The Top 3 Accessories Every Guitarist Should Have - Be The Best Guitar Player!

When playing guitar it isn't just the instrument itself you need to think about. There are a lot of different accessories that can make your playing easier and more efficient. Below you'll find my top 3!

1. THE RIGHT PICK

Unless you're soley a fingerpick player and have no interest in using one, most guitarists will be reliant on having the right pick to do the job. Because I teach a variety of genres I rely on having a versatile pick that covers me when playing quieter more rhythmic tunes as well as the heavier rock anthems. I use the Dunlop Tortex 0.60mm picks because of their reliability, grip and for the overall sound these help create. You may find that if you spend the majority of your time playing heavy rock that a heavier pick may be better - maybe a 1.10MM upwards. If you're a jazz player you may prefer a smaller pick, an acoustic player (to create those soft rhythmic tones) may prefer a 0.40mm. A uke player may just use their hands or a felt pick. Grip picks are also an option for those who struggle to keep their pick in their hands. Whatever your preference, having the right pick is vital in creating the right sound.

2. A RELIABLE TUNING APP

Tuning with a pitch fork or by ear are more of a thing of the past now. Almost all players will use some sort of app to tune their axe as they're more accurate and just more convenient. Getting a decent app is sometimes a little more challenging. I used to be a fan of GuitarTuna which was a reliable app for tuning. However, of late I've found it to be very "addy" and for alternate tunings it wants you to subscribe to a monthly amount which I think is a rip. From a teaching perspective I need an app that allows me to tune quickly, efficiently and it to multiple tunings at the drop of a hat. I use Ultimate Tuner because it gives me the option to use chromatic tuning (this allows me to see what note I'm currently tuned to and alter it quickly using the chromatic scale as my guide). It also allows me to adjust the sensitivity which becomes useful when you have a bit of background noise (usually caused by my studio fans on a hot day). On top of that it also allows me to change the frequency. For most tunings we use the standard 440Hz but there are, on occasion times when I have to change the frequency to suit the track (this can due to the song having been made faster or slower or the track is just generally a little out of tune - more common with older music). For a decent tuning app you may have to pay an initial upfront cost (I wouldn't spend more than a fiver). My advice is to avoid any app asking for a monthly subscription - you don't need it.

3. QUALITY STRINGS

OK so I realise strings are a necessity more than an accessory but having the right type of string and changing them regularly is so important to help you play and sound better. I use Elixir strings (I'm not sponsored by them by the way - I wish I was!!!). They were actually introduced to me by a student around 10 years ago. They're versatile, reliable, they have great tone and are long lasting. You pay a few quid more for them but they pack a punch for the price. I use them on all of my acoustic, electric and bass guitars. I prefer the nanoweb versions (how they're wound) and I like the feel of them against my fingers. They can handle the high bends and they provide good tone (providing you have your guitar and amp sounds set right). Changing your strings regulary also helps by the way, but I find I usually get around 6 months out of these (that's teaching/playing 12 hours a day).

So there you have it - the top 3 things that will make the most difference when playing. Get these 3 right and the world's your oyster. Keep rockin'.