Guitar Gift Ideas For The Holiday Season

By: Danielle

Did you fall for someone in a band too? Playing the guitar is a labor of love, but it’s an expensive labor of love. There are all sorts of accessories needed to keep playing at a top notch level. If you build a “survival pack” for your favorite guitarist, then they won’t have to run to the music store every time a string breaks or they forget a cable. Buying in bulk and searching for deals online can also help cut the costs of owning an instrument. Whether you are gifting a paramour or just a musician that needs a little help, a guitar “survival kit” makes a great gift.

Various types of guitar picks, Photo: Wikipedia

Guitar Picks

This is a pretty obvious item, but the importance of them really can’t be overstated. They are used by nearly every guitarist around, wear quickly and are easily broken or lost. Just make sure to find out what thickness your musician prefers, which is usually written on each individual pick. When it comes to these little guys, guitarists are very picky (hah… sorry). If she or he hasn’t found a favorite, then get a few different types and help them narrow it down.

Strings

A very important component of any guitar is the strings. For strings, it is even more important than picks to get exactly the right type. Strings come in a variety of materials and thicknesses, known as gauges. Each type creates a distinctly different sound so make sure you are getting exactly the right type.

String Cleaner

Look at someone’s hands after they play guitar and you’ll see how dirty strings can get. Dirty strings start to create a scratchy, even murky sound. String cleaner helps a guitar to sound brighter. Use it once and you’ll notice a clear difference. It’s the perfect item that a guitarist may not buy for him or herself but will love once it arrives.

Tuner
If she or he doesn’t already have an electric tuner, then they will love this gift. The tuner will save them a ton of time. With this model, you can leave your amp plugged in as you tune – making a more accurate reading for electric sounds. Tuners are available in a variety of prices. More expensive tuners have additional bells and whistles to ensure a precise reading, but even basic tuners get the job done.

Guitar Case

Every musician has a basic case for their instrument, but to truly protect their investment it’s best to get tough. Hard cases can get expensive, but not as expensive as guitar repairs. Cases wear pretty well, so don’t be afraid to buy used and save a little money. (It’ll also make it look like they’ve been playing for longer – street cred!) You could even go ahead and decorate the case with a few stickers from their favorite band.

Guitar Strap

This item is pretty straightforward; just make sure it is strong enough to do its job. I know I’ve seen depressing and destructive guitar strap fails in my day. Find something with a little attitude. You should know what type of music they are playing, so buy/make something that corresponds. Merry Strumming and Happy Holidays!