10 Accessories Beginner Guitarists Should Buy Before They Start

[@AxelAlexK]

I'd also add guitar stand to this list. Requirement IMO. Even if you have a case. Putting your guitar in a stand in a convenient place where it is visible makes you way more likely to practice than if you just put it in a case back in a closet every time. Atleast for me it does. Also, breaking your guitar because you leaned it against the wall and it fell down is not a good thing lol.

[@justinguitar]

Someone else suggested the same earlier - agree and will add to the website!

[@AxelAlexK]

@JustinGuitar Keep up the great work! Your videos have helped my guitar playing tremendously!

[@westerling8436]

@@justinguitar shut up

[@NFSRookie]

@@westerling8436 ???

[@visitur4914]

I just lean mine against the sofa. Not against the neck, of course. Works almost as good as a stand (and achieves the important goal of always being in view) for infinitely less money. Assuming one already has a sofa, of course...

[@kelakakku]

I call my friends accessories as well.

[@GopiRamena]

TLDR: 1. Picks (extras) 2. Tuner 3. Strings (extra set) 4. Strap 5. Strap locks 6. Metronome 7. Capo 8. Music stand 9. Ring binder/folder to keep your notes 10. Jam buddy/friend to learn together

[@LongLe-nn1uz]

Cool, where can I buy a friend to jam with?

[@justinguitar]

spoilsport! :)

[@chrispalacios_18]

Strap locks

[@chrispalacios_18]

Don't forget how to clean your guitar. Prices from cheap to expensive. The care and maintenance of the guitar. Or should I say instrument.

[@fenrir7969]

A simple household microfiber cloth will go a long way. Use dry to wipe the body and strings after play, and damp to clean the fingerboard during string changes.

[@meldencardoza725]

Wait... So you dont need tha hat?

[@bigfatengineer]

Intermediate or above. ;)

[@justinguitar]

ha ha!

[@dannythompson4748]

you should get the HAT !! I DID & I"M PLAYING BETTER !!

[@_Doctah_Pina]

people like you are my favorite kind of people.

[@tat2edangel69]

I need that hat fooo reeeeel

[@ollyholmes1835]

A guitar would be a good start

[@levantinex]

#10 A friend. Well, guess I'm screwed.

[@Reginaldesq]

That would require a really good friend :)

[@paulking6903]

Me: Hello darkness my old friend Darkness: I'm not your friend Me: Oh

[@comfyghosts6983]

Justin, you seem like a chill dude to hang out with. Thats all I wanna say.

[@LadywatchingByrd]

There should be more people like him in the world.

[@Niaaal]

The Bob Ross and Mr Rogers of the guitar world

[@DustyD0]

Very great video! I just started out personally with only a guitar and a learning book, and having some of the things in this video would have been priceless while i was first starting to learn (like a music stand, and a Jam Buddy), but having some things in this video I feel are crutches that make it harder learn some soft skills playing the guitar early on. The 1st recommendation i would have to someone starting out is to learn without a pick, I found when i was learning that it was easier and more natural to play a guitar without a pick and learning without a pick makes it easier to learn with a pick and how picking strings works later on (and aside from that you don't have to worry about losing them :). 2nd would be if you are able to, learn how to tune your guitar with a piano initially, and then check with a tuner if you need to, this will make you more sensitive to the resting tone of your guitar and make you able to notice you are out of tune faster, and it will also teach you how to tune without a tuner either with just a piano, or even by ear. I also recommend not to learn using a metronome, and instead learning to keep time and count time by dividing a second (I.E. Counting out one second, then dividing it by 2 to get 120bpm) then checking your time with a metronome after, so you are more able to do it without one in the future in a situation where a metronome isnt available to you, and it makes time keeping more natural and easier to understand. Another little tip is to learn standing up at least 50% of the time, (where the strap and locks really come in handy) this helps keep your posture in line, so you are more likely to keep it while sitting and playing, and it also promotes learning with muscle memory, rather than vision. And lastly, Another little tip is to keep your guitar in front of your TV, or computer desk, that way you remember to practice when you go to be lazy in front of the TV/computer and you have to pick it up to use the tv/computer so it is already in your hands. Anyway it is awesome to see people on youtube making things easier for beginners, teaching things i had to learn the hard way as a self learner. Keep up the fantastic work Justin!

[@dawnrosewallflower508]

Hi Justin, I'm a beginner and I have Multiple Sclerosis which effects my right arm and hand. My Neurologist recommended that I learn finger style and I love the sound of semi hollow body electric guitars, so, I purchased an Epiphone Wildkat Studio. It has a beautiful tone and is very versatile. All I need now are the lessons and learning material, which I hope you have or can recommend. You have a great teaching standard and superb lessons. Thank you and Kushty Bok.

[@xairvian]

I started to play with a pick cut out from an old credit card. then moved on to 1mm picks. quickly after that i moved on to picks in between 1 and 2 mm. absolutely love the thick ultex ones.

[@shashanksherkar392]

I am 48 and started playing at 42. I started with 0.50mm, 0.80mm and 1mm Dunlop and Alice picks. My tempo was hardly 72-108bpm. Now I practice at 166-180 and play rhythm at 144-166. I use D'Addario 1.50mm for Rhythm and Black Ice 1.50mm for Lead play at 108-120. I have 3 albums on KZbin of instrumental guitar. Justin is correct in all his advice. But don't jump from thinner pick to a very thick pick directly, your hand syncopation is very necessary before that. Be patient and move on slowly. If thicker pick breaks a string or exerts pain in arm, stop. Change the string and go to the previous pick, don't hurt your arm. Good work Justin, keep us informed!

[@weenerdawg3972]

after reading this comment up to the moment i was using tortex 1.14mm i imediately went and bought two pairs of those 1.50mm D´Addario you said bro, could i use them for lead play aswell? or is it necesary to get them black ice?

[@Pestiliance]

I Play The Piano And I Wanna Learn To Play The *GEEtar* And After Some 5-6 Years Im Thinking About Drums. Music Is Amazing.

[@PreacherAtArrakeen]

Lemme see, what did I have when I started: Acoustic guitar; Chord Chart; Strap; Capo; Beatle and Stones songbooks with practically everything in the wrong key; Picks; Strings, never could afford to keep extra sets around. I used to tie the ends up on the tuners, so that if they broke down at the bridge, I could fix them. Can't remember the last time I actually did that.... Another useful addition would be to be able to play with a more advanced player. I wish I'd had that opportunity.

[@prodwb]

Items: 1) Picks 2) Tuner 3) Extra Strings 4) Guitar Strap 5) Strap Lock 6) Metronome 7) Capo 8) Music Stand (if you look at a book, etc while playing to help posture) 9) A ring folder or Folder on your pc to keep the notes, chords, etc with you not scattered. 10) A friend or a guitar companion

[@royghosn18]

Thank for this

[@novaegion]

Thanks man

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

Good tip about the thin pick. I remember how difficult it was for me to get used to strumming when I first started.

[@synergypersonaldevelopment2377]

"Buy cheap, buy twice." Great advice.

[@programthis3805]

Justin i wanna say thank you so much for all your work...You taught me how to play way back in 2006 or 2007 ... I am in Debt to you! Thank you!

[@emilianojz]

for the number 10 ill like to add the need for competition, having a partner learning with you push you to stay in his level or makes you complement his style as best as you can

[@captainhindsight4206]

you can get a tuner app on your phone, i use it all the time and it gets all your strings into standard tuning. id say the tuner is more of a later addon

[@leviathan_is_me]

When I started playing the "tuner" my Epiphone Les Paul special 2 player pack came with was a pitch pipe...ah memories....I thought it was an odd harmonica and tried to use it as an instrument for weeks....I was 12. I'm 38 so....yea figured it out since then.

[@KylieOlsson]

I've just started playing and use an app on my phone to tune my guitar... its amazing!

[@johnnygeejr500]

Bravo Justin, well done , cheers from the States

[@SuperSpitfire1999]

Awesome video. I play off ear instead of reading music. That's probably not good but hey, I'm just enjoying freestyling and learning to play songs through trial and error. I think the most fun part of guitar is making your own notes and songs

[@mashhhh111]

Thank you for giving the lesson for free, it’s really important for me.. and im so thankful for that, you ´re a legend !

[@sassysweetx8096]

Picks with grip. Various sizes because your preferences will change. Also a can of Finger Ease spray to soften your strings. It cleans them and improves tone. Tuner apps are best.

[@northof50now]

Best item on the list [for me] was the binder. I've been on this journey for 4 years now and still have my notes from Marty Schwartz's class as well as Justin's. Still working on the "jam-buddy" though.

[@oliverholt8011]

Hey Justin, great video! Bit of a random question, but you seem like a great guy to ask! Do you know of any guitar pedals to replicate the tones in Jefferson Airplane's Surrealistic Pillow? Specifically 'Today', 'Somebody to Love' and 'White Rabbit'. I have searched all corners of the internet, I have been told an Ampeg Scrambler was used on that album, however that is not the tone I am after. I am not after a fuzz tone. I have also seen that a Vox Tone Bender was used, but again this does not replicate the tones I am specifically after. The best example is in the intro to 'Today', a rather clean tone. Thank you!

[@dakotahstr]

Hey Justin. I bought a nice size notebook that I copy songs on from the web. Plus sticky notes .

[@Michael-jv2cn]

Ok I figured out who you look like! A young Norm McDonald. Ever video I watch you answer a question I had. This one was picks.

[@LadywatchingByrd]

No, he does not. This man is very handsome ...Norm Macdonald..is not.

[@RockyDave]

I've always used a file for music. But your suggestion about making a copy from other sources and keeping it in the file (or binder) is a great idea.

[@craigbrowning9448]

The thing to be cautious about Electronic Tuners with is they can misread an Harmonic of a String as a Unison or sometimes the Open String as an Harmonic if something else. Open E (1 or 6) could misread as a B, G# or D and also A, C# or F#. I know the Harmonic Series from Hammond Organs, I also Tune Pianos. The Open Strings of a Guitar are all adjacent Intervals that are Expanded (Perfect Fourths and a Major Third) this can help in dealing with Electronic Tuner Misreadings, also using Octave Harmonicd (I have a Yamaha Bass that I have to always use the Second Harmonic to get a reading off of a Snark Clip-On tuner).

[@kratos9086]

This guy learn me a lot...and all you starter just listen and you will learn to play guitar.Thank you Justin

[@lordvader5200]

Get a snark tuner. They’re amazing and pretty cheap.

[@boomieboo]

Justin can you please do a tutorial on how to buy thumb picks and your recommendations for the best ones? I'm looking for the kind that wraps around your thumb, not just the regular picks but I have no idea what to look for in a quality one and what qualities to look for in general. Thanks if you can help and for everything you do. Keep up the great work.

[@terryflynn8240]

Huge Fan for what it is worth in the media world and although there maybe many excellent instructors but to me you are my favorite due to the practical useful and encouraging options for advancing my playing, I know you shoot straight because I have made all the errors you warn of, Best

[@downhill240]

Great channel filled with great lessons and advise! Been a fan and subscriber for years!

[@justinguitar]

Cheers!

[@doonsbury9656]

Always a great wealth of info in your vids Justin. I have recently started to play Guitar again after a break of over 30 years...to all intents & purposes a beginner again....and I thought this "Top 10" list was very helpful. I also just watched your vid on looper pedals.....great stuff again mate as you have helped me select one that will suit me right down to the ground. Many thanks for sharing your expertise....and friendly babble/banter mate!

[@bilalmalikguitarist]

Damn! you're right about posture. I get why I get back pain now

[@malicesmom]

An ipad/tablet floor stand is nice to have too if you are using the Justin Guitar beginner app. 😉 I set mine up right next to my music stand. Old school and modern together!

[@justinguitar]

iPad / laptop stand is certainly cool for those working mostly online!

[@TroyNaumu808]

Great advice and tips. Thank You.

[@Digitalhunny]

@JustinGuitar - Personally, can't play well. My issue was _always_ the pain. My father plays though. When he gave my 13 year old his first acoustic guitar, he made such to install & tell him the strings are softer & easier on your fingers. You _still_ build the very necessary callouses. BUT you _don't_ lose the motivation to play due to the severe pain in your tips. Thank you for all other tips & hints here. 💗🌼 *Hugz from this Canadian Mum 🤗🍁

[@craigbrowning9448]

Check out Alexander Technique, especially a Guitar teacher that also studied AT, secondly anybody with a Music Background (Violin and other String Instruments, finally Piano, Wind Instruments) if at all possible.

[@craigbrowning9448]

I've had the most success with Heavy Gauge JD Jazz picks, turned sideways so the more gentle radius (as opposed to the point) is against the Strings.

[@sans_souci]

Such a great channel, very helpful for me as a beginner. Thanks a lot and all the best for you.

[@thesoupdragonat121]

Another great video, many thanks for the (dare I say it) very sensible tips presented so well! Number ten tip especially. It’s good to bounce ideas, techniques, tricks and most of all - we all need ‘support’. Many thanks!

[@mrtambourineman6107]

A loop pedal is good for a metronome, I use a boss rc30, and the built in drums are great to have on in background. Timing is something I tend to neglect at the cost of a good solid consistent rythm.

[@justinguitar]

Loopers are a cool alt to jam buddy - but hard for many beginners to get going on! :)

[@fenrir7969]

gStrings is not a bad tuner app, it displays the actual frequency of the note played and has many user configurable options. I use it with the Rocksmith USB cable plugged into my Android phone to set my instruments intonation mostly.

[@rpglife7268]

Great video. Thank you.

[@greatfella4996]

You are a very good person and you should be proud of yourself, at least becausr you have lots of lessons and courses for free.

[@justinguitar]

Thank you!

[@thisisprashanth]

Sir can you please make a video about "acoustic guitar setup"

[@AnimilesYT]

I don't need a music stand. I already have back problems xD But I am using a phone stand since I'm learning guitar with the help of an app.

[@miguelpanta]

... get a couple of bottles of beer, which is a great thing in itself... 🍻😊 you such a likeable teacher!

[@EricGlassMusic]

While it does vary per player, too thin a pick creates a lot of back and forth play when alternate picking and can actually make things more difficult for a novice or an experienced player. Thick picks are very popular among pros so when someone says you don't need a really thick pick I would counter many great pickers do use thicker picks (1.0 and above and not uncommon to see 3.0 these days) If the problem is trying to avoid breaking strings well, you should quickly develop enough touch, feel and sense that it's not wise to aggressively beat your strings up with pick attack. So of course try thins, but more likely try something a little medium-ish to ease the alt picking say in the .60 -.70 mill range

[@thekingofelfland3294]

A marshall jmp 50W or 100W with 4x 12 cab. Very useful to enlighten you right from the start as to why you play guitar and will also ensure you get the right sound from the off!!!!:-)).

[@justinguitar]

ha!

[@mikesomerset6338]

I suggest a #11 must have accessory. Fun.

[@alanread6596]

Excellent video very informative for a beginner like me

[@Plasmafuse]

Great Video with usefull Tips. I really like your Videos. Always well presented. Friendly and usefull, without any Nonsense. Really good!

[@justinguitar]

Cheers!

[@craigbrowning9448]

My aunt has a wind-up Seth Thomas metronome that anticipates the second beat by about a sixteenth note.

[@romanbaranovichi5375]

I use a .46 and a 1.1 and it’s mostly down to what type of music you play

[@fakiirification]

music stand and paper notes/books is defiantly not "old school". Its very good to be able to disconnect from electronics and focus on something else. if you are reading music from the computer, then your going to get email and DM notifications, or your favorite streamer will start a stream and you'll get the notification, "meh, i'll practice later". later never comes. Turn the phones and laptops and tablets off and spend some quality time with your instrument.

[@scottgroves5204]

Justin, Just wanted to share with you. Their is a new item out (new to me anyways), called "String Butler" I'm sure you probably heard of it or seen it, But I'm here to tell you by far the best investment I've made in years for my Les Paul, and any other 3x3 head stock. It aligns all your strings dead straight through the nut to your tuners. Awesome device!!! I see you have a few Gibson's, I think you'll be amazed how well this item works. Best Wishes, Avid Fan :)

[@georgecartledge9056]

Great advice, is this you updating beginner videos for the new site?

[@justinguitar]

Yep :) you got me!

[@dalepal]

Those are all good suggestions that included some I wouldn’t have thought of like the music stand though I’m more likely to use my notebook PC these days.

[@justinguitar]

:)

[@elledechenestudio]

A repertoire folder, I need that! Thanks :)

[@bighes100]

I'm off to the shop to get some beers 😁

[@Markle2k]

On the strap locks front, the same Grolsch washers are available in DIY and hardware stores under the term "silicone washer" for tens of cents/pence apiece. You will have to know the diameter of the waist of the strap button when you go to the store. For five times the price, IOW still not much, you can buy the Fender embossed versions, or one of the knockoffs, in most music stores. Dunlop also sells the Lok Strap system for well under $5/pair but those don't work with thick leather strap ends, just fabric straps. One of the advantages of the silicone washers over traditional locking systems for electric guitars is that traditional strap locks are big hunks of dense metal at the end of the strap. Accidentally whipping yourself with the strap off the guitar really hurts. It turns your guitar strap into a weapon, basically. The disadvantage of the silicone is the same with picks, you need several sets because you will misplace them, whereas traditional locks are literally bolted together on the end of the strap.

[@Markle2k]

Adding to what i wrote earlier... I found the Grolsch washers under brewing supplies at Amazon for anywhere from $8 for a bag of 100 for the lowest rated to $4 for a bag of 25 for the better rated ones. Rated for sealing beer bottles for home brewers. Nobody was rating them for strap locks, unfortunately.

[@jessicamoskowitz]

Hi Justin! These videos have been so helpful so far! I looked through your website but cannot find anything about your recommended brands and models for beginner guitar accessories. Could you please help direct me to that information?

[@LadywatchingByrd]

Your accent is so charming that I dont care if you "talk a lot". I like to learn a lot. 😁

[@jacestenersen7618]

You're a great guitarist Justin!

[@justinguitar]

Thanks!

[@trish33207]

What about the extra strings type? If I go to your shop I see for electric guitar gauge 9-42 and 9-46 and 10-something I forgot ... what shall I get as beginner? 🤔 thanks for your lessons 😊

[@kgmessier]

Two accessories I'd add to this list are a GUITAR STAND and a GIG BAG. The guitar stand keeps your guitar always at the ready while preventing it from leaning in some precarious way against a table, sofa, etc. (Plus, it's a great way to display your beautiful instrument.) The gig bag (or hardshell case, if you want to go that route) is an absolute necessity if you're taking your guitar out of the house for whatever reason. You don't want your baby accidentally banging against a staircase railing or sliding along your car floor as you go from place to place.

[@justinguitar]

Stand yes - gig bag yes too! :)

[@northof50now]

I would add a calendar and timer. One of the best things that helped me was scheduling specific times for practice and specific details on what to practice. I realize you'll go over this [your course is where I learned this], but believe it is just as important [if not more so] than a binder.

[@photorooster8865]

You look sort of like a British Norm McDonald which happens to be one of my favorite comedians. Looking forward to trying your materials and videos. Cheers!

[@loitermanart]

My son and I take your classes together for a covid activity been at it a month so far? Been doing a lesson a week can we do more or is that a good pace?

[@calumobrien9234]

Picks are a funny one really. I often hear that most people prefer starting with thin picks, but I could never stand them. I only ever felt comfortable using a completely solid pick with absolutely no flex in it. It's all subjective really though

[@antonpeters7061]

For me clear tune is the best guitar app it cost money but it very accurate

[@3ASY355]

where can I buy a Jam buddy

[@mr.phil.a]

I've got a boss tu3 tuner and I still use the cheap clip on tuner 99% of the time.

[@chuiwyjustin]

I designed and bought a custom shop $12000 Martin guitar. Still haven't learnt how to play it to date :P

[@DamianTroyer]

In my opinion a beginner guitarist should get use to the thicker pic so they can learn accurately. The thin ones feel like they always lag behind and take more movement to ring out a string or note. Which I remember being really annoying when I starting off. If they are playing chords more then individual notes however, the softer guitar picks sound better, and make it much easier to play chords with smoothness, Aswell as strumming upwards.

[@deejayfeldy]

you are the man

[@justinguitar]

a man maybe ;)

[@07robinrock]

Love u sir

[@hooliganbubsy7298]

Been playing guitar for 8 years (super casually) and I never bothered trying out different strings. I've had 12's (acoustic) on the entire time so I figured I'd chuck some 10's on for once. I love it so much, it's just so much easier for getting barre chords right. There's a definite drop in sound quality but I don't play in front of anyone so it doesn't matter at all. I 100% recommend 10's for beginners so you can get used to steel strings.

[@depracated]

I'm a beginner (2 months) and use a 2.0MM pick

[@mikewilliams258]

I've had quite a few tuners. The best one I've ever had currently costs £4.99. If you follow Justin's advice and pay £10, you're paying too much. The more expensive ones are no better than the cheap ones, unless you want a built in metronome.

[@Teguvas]

Pitch Pipes!!

[@mikewilliams258]

Grolsch beer washers are way too loose. You can buy purpose made ones on Amazon - £5 for 10. They are very tight and difficult to put on. But if they go on easily (like Grolsch washers) they come off just as easily.

[@danepple9450]

you are a very knowledgeable babbler.

[@justinguitar]

I do like a babble me! :)

[@ROZWAY_II]

Justin what guitar gauge do you use bro ??

[@cugamer8862]

"I don't need a string winder" *Restrings entire guitar, once finished immediately goes out and gets string winder. #11 String winding tool

[@kasondesean4139]

I want to hear more about the posture and am asking for only three free accessories from you a tuner strap and a capo....Please please sean 4rm Zambia

[@justinguitar]

Posture lesson to be revamped soon!

[@jamlatts90]

What pick thickness do you use Justin?

[@justinguitar]

I use 1mm, but they don't bend at all.

[@mr.phil.a]

Pfft. Those are rookie numbers. 😉

[@Jeeksters]

This dude reminds me of the dude from the notebook haha

[@chrispalacios_18]

Hi Justin i would like to know when one can learn or be able to play a solo. ( i want but i only know like 5 scales) When a person is able to play? a proper solo, Should i wait till' i end the stages or should i put up with it? Thank you from Peru. I mean a descent solo.

[@olivermead415]

if you know some scales, that's great! You don't need to know all the scales before you 'can' start soloing, just mess around with scales like minor (perhaps pentatonic) to start, eventually you'll find some things that sound good to you. Try learning to play some great solos from your favourite musicians and you'll probably learn licks from them without knowing

[@chrispalacios_18]

Oliver Mead I am learning now!

[@Sportingalagrieska]

This reminds me of when I took the guitar up and there always was something missing. It was like: "shit! I should've bought..." all the time xD

[@extrv4257]

Where to buy a friend?

[@brito7175]

link in the discription 😂

[@RockyDave]

Most things can be downloaded from the app store.

[@mikesomerset6338]

How about creating a YT folder for favourite guitar vids.

[@nikovertus1738]

Are these recommendations mostly for electric guitar?

[@sfsekaran]

Most of these recommendations apply to both. For example, when I got my Martin acoustic long ago, they drilled holes in it to install strap buttons (very painful to watch), and then you can get a strap and strap locks as well if you like. I would recommend doing so, as then you have a lower likelihood of dropping your guitar and damaging it. And all of the other items he recommends are also useful to both types of guitar.

[@nikovertus1738]

I was also thinking about getting the strap but have the fear of damaging it. Thank you.

[@captainlee1]

Can I buy a hat like yours on your site?

[@psvinden]

Great

[@justinguitar]

Thx!

[@molekyyli]

I guess I failed in this. :D Started about a month ago and I don't have half of the things on the list. :D I wonder when the picks start to "disappear into thin air". I still have all I bought. And I don't like flexible very thin picks. At all. :D Using mostly Dunlop's Jazz III. The biggest missing thing is that buddy. Don't have anybody for that... :/

[@LadywatchingByrd]

The first thing you need is drive and passion. If you have those, youre set.

[@molekyyli]

@@LadywatchingByrd I'm trying to have both of those as much as possible. :))

[@MrDs131]

I can't find these items on the website, maybe removed by now nearly 3 years later?