Hello! Rookie guitarist here. I’ve been playing guitar for about 2.5 years combined so I am still a beginner. However, I’ve been working hard to bring my band dream to life, so I’ve done a lot of research and collected quite a bit of gear over that time that other beginners won’t have just yet.
If you’re reading this article, that probably means you have a guitarist that you are close to and you want to get them something for their birthday, christmas, or another special occassion, but you don’t really knot much about guitars.
Well, don’t you worry! I’m here for you. I came up with this blog idea and when doing research, I was quite disappointed. Suggestions were made by people who don’t really know much about guitars or by advanced guitarists who are years ahead and can’t fathom what less experienced guitarists may need or want (and many suggesting to just give a bj -___-). If you go in blind and just buy whatever pops up when you look up ‘guitar gear’ you risky buying something that person already has or may be unable to use at their skill level.
I’m someone who puts a lot of time and effort thinking about the perfect gift for each person I shop for, so I’m making this list for those who also want to make sure the guitarist they are shopping for will smile and be thankful for what you get them. I want to give you the best list of not only necessary gifts that your guitarist can use to get ahead, but also out of the box gifts that many won’t think of but it will help them tremendously.
Everything listed below are either things I bought myself, things I received as a gift (usually what I asked for), or things that I plan to buy once I’m at a certain level/have the money.
Disclaimer: Anything I’m promoting is something I believe in due to personal experience or through research and reviews. There are some products I have used in my time and loved so much that I have reached out to these brands and asked them to be an affiliate. If you do purchase an item through my links below, I may receive small compensation at no additional cost to you. (Learn more here).
Beginner Guitarists (0-3 Years)
If you’re shopping for a beginner guitarist, you’re in luck! Beginners are super easy to shop for because the majority will not have a lot of tools or gear. Some may only have a guitar and a pick, or a simple amp setup. If the individual is younger, or only plays guitar as a hobby, they’re less likely to invest in many useful tools. However, if they have those same tools in their possession, they will definitely utilize.
Many guitarists are self-learners, relying on Google, Youtube, and a book or two to learn, however, lots of resources teach the same basics and it can be hard for them to figure out the next step or how to move forward, thus they will play the same songs or practice the same exercises. If the guitarist plays at least a few times a week, helping them with lessons and courses can be just what they need to become an intermediate player.
1. Another Starter Guitar ($100-$400)
Recommended Brands: Squire, Epiphone, Ibanez, Yamaha
You won’t see this in the other section for various reasons (mainly cost), but if you know a beginner guitarist who is quite serious and has big dreams, a second guitar would totally make their year.
It’s a great way for them to get used to the feel of different guitars, and also allows them to experiment more, as one could be used for alternate and drop tunings. Or if they have an electric, you can get them an acoustic and vice versa.
Budget guitars are great, and you can get some decent ones between $100-$250 for acoustic, and $200-$400 for electric. If any guitar is under those prices or it is unbranded (or by a company that doesn’t specialize in instruments/guitars), you risk them having sound or playability issues they will cause the guitarist to have a lot of issues as they learn, even causing frustration and pain. Guitars are made of real wood and by real people, so the price usually reflect it’s quality.
While you could definitely buy them online, I would highly recommend going in person to a music store and asking them what they would recommended. Most guitars will come with a warrantee so they can bring it in if anything needs fixing or setting up.
2. Clip-On Tuner ($10-$30)
Recommended: Snark ST-2 Super Tight Chromatic Tuner
Definitely one of my favourite and most used investments. Some beginners neglect tuning, some try to rely on their ears, or use another instrument for reference. Not only are these time consuming but it’s also prone to error, which can set them back for ear training.
Many beginners will use a phone app as well, but it can be hard to tune if their backgrounds are noisy. What’s cool about a clip-on tuner is that it uses vibrations to tell notes. They’re also convenient as they can stay on the guitar all the time. Phone apps can cause a distraction so it’s great to have a one-purpose tool like this.
I love the Snark Chromatic Tuner one so much, that I bought two. One to keep at home and one in my guitar bag for practice. I also bought my bassist one as he was relying on an app, and couldn’t tune easily due to noise in the rehearsal studio. I’ve has them both for about a year and have yet to change their batteries. I even saw one guy review it and said he hasn’t change them in 3+ years, so it’s a wonderful investment. Definitely one of the best on the market.
3. Guitar Straps ($10-$40)
Check Out Amazon Listings
Straps are one way a guitarist can customize their setup, so many may prefer to buy their own since they’ll be wearing it all the time. However, if your guitar only has a generic one or you see one that you’re sure they’ll love, it can be a great gift!
Maybe you can get a cooler one that matches their guitar, or you can dig online and find something that suits their style. Galaxys, Skulls, Hello Kitty, Police Lines, Hippie designs, there’s a strap for everyone!
Amazon has a decent collection, but there are also brand name straps and leather straps that your guitarist may appreciate more based on their style. There really is no ‘wrong’ guitar strap. Even cheaper ones will generally be made strong enough.
But, I also highly recommend getting strap locks, which is a small circular rubber piece that they can put over the strap to secure it better to the guitar. Straps can slip out and cause the guitar to drop, possible denting the guitar or cracking the paint (I learned my own lesson). You can get a pack of these for like $5.
4. Pedals ($25-$80)
Recommended: Distortion, Overdrive, or Wah Pedal
If you notice that your guitarist will plug his guitar straight into his amp without anything in between, they probably don’t have a pedal. Pedals are small boxes that one can plug in and it can allow cool and unique effects to come out. Without a pedal, not only will their guitar sound quite plain and clean, but some genres, cannot be played as well since a distortion pedal is used to give it that thick dark sound.
As a guitarist tries to figure out what sound and tone they like, they will collect quite a few pedals. Many advanced and performing guitarists, for example, will have 6+ pedals on their pedal board whenever they go on stage. There are some pricey pedals online, but know that you don’t have to pay more to get a decent pedal. So help your guitarist make that first step and expand their sound with a pedal 🙂
If they have none, definitely go for distortion or overdrive as these are used in many many genres. Reverb adds a cool effect, as if it was played in a room with nice acoustics. Many amps will have this affect built in, but it doesn’t hurt to have an amp if not available. A Wah Pedal is super cool for those who do more solo work, and it could make sounds that would not be possible without it.
I also got a Sonicake Noise Wiper since I would hear lots of feedback and background noise from my guitar.
5. Guitar Bag ($25-$60)
Recommended: Donner Acoustic Bag, Donner Electric Bag
Not all guitars come with a bag, and some beginner guitars come with a thin flimsy one that doesn’t protect the guitar at all. If your guitarist doesn’t have a way to transport their guitar safely, this is definitely a wonderful gift.
I would recommend a soft ‘gig bag’ as they usually have backpack straps. If they have an electric guitar, get one with lots of pockets as they will generally need to carry around more tools (cords, pedals, ‘headphone amp’ as you’ll se below). Generic black ones are common and appreciated, but if you can find one in their favourite colour, they will certainly love you!
6. Guitar Tricks Membership ($60-$180/Year)
GuitarTricks Website
If you feel or know that your guitarist is interest in lessons, but either can’t afford them or don’t want to go out to meet them, online lessons is a great alternative! There are a few sites out there, but one of the biggest and the best that I can personally vouch for as a beginner guitarist is GuitarTricks. You can read my thorough review here.
For just $100-$180, you can get your guitarist a full year of membership that will give step-by0step guidance on all the basics which includes some theory, lots of exercise material and songs, and unlimited lessons. That price may only get you 2-4 private lessons, but now your guitarist will have a library that they can access anytime anywhere. They can rewind, slow down, and replay anything as well.
7. Guitar Jewellery/Accessories
The guitar journey is harsh. Unlike other instruments that you can pick up and sound pretty good within a month, you’ll probably still struggle with chords and can’t play any songs for half a year. Many people give up early on.
If your guitarist is struggling or has pushed through that stage, why not buy them guitar-related jewellery for them? Bracelets, necklaces, keychains. Can be in the shape of a guitar, or a wooden guitar pick that’s been customized.
One gift I got from my cousin was a Pandora guitar charm (not available anymore). He’s always been one of my biggest supporters from the beginning and it’s something I can wear and feel that support as I practice and when I eventually perform.
8. Headphone Amp ($30-$60)
Recommended: Vox AP2AC Amplug, Donner MiniTurbo
If you live with the guitarist, whether as a family member or roommate, and you want to express to this guitarist that ‘you do support them but they need to shut up sometimes’, this could be the perfect gift.
This is only an option for electric guitars. Instead of them having to plug into their amp to hear themselves, they can use these tools. These headphone amps plug into their guitar and then they can use whatever headset they like to practice quietly. It also allows the guitarist to plug in their phone or MP3 player, so they can hear both their music and their guitar through their headphones!
I live in a small apartment and I share a room with my sister. When I was first learning to play, I was only able to practice after my evening job, but my mom and sis would be sleeping by then.
Initially, I played acoustically as it was quiet enough, but I wasn’t able to work on a lot of skills like muting and sustain since I couldn’t hear what I would sound like with an amp, thus setting myself back. It was definitely a life saver back then.
9. Music Stand ($15-$40)
Check Out Amazon Listings
If you have a guitarist who has a lot of papers, books, notebooks, or even a table they are learning from, then a music stand will help them tremendously.
Having to hunch over their guitar to read a book, or sitting far from the computer desk since their guitar won’t fit comfortable is an issue. Music Stands are great because it doesn’t take up much space, but allows them to put the piece of music as high or low, and at whatever angle they like.
There are different styles. The hard and sturdy ones you’ll see in music schools are great, but the one that I have can completely fold up into a small thin bag. If the guitarist usually use a laptop to learn, get the sturdy ones so they can rest them on it. If they use more paper, books, or a tablet, the foldable ones will do the job. You don’t have to be too picky about brand as they will all do the job.
10. Gift Certificate To Music Store ($50+)
Recommendations: Long & McQuade (Canada), Guitar Centre (America)
Rather than buying gear that you think theyd like, why not let them choose it themselves? They’ve probably done a lot of research on what they would like to get in the future, but just need the money and/or confidence to do so. And you can give that to them with a gift card. If you do go this route, I would say, at least put $100 on the card. This would allow them to buy their first pedal, along with some picks, strings, maybe a strap they really like, etc.
Additional Gift Ideas For Beginners:
Capo ($5-$15)
These are simple tools that grip onto the guitars neck and fretboard. If the guitarist already learned a song, using this tool will allow them to play in a different key without learning new chords. This is especially vital for guitarists who like to sing. If you ever see your guitarist using a pencil and rubber bands on their guitar, definitely get them one of these.
Maintenance Tools
Recommended: D’Addario Pro-Winder, D’Addario Polish Spray & Microfibre Cloth, Ernie Ball Strings (3 Pack)
Sooner or later…preferably sooner rather than later, a guitarist will start to make the effort when it comes to maintaining their guitars. That often includes being able to change it’s strings and clean it to prevent staining and dust pile up.
There are quite a few tools that one should have in their kit. This includes, of course, spare strings (between $7-$12 a pack), a string cutter and winder ($10-$20), a polish and microfibre cloth ($15-$30 for a kit), etc. While these are not the flashiest gifts (it’s the equivalent to getting socks), many will appreciate it and use it. Especially those who may not have gone out to buy it themselves.
Finger Exerciser ($20)
Recommended: D’Addario Hand Exerciser
Playing guitar is hard, especially for newbies. Putting pressure on these thin metal strings takes a lot of grip strength. With a finger exerciser, they can build up strength anytime anywhere. On bus rides, while studying, watching TV etc.
I highly recommend getting this one by D’Addario. I did buy a cheaper one off eBay before, but the buttons are flimsy since it’s reliant on the springs. These ones are made so it goes straight down. You can also increase the difficulty with a simple twist of the gears.
Guitar Stand ($15-$30)
Recommendations: Amazon Guitar Stand, String Swing Guitar Wall Mount Hanger
If your guitarist doesn’t have a safe place to rest his guitar, forcing them to pack it up every time, or it falling many times, a guitar stand is just what they need.
They have tall ones, but I really love these simple V shaped stands as they can fold and be left out of the way when not in use. If they got 2 or more guitars, there are even multi-guitar stands!
If they don’t have floor space, or perhaps there are young kids and pets around, you can also get them a hanging guitar holder. You can drill the hook into the wall and they can hang their guitar there like they do in music stores.
Premium Yousician Account ($40-$200)
Yousician Website
While GuitarTricks is wholeheartedly my best recommendation for those who want to learn how to play the guitar from the bottom up, Yousician is great for guitarists who likes games and/or just wants to learn songs.
Instead of formal lessons on techniques, Yousician turns their guitar into a controller like Guitar Hero, and it will show them what fret or chord to play as they go through songs. I personally really liked Yousician, but it was a pain being limited on how many songs or how much time I can play per day. I wasn’t willing to pay back then, so I’m sure many other beginners would feel the same.
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Intermediate Guitarists (4-9 Years)
For intermediate guitarists, not only will they more likely own a lot of the tools and gears they need, but they will also have a clearer idea of the music they want to make and may only like to use certain things. But hey, if they’ve stuck to guitar for this long, at least you know they’re serious and passionate.
While they will still be appreciative of any gift, you risk buying them something they already have or getting them something they may never use, so you’ll have to think outside of the box. It’s also a great idea to consider items that will help them grow as a guitarist, to ensure they keep moving forward.
Some things below are things I bought too early in my guitar journey to truly utilize them as a beginner. Other things, I have because I’m in a band and I plan for us to perform or record, so other beginners won’t have or need them.
1. Soundbrennar Watch ($250+)
Soundbrennar Website
I put this here instead of the beginner and experienced section for a serious reason. While many beginners do suck at timing, just learning how to play the guitar, hold their pick, strum properly etc takes a lot of time. Trying to play in time when you can barely play a song to begin with is kind of a waste.
There are also many free apps one can use if they want to play with a metronome. One of those apps that I’ve used is Soundbrennar. I loved the clean interface and it’s capabilities. I didn’t even know Soundbrennar had a watch until ads started popping up on my Instagram feed and I got really curious. Once I learned more about it, I really wanted one.
This watch is great for those who are or want to perform and record. Metronomes are always vocal, which is great for practicing, but horrible if you want to play for others. This watch is a vibration metronome, so you can make sure you’re playing in-time without others hearing that click.
Ontop of being a metronome, this watch has other features, including a tuner, decibel reader, it can display messages and notifications, and obviously, it’s a watch. If their band members have a Soundbrennar watch too, they can sync up to ensure they are playing in time with one another. Not that it’s hard to do, but on stage when everyone has earplugs or monitors, this makes it a lot easier.
This is definitely one of those gifts most musicians won’t get for themselves due to the price tag, but it would make their day to receive one.
2. JTC Guitar Lessons
JTC Store
If a guitarist does have a great foundation and is already soloing and improvising, this site is like the MasterClass of guitars. Various advanced guitarists come on here to sell their own course with lessons and exercises for whatever genre or style of music they play best.
GuitarTricks is amazing for beginners, I say that as a beginner myself. But before coming across GuitarTricks, I found JTC Guitar and thought it would be great for learning more about the music I wanted to play (Japanese rock). Sadly, everything I bought was out of my skill level at that time, thus why I put this in the intermediate section. Regardless, my lessons are there whenever I want to go back to it 🙂
3. Extra Cables ($10-$30)
Recommended: Ernie Ball, Fender
There’s not much basics you can get an intermediate guitarist that they don’t have already, but if there’s one basic thing they will always need, it’s cables. These 1/4 by 1/4 move around so much and depending on their quality, they may bend, break, and start cutting out.
If your guitarist has a lot of guitars and setups, extra cables will always come in handy. Even if they don’t use it right now, they will eventually. Always great for gigging and emergencies.
Any cord will do honestly, as long as you ensure it is a 1/4 inch and 1/4 male cable like in the photo. I do recommend getting longer ones, 10 feet or longer preferably. They cost a bit more (obviously), but will allow the guitarist more freedom to walk and move around instead of staying close to their amp in fear of pulling and unplugging their cable.
4. Focusrite Scarlett ($200-$600)
Focusrite Website | Amazon (Just The Interface)
If your guitarist writes music and/or has social media that they upload to, they will need proper recording materials to ensure the best quality.
I was already considering an audio interface, so when the other guitarist in my band showed me his and said it was the best, I was willing to give it a shot and bought a used Scarlett Solo. Not long after, I started seeing memes on Instagram about ‘if your boyfriend has this in their studio, run’ haha Point is, it’s great and well trusted by musicians.
What’s great about this software as well, is that just by having the interface, you’ll get many additional software and programs. This includes a variety of drum beats and so on. Since it is so popular, they’ll have no problem finding tutorials on Youtube for whatever they may have to do.
In my case, since I just bought the interface (got it for $200), I had to buy additional headphones, and asked for a decent microphone for my Christmas gift, since I was planning to sing as well. If your guitarist doesn’t sing, then the Solo interface is enough. If they do sing, then consider the Scarlett Solo Studio bundle that comes with the USB audio interface, headphones, microphones, cables, and all the additional benefits listed above!
5. Quality Earplugs ($20-$40)
Recommended: Earpiece, MusicSafe, Loop Experience
Any guitarist who is in a band, performs on stages, or attends concerts should be using earplugs. While some think they are hard by not using them or want to hear the music clearly, it won’t be so fun when they are 40 and are struggling to hear their own guitar.
Those who do use plugs may stick to foam and swim plugs as they are cheap, but you can buy them a quality pair of reusable plugs that will better reduce the sound and be more comfortable for longer play sessions.
I have a pair of molded earplugs from a hearing aid clinic. I also bought Loop Quiet buds before I realized they had Experience ones that were made for musicians. Musician ear buds will dampen the volume but still allow sound clarity. As long as you look out for that, any ear plugs will be fine!
6. Tab Notebook ($5-$10)
Check Out Amazon Listings
If the guitarist you know tends to create their own music, they are probably jotting their ideas somewhere. Sadly, regular blank or lined paper isn’t very ideal for writing music. Thankfully, there are tab notebooks out there!
These will already have blank chord and tab charts so they can write down all they need in a clear way for later. This is especially great for guitarists who don’t fancy computers and all the distractions, but they have no other way to make detailed notes.
7. Guitar Pro License ($70)
Guitar Pro Website
If the guitarist is more techsavvy, this is a better gift for them to write and orchestrate. Guitar Pro is a software that allows them to not just create guitar tabs, but create anything honestly! It includes features for piano, bass, drums, and much more.
For many guitarists, this is their favourite tool and something they use all the time. Having a license also allows them to download other’s Guitar Pro files and upload them. If they want to share or even sell transcriptions, Guitar Pro is the standard. I’m saving up to get it myself, and you can help me with a tip on Ko-Fi!
8. Wireless Guitar System ($50-$100)
Recommended: Getaria (Amazon’s Choice), Westshell, Swiff
Wires suck. Yes, they are reliable, but they can certainly get in the way and limit one’s movement. But just like how there are wireless microphones, there is a way to get a guitar hooked up to it’s amp without a cable. If you do decide to get this for them, make sure to get a highly rated one, as cheap ones may cut out or have delays in their signal.
9. Additional Pedals ($50+)
Recommended: Looper, Delay, Compressor
If you read my last section, I also brought up pedals, but those are the basics, the ones many will start with or need to play certain genres like rock and metal. While intermediate players are more likely to have a few, there’s still a lot of space for other pedals. There are about 23 standard pedals, and there’s always a bunch of other unique ones as well. Definitely read this article to see what would fit the style they tend to play.
The 3 I recommended are pedals I feel most guitarists will use a lot if they already have the 3 in the beginner section. A Looper allows them to record guitar tracks that will then keep looping so they can play something else over it, even multiple tracks over each other. A Compressor helps create stability, so quieter notes are mote audible, and louder notes are brought down. A Delay pedal works like an echo, adding cool effects and depth as they play along.
10. A Gig Opportunity (Free!)
If the guitarist has been playing for some time and you think they sound really good, or maybe they have performed in the past but hasn’t in a long time (maybe due to the pandemic), helping them get a gig could do a lot more than other gigs on this list.
Maybe ask around and see if they could open for another act, or get them a slow at a local event. You can also keep it simple and tell them you’re taking them to a local open mic on whatever day and to prepare for it. Anything can help them kick start their career and build more confidence as a musician.
Additional Gift Ideas For Intermediates:
Shredneck Practice Guitar ($80-$140)
Shredneck Website
This is a portable neck for guitarists to practice chords and solos on when they can’t carry their guitar around. It’s great to have if someone travels a lot or doesn’t have the space to play regularly. While this is a great gift for anyone at any skill level, I would personally save it for intermediate players.
Beginners need that audio output to know if they are playing things right and that it sounds good. Intermediate players will already be familiar, so they can just focus on their speed and accuracy with a tool like this.
There are some cheaper items like this on the net, and I’ve had them…but they’re not worth it. It’s small (like 5 frets, and thinner), the strings are flimsy, etc etc. This is actually like a fretboard has been cut and will feel very comfortable in one’s hands.
Photography Session
If the guitarist is a performer or aims to be a performer, there is no greater gift that you can get them than a professional photography session.
Many musicians and bands will cheap on this, taking their own photos or using an amateur, but quality photos do make a difference. It shows potential venues and labels that they are serious about their art and care enough to invest in promotional material.
These photos can be used on their social medias, websites, and of course flyers and so on later on. Again, this is something most won’t buy themselves but they will be eternally grateful if you get it for them.
Gift Certificate To Music Store ($100+)
You really cannot go wrong with gift cards. If your guitarist had something in mind and was maybe saving up to get it, this could be the financial boost they need. Most guitarists won’t ask people to buy things as they wouldn’t know the terminology and may get the wrong thing, that and it’s just quite expensive to buy most guitar gear. But hey, if you can pitch in $50 or $100, and especially if you get a card for a music store so they can’t buy anything else with that money, they will love you for it,
Experienced Guitarists (10+ Years)
If the guitarist you are shopping for has been playing guitar for ages and they have many guitars and/or are already performing, I’m going to be honest with you…there’s really nothing much you can get for them.
These kinds of guitarists already know what they like and would have bought what they need already. And chances are, they have expensive tastes because they can hear the difference and feel the quality between cheap and pricey models. Most things you can buy for them will sit in a corner or drawer and collect dust….or they might just return/exchange it.
However, if you really, REALLY want to buy them something, then keep it simple. A quality guitar strap that you know they’d love, a personalized keychain case for their picks, maybe frame a photo of them playing. Otherwise, just get them a gift card to the music store, or even for restaurants and clothes so they can buy a nice outfit before a gig and get a celebratory meal after! They’ll appreciate it regardless!
Conclusion
I hope this article has helped you find the perfect gift for your guitarist. It’s always intimidating buying tools and gears in a field you know nothing about, but I hope this made it clear as to what each thing is and when/why you should get it for them.
If any other guitarists have other suggestions, whether it be another gift idea or a recommended product, feel free to leave it in the comments below! <3