Start Here · Beginner · 4 min read
Essential Gear
A tuner, picks, a cable, a strap, spare strings — and an amp if you play electric.
Simple answer
You don't need a pedalboard to start. The basics cost less than you think.
The true essentials
A tuner, a few picks and spare strings cover every guitar. Electric players also need a dependable instrument cable and a way to hear the signal.
- Tuner
- Picks
- Spare strings
- Cable for electric guitar
- Safe stand, wall hanger or case
Useful, not urgent
A strap, capo, string winder and small cleaning cloth become useful as your routine develops. None of them needs to delay your first practice.
What can wait
Pedals, replacement pickups and large amplifiers make more sense after you can describe the sound or problem you want to change.
A simple practice setup
Keep the guitar visible and safe, the tuner close, and the cable ready. Reducing setup time makes it much easier to play for ten minutes every day.
Go deeper
A small modelling amp with headphone output is the most flexible first amp. Add pedals later, once you know what sound you're after.