includes the following components.

• A set of mediators. Experienced guitarists have a whole collection of such accessories from a variety of materials - from exotic to ordinary plastic. You can try varying the thickness and shape of the elements, and concert musicians prefer to use ribbed picks.
• Footrest. It is necessary for those who are learning to play the classical guitar. The accessory is used during training, as well as during performances.
• Rack. It is a must for a studio or home with more than 2 instruments. The stand can be designed for 2-3 or more guitars. For small spaces, a wall holder comes in handy. These can be seen in music stores, where several hundred instruments are stored at the same time.
• Belt. It will be useful both for home use and for concert performances. The belt should be adjustable, wide enough and soft enough to be comfortable to use.
• Holder for picks. It attaches to a guitar body or microphone stand. The accessory can have different capacities. This is a handy gadget for those who often play outdoors, festivals, open air.
• Capo. It is rather interesting for experienced musicians who prefer to experiment with changing the key of the instrument. It is absolutely essential for finger style lovers. Alternatively, beginners can use the capo until they master the barre.
• Tuner. Offline electronics provide the ability to be used in almost any environment. The tuner will be useful for tuning, as well as for mastering different musical styles as you play. Models on clothespins are especially appreciated by concert guitarists.
• Slider for acoustic guitar. It will come in handy for those who prefer alternatives to classical types of building. This hollow metal cylinder is great for mastering the richness of blues playing.
• Plug for acoustic instruments. It fits into a hole in the center of the case to reduce noise when playing. This accessory is also required for live performances with condenser microphone transmission.
• Piezo sensor. It is suitable for acoustic guitar. Needed in order to amplify the sound.
• Metronome. This element is necessary for a novice guitarist to master rhythmic playing, develop hand coordination. These devices were originally completely mechanical. Today they are electronic, most often with a headphone jack.

Considering the various components, do not forget about caring for the case. Some of the most useful accessories include:

• humidifier;
• grease for metal;
• neck and string cleaners;
• oils;
• soft wipes for polishing.

With the help of these components, you can easily keep the instrument itself, as well as its elements, clean. The body of an acoustic guitar will gradually dry out and may crack. Timely moisturizing and protection will provide it with a significant extension of its service life, allowing it to maintain its purity for longer.

Proper storage of a musical instrument is another task to be solved by its owner. The guitar is sensitive to moisture and dust, so it will have to be protected throughout its life. In this case, you will have to take care of purchasing such things.

• Lightweight carrying case. It will be useful for both acoustics and electric models. Most often, the cover is used to transport a guitar, to protect its body from the weather.
• Winter insulated cover. This version of the case does not have a rigid frame, but still provides convenient storage and transportation of the guitar. It is supplemented with heat-insulating inserts, suitable for use in various climatic conditions. Most often, these models of covers are equipped with shoulder straps, like on backpacks.
• Case. This is a case with a rigid frame and textile or leather upholstery. It is intended for transportation and storage of classical guitar, provides reliable protection of its body and elements from external threats and damage.

It is strictly forbidden to transport a musical instrument without a case.... This can affect the integrity of its structure, sound, and lead to loss of scale. It is best to store your guitar at home on a stand or in a hanging holder. This will allow you to avoid a failure in tuning, will make it possible to always have the instrument at hand.

Acoustic or electric guitar accessories sometimes look like complete engineering equipment. Not all types of such devices are needed for beginner musicians. But experienced musicians definitely cannot do without them. Among the most useful components are the following.

• Damper. This accessory will come in handy while recording sound. Its use makes it possible to remove all background noise, eliminates instrument-specific defects.
• Potentiometer. This accessory is an integral part of the design of the instrument itself. Change it to improve smoothness when adjusting the volume and tone of the instrument. Technically, this is a common resistor with variable resistance values.
• Compressor. It is required for the electric guitar. This device allows you to vary the dynamics of the playing, provides a longer sounding of each note. At the same time, the sound becomes somewhat drier. It should be noted that the most common compressor options are made in the form of pedals.
• Adapter cable with built-in preamplifier. It will be useful for professional musicians. The sound of the instrument will be clearer, the signal transmission will be lossless.
• Combo amplifier. Looks like a small device with buttons and rotary knobs, it boosts the volume of your electric guitar. Such equipment is portable and equipped with rechargeable batteries. You can take it with you to the performance.
• Breeches. In electric guitar construction, this term refers to all replacement materials. This includes tuners, strap locks, screws, and other blocks that take on the main load.

New technologies have reached guitar music as well. More and more electric guitar owners are swapping classic stompboxes for touchpads and floor controllers.... In addition, there are entire combo panels on the market that make it easy to control a variety of effects.They are in demand in professional studios, but they are too expensive and ineffective for an amateur game.