Author: Tyler Connaghan
Tyler Connaghan is a guitarist, singer, producer, composer & engineer based in Los Angeles, California. Tyler has been playing the guitar since 2007. In between writing for guitar publications, he produces music for film and television. His favorite axe is his custom Pelham Blue Fender Stratocaster.
Expertise: music industry, producing, acoustic & electric guitars, songwriting
Bachelor of Science in Music Industry Studies, Music Industry
Editor: Edward Bond
Edward has been playing the guitar since 2002. So Edward has over 20 years of experience as a guitarist, has authored 15 guitar books, has written for renowned music blogs, and spent a decade teaching music. He began merging his passion for writing and music in 2020 and has written for big guitar websites such as Guitar Head Publishing and KillerGuitarRigs.com.
Originally from Seattle, Edward moved to Norway in 2021 for a master’s in music. He’s studied at the Jazz Institute Berlin and Conservatorium van Amsterdam, and currently resides in Trondheim. His education includes a European Jazz Master’s, a diploma in Film and Game Scoring from Sofia, and a Bachelor’s in Jazz from University of Oregon.
Edward has played in numerous bands and currently, Edward works on his own project Starship Infinity
If you’re not a guitarist, finding the right guitar gift for your loved one can be a hassle.
Even guitarists buying gifts for other guitarists need help finding the perfect gifts, with literally thousands of guitars and guitar accessories to choose from.
I’ve compiled a comprehensive list of my favorite guitar gifts and gadgets, from custom picks to wearable metronomes. I have no doubt that any guitarist would be stoked to receive these top-notch gifts.
To make things easier for you, we’ve divided these fabulous gifts for guitar players into different price categories. From affordable to expensive guitar gifts, let’s look at some of the best options on the market today.
So, without further ado, let’s dive in!
Best Gifts For Guitar Players: The Complete List
You can find a more in-depth breakdown of each gift after this table.
| Gift Idea | Use | Best For? | Price | Check Today’s Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dunlop 220 Chromed Steel Guitar Slide | Playing slide guitar | Intermediate players | $9.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Fender Leather Pick Holder Keychain | Storing picks | Everyone | $5.99 | Sweetwater |
| Dunlop 47P3N Nylon Jazz III Guitar Picks | Playing guitar | Everyone | $4.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| D’Addario Pro-Winder | Changing strings | Everyone | $10.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Ernie Ball Pickholder Polypro Guitar Strap | Playing guitar standing up | Everyone | $12.49 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Dunlop Straplok Dual Design Strap Retainer System | Keeping your guitar strap secure | Everyone | $19.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Ernie Ball Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings | Playing guitar | Everyone | $14.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Dunlop 6504 Guitar Tech Care Kit | Caring for a guitar | Everyone | $24.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Kyser Quick Change Capo | Transposing songs | Everyone | $21.95 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Vox amPlug 2 AC30 Headphone Guitar Amp | Playing and practicing electric guitar without an amp | Everyone | $49.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Hercules Guitar Hanger Mount | Hanging guitar on the wall | Everyone | $24.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Fender Deluxe Series Tweed Instrument Cable | Plugging guitar into amplifier | Intermediate to advanced players | $32.49 | Sweetwater |
| Farley’s JP Deluxe Guitar Multi-Tool | Simple guitar fixes | Intermediate to advanced players | $25.99 | Sweetwater |
| TC Electronic Clip-on Polyphonic Tuner | Keeping a guitar in tune | Everyone | $69.89 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Grover 502C Roto-Grip Locking Rotomatic Tuners | Better tuning stability | Intermediate to advanced players | $99.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| TC Electronic Ditto Looper Pedal | Live looping and arranging | Intermediate players | $99.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Soundbrenner Core | Click-less metronome | Intermediate to advanced players | $183.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Minuendo High-Fidelity Acoustic Earplugs | Protecting ears in noisy live environments | Advanced players | $159.00 | Thomann |
| Roadie 3 Automatic Guitar Tuner | Automatic guitar tuning | Advanced players | $129.00 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Boss CB-EG20 Premium Semi-Rigid Gig Bag | Taking guitar to and from gigs | Intermediate to advanced players | $129.99 | Sweetwater |
| Martin Backpacker Steel String Acoustic Travel Guitar | The perfect little travel companion acoustic guitar | Intermediate to advanced players | $299.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Epiphone Slash “AFD” Les Paul Special-II Performance Pack | Complete beginner electric guitar package | Beginners | $399.99 | Sweetwater Thomann |
| Line 6 Relay G30 Digital Wireless Guitar System | Playing wireless live | Intermediate to advanced players | $229.99 | Sweetwater |
| Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box | Amp attenuator, reactive load box, and tube amp emulator | Advanced players | $1,499 | Sweetwater Thomann |
Imagine Having The Technique, Gear, and Sound of The GOATS… But Don’t just imagine. Find out.
Joe Satriani
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
Ibanez Joe Satriani Signature JS2480
Joe Satriani
| Uniqueness | (4.5) |
| Accuracy | (5.0) |
| Speed | (5.0) |
| Right Hand | (5.0) |
| Techniques | (5.0) |
| Versatility | (3.5) |
| Performance | (4.5) |
| Overall Lead | (5.0) |
| Overall Rhythm | (4.5) |
Tommy Emmanuel
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
Maton TE Personal
Tommy Emmanuel
| Uniqueness | (3.5) |
| Accuracy | (4.5) |
| Speed | (5.0) |
| Right Hand | (5.0) |
| Techniques | (5.0) |
| Versatility | (4.0) |
| Performance | (4.0) |
| Overall Lead | (5.0) |
| Overall Rhythm | (5.0) |
Steve Vai
Main Band
Solo Artist
Main Guitar
Ibanez Steve Vai JEM77
Steve Vai
| Uniqueness | (4.5) |
| Accuracy | (5.0) |
| Speed | (5.0) |
| Right Hand | (4.5) |
| Techniques | (5.0) |
| Versatility | (3.0) |
| Performance | (4.5) |
| Overall Lead | (5.0) |
| Overall Rhythm | (4.5) |
Best Gifts For Less Than $10
Dunlop 220 Chromed Steel Guitar Slide
Only a few players dive into slide guitar playing on their own, even though it provides a unique playing experience with a more expressive styling. With the right tools, it’s not as crazy as it looks, either!
The thing is, slides come in all shapes, sizes, and materials, so you have a lot to choose from. I recommend the 220 Chromed Steel Guitar Slide from Dunlop, as it’s very durable and offers a brighter, more articulate tone than most slides at a low cost, perfect for beginners!
Who Is This Best For?
This is an excellent gift for guitarists who want to learn a new technique.
*Consider all links in this post to be affiliate links. If you purchase, at no additional cost to you, we may earn a small commission. It helps us to keep the lights on, thanks! 🙂
Fender Leather Pick Holder Keychain
If you’re searching for an affordable guitar gift, Fender’s leather guitar pick holder keychain is a solid choice. Whether you need a modest standalone gift or a charming stocking stuffer, it’s a great finishing touch for any guitarist.
With genuine leather and a snapping design, it holds up to six guitar picks with ease, making sure your guitarist always has a pick at their disposal.
Who Is This Best For?
This is a great stocking stuffer gift for guitarists who want to keep picks handy at all times.
Dunlop 47P3N Nylon Jazz III Guitar Picks
It took me years of playing to find my favorite guitar picks and to realize how much of an impact picks can have on speed and tone.
Dunlop’s Jazz III picks are relatively unassuming in appearance, yet they are some of the best picks out there for the price.
They’re compact in size yet distinctive in shape, allowing for high-speed playing that might otherwise be difficult with other picks. The fact that you can get your hands on a six-pack of these picks for under $5 is pretty solid, too.
Who Is This Best For?
It’s hard to think of a guitarist who wouldn’t want some extra picks lying around.
Best Gifts For Under $20
D’Addario Pro-Winder
Restringing a guitar can be a huge pain, so any tool that makes the process quicker and easier can be helpful. The D’Addario Pro-Winder is a super versatile, not to mention budget-friendly, solution for simplifying the restringing process.
In a single tool, you get a string cutter, string winder, and bridge pin puller, perfect for use on both electric and acoustic guitars, as well as other string instruments like mandolins and ukes.
Who Is This Best For?
This is a beautiful gift for guitarists who hate changing their strings.
Ernie Ball Pickholder Polypro Guitar Strap
No guitar setup is truly complete without a sleek, fashionable guitar strap.
When it comes to high-quality yet inexpensive straps, Ernie Ball hits the mark.
I’ve owned a few Polypro guitar straps through the years, and with so many designs and colors, you’ll be sure to find the perfect option for your guitarist.
There’s a lot to love about these straps, from machine-stitched leather ends to comfortable and durable polypropylene webbing. Plus, they have little pockets for picks on the ends, so shredders can keep extra picks handy during their shows.
Who Is This Best For?
This is an excellent gift for any and every guitarist who needs a strap!
Dunlop Straplok Dual Design Strap Retainer System
For any guitarist playing live, the Dunlop Straplok System is a top-notch gift. With the unique 360-degree groove-and-ball configuration, players can move freely without the risk of accidental catching or detachment. There’s no more worrying about dropping a guitar on stage!
Plus, because they’re made out of case-hardened steel and have been rigorously tested to endure forces of up to 800 lbs, they’re built for heavy-duty, long-term players.
Who Is This Best For?
This gift is a simple yet effective solution for anyone who wants more reliability during their performances.
Ernie Ball Paradigm Electric Guitar Strings
Every guitarist must change their strings at one point. Having strings handy makes things way easier!
Nothing is worse than breaking a string mid-performance and not having a backup ready to go. Some of my favorite strings for electric guitars are Ernie Ball’s Paradigm strings. They use patented Everlast nanotechnology to mitigate rust and protect fidelity over the long run.
Make sure you determine the correct string gauge your guitarist needs before buying!
Who Is This Best For?
This is a simple gift for every electric guitarist who will eventually need a new set of strings.
Best Gifts For Under $50
Dunlop 6504 Guitar Tech Care Kit
Any dedicated guitarist should know how important it is to keep their guitar in top-notch condition. One of my favorite guitar cleaning kits, and one I’ve been using for years, is the Dunlop 6504 Guitar Tech Care Kit.
It’s a comprehensive guitar care solution with lemon oil fretboard cleaner, string conditioner, and body polish. It even comes with a handy microfiber cloth that’s easy on the guitar!
The fretboard cleaner works wonders on my Fender’s rosewood fretboard, while the body polish makes all my guitars shine when I play live. Plus, the string cleaner is excellent for squeezing that extra life out of older strings.
Who Is This Best For?
This is an excellent gift for guitarists who want to keep their beloved axes in peak condition.
Kyser Quick Change Capo
One gift that is absolutely essential for any guitarist, beginner or experienced, is a capo. Capos are made to attach to the neck of the guitar, allowing guitarists to transpose their music into different keys.
Many songs call for capos as well, so it’s an equally lovely gift for expanding their song-learning possibilities.
However, I highly recommend avoiding super cheap capos, as they tend to lack the necessary clamping force, resulting in nasty string buzz. Kyser makes some of the best mid-range capos around. I’ve been using mine for years without worry.
Who Is This Best For?
A capo is a great gift for anyone who wants to expand their playing possibilities and transpose songs they learn with ease.
Vox amPlug 2 AC30 Headphone Guitar Amp
If you’re looking for a guitar gift for a guitarist that can also provide you or those they live with with some peace and quiet, the Vox amPlug 2 AC30 is an excellent choice. This miniature amplifier is designed to plug directly into an electric guitar or guitar pedal, so they can plug into any set of headphones and shred without disturbing the peace.
Plus, they can play anywhere, anytime, without a full amp setup. All they need is a simple pair of headphones.
Who Is This Best For?
The Vox amPlug 2 AC30 Headphone Guitar Amp is a great gift for guitarists who want to play or practice without disturbing others.
Hercules Guitar Hanger Mount
Whether acoustic, electric, or classical, the Hercules guitar hanger wall mount is the ultimate solution for mounting guitars in a studio or office space. The innovative Hercules AGS Yoke cradles guitars with a wooden mounting base that looks great on the wall.
Not only does it provide a secure, practical storage solution, but it also allows you to use your guitar as decor for your space! I own ten of these for my guitars and can’t recommend them highly enough.
Who Is This Best For?
This is a great gift for any guitarist looking for an efficient way to store and display their guitars safely.
Fender Deluxe Series Tweed Instrument Cable
Any great guitarist knows that having a reliable guitar cable in their arsenal is vital. In my opinion, Fender Deluxe Series cables hit the mark between quality and value better than most.
With durable braided shielding, they’re reliable while preserving the tone of the guitar. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that they have the timeless appeal of classic Fender tweed!
Note that you can buy these cables in numerous lengths, from tiny pedalboard-style six-inch cables to stage-ready 25-footers.
Who Is This Best For?
This is an excellent gift for any guitarist who wants a classic-looking, high-end-sounding cable and may be one of the best guitar cables under $50.
Farley’s JP Deluxe Guitar Multi-Tool
Guitars often need adjustments, depending on how much they’re played.
This is where guitar companions like the Farley JP Deluxe Guitar Tool come in.
This exceptional little guitar-fixing buddy, which is made in the USA, simplifies string changes and guitar setups with an array of indispensable features, including:
- Four hardened steel hex wrenches.
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers.
- A bridge pin puller.
- Carbide cutters.
- Spring-action pliers.
The best part is all of this fits into a convenient folding multi-tool with a handy nylon case!
Who Is This Best For?
The Farley JP Deluxe Guitar Tool is great for guitarists of all levels who want to troubleshoot setup and maintenance issues with ease.
Best Gifts For Under $100
TC Electronic Clip-on Polyphonic Tuner
When a guitar isn’t in tune, even the best guitarists can’t make it sound good.
Luckily, we have gadgets like the TC Electronic PolyTune that have transformed how players approach tuning.
With its ingenious polyphonic tuning tech, you can strum every string simultaneously and instantly see which ones need adjusting.
It uses a vibrant LED display, a range of versatile tuning modes, and a handy clip-on design that makes it perfect for use with any guitar.
Who Is This Best For?
This clip-on tuner is a must-have for guitarists who want to ensure their music is pitch-perfect.
Grover 502C Roto-Grip Locking Rotomatic Tuners
Any guitarist who wants to impart their axe with outstanding tuning stability knows that locking tuners are a must, and some of my absolute favorites are the Grover Roto-Grip Locking Rotomatic tuners.
These locking tuners offer an 18:1 gear ratio and a quality locking mechanism that firmly secures your guitar strings, perfect for anyone who plays with a heavy hand. They’re super easy to use and will last decades if well cared for.
Who Is This Best For?
These locking tuners are great for any guitarist who wants better-tuning stability on their guitar.
TC Electronic Ditto Looper Pedal
While there are hundreds of guitar pedals I could recommend, I figured I’d showcase one that I think is super interesting and functional and one many guitarists wouldn’t think of picking up themselves.
That pedal is the TC Electronic Ditto Looper Pedal.
The beauty of the Ditto Looper pedal is that you can use it to craft looped, multi-layered performances with ease. It’s simple in its design, using a single loop level control, making it easy to come up with ideas, arrange guitar parts, or perform on the fly.
However, even with its simple design, you get impeccable sound quality thanks to TC’s analog dry-through signal path, which keeps your original tone unaltered. Plus, with the compact design, you can fit it on your pedalboard without sacrificing tons of real estate.
Who Is This Best For?
In my opinion, this is one of the best gifts for guitar players under $100, especially for those who want to write, arrange, and perform without having to rely on any other instruments or players.
Best Gifts For Under $200
Soundbrenner Core
It’s a pulsing metronome, a tuner, and a pretty good-looking watch. The Soundbrenner Core is one of the best semi-guitar-themed gifts on the market today, replacing the antiquated and admittedly annoying click metronome with a silent, wearable, vibrating metronome that allows you to practice accurately, no matter how noisy the environment.
Plus, with the built-in contact tuner, you’ll always be able to ensure your guitar is in tune! I have no doubt this will impress your loved one!
Who Is This Best For?
It might be one of the most unusual gifts for guitar players, as it’s not totally guitar-oriented. However, it’s perfect for tech-loving guitarists who love stylish playing and practicing accessories.
Minuendo High-Fidelity Acoustic Earplugs
If your beloved guitarist frequently rocks out at high volumes, get quality head adjustable earplugs to protect their hearing. It’s an incredibly thoughtful gift perfect for those who play live often, and in years to come, they’ll thank you for the hearing they still have.
These particular earplugs are from Minuendo. With sound adjustments from -7 to -25dB, high-fidelity sound reduction for a clear, natural sound, and 11 sets of foam, silicon, and flange tips for the perfect fit, these earplugs have everything.
Who Is This Best For?
This gift is best for guitarists who gig frequently and want to preserve their hearing for years.
Roadie 3 Automatic Guitar Tuner
The Roadie 3 might be the best all-in-one solution for guitarists who need a tuner, string winder, and metronome.
This handy little wireless device offers an array of pre-loaded alternate tunings and is ultra-compact, perfect for use on the go.
With next-gen automatic tuning technology, it uses vibrations to tune a guitar to perfection in seconds.
Who Is This Best For?
This is an excellent gift for tech-obsessed guitarists who want an easy way to tune their guitars and change their strings with speed.
Boss CB-EG20 Premium Semi-Rigid Gig Bag
Many guitarists love their guitars almost as much as they’d love a child, so it makes sense that they’d want to make safeguarding them a top priority. From rehearsals to gigs to travel, the Boss CB-EG20 is one of the finest electric gig bags on the market.
It offers a water-resistant design and durable impact panels for total protection, as well as two external pockets for accessory storage, whether tuners, cables, or extra strings.
Who Is This Best For?
This is a solid gig bag for any guitarist who plays or travels often.
Best Gifts For $200 and Above
Martin Backpacker Steel String Acoustic Travel Guitar
Just because you’re not at home doesn’t have to mean you can’t keep playing and practicing. The Martin Backpacker acoustic guitar is one of the best little travel companions around, offering the perfect balance of tone and portability. Seriously, for how small this thing is, it packs quite a punch. You could even play a small coffee shop show with it on the road.
It comes with steel strings and a padded carrying bag, too!
Who Is This Best For?
This is a great gift for any guitarist who finds themselves on the go or on the road and wants to continue playing and practicing.
Epiphone Slash “AFD” Les Paul Special-II Performance Pack
Even if your guitar-playing loved one isn’t a megafan of the legendary Guns N’ Roses axeman, this full-fledged guitar performance pack is impressive in its own right.
An all-in-one bundle is a great choice for any beginner guitarist, as it comes with everything one would need to get started. You get a quality Epiphone Les Paul, which looks like the one famously wielded by Slash (albeit without the hefty price tag), a dual-channel amplifier for clean and overdriven tones, a set of picks, a comfortable guitar strap, a guitar cable, and a handy gig bag for storage and transportation.
Who Is This Best For?
This gift is the perfect beginner electric guitar package for any guitarist looking to kickstart their journey, and it may be one of the best gifts for beginner guitarists.
Line 6 Relay G30 Digital Wireless Guitar System
Playing with wires as a professional gigging guitarist is becoming old-school, and high-quality wireless systems are in. Of course, all guitarists also want their wireless systems to deliver the same sound quality and feel like they were plugged into an amp with a cable.
This is where the Line 6 Relay G30 comes into play.
The system uses Line 6’s “Virtual Wire Transmission” technology, which provides the same full-frequency sound, dynamic responsiveness, and range you’d expect from a high-end cable.
Plus, it uses a Cable Tone Simulator, so guitarists can align the sound of their wireless rig with the characteristics of their preferred cables.
Who Is This Best For?
This is a solid gift choice for any professional gigging guitarist who wants more flexibility when they play.
Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box
Beyond its amplifier attenuator capabilities, the Universal Audio OX Amp Top Box allows any guitarist to get optimal performance from their tube amp no matter what volume they’re at.
Plus, with UA’s innovative Dynamic Speaker modeling tech, they can also access myriad meticulously crafted mic and guitar cab emulations, thanks to its high-end analog design and top-tier reactive load circuitry.
It’s one of my must-haves when it comes to high-end studio gear.
Who Is This Best For?
I can’t think of a better piece of recording equipment for guitarists who want access to the best and most sought-after guitar tones on the planet.
FAQs
How Much Should I Spend on a Gift for a Guitar Player?
There’s no reason to spend way outside your budget on a guitarist, though the amount often depends on several factors, such as the occasion and your relationship with the person.
For example, you might be inclined to go for a gift over $50 if the person is close to you or if it’s a special occasion. On the other hand, if it’s just one of your friends and the gift is for a random, more casual occasion, a gift under $50 should suffice!
What Are the Best Guitar Accessories To Gift Someone?
Some of my favorite guitar accessories you can buy as gifts include:
- Guitar picks
- Guitar straps
- Capos
- Cables
- String winders
Should I Purchase Expensive Gifts for a Beginner Guitarist?
Nope! Just as I believe every beginner guitarist should learn on a “cheap” instrument, they should also learn with less expensive accessories. There’s no reason to feel pressured into buying a complete beginner something costly that they may not stick with.
How Do I Choose the Right Guitar Strings as a Gift?
The first thing you’ll have to figure out is what kind of guitar the person plays, as different guitars, such as acoustic, electric, or classical, and bass, require specific strings.
Know the exact type of guitar they own.
Next, it’s important to note that guitar strings come in different gauges or ‘thicknesses.’ Most of the time, if you know what kind of guitar they play, you can look it up to find the ideal gauge.
What Are the Best Gifts for Acoustic Guitar Players?
There are hundreds of great gifts for acoustic guitar players out there, though if I had to pick some of my favorites, they would be:
- Guitar accessories like capos, tuners, or slides
- A guitar strap
- High-end guitar strings
- Guitar hanger or stand
- Guitar gig bag or hard case
- Acoustic guitar pickup
- Acoustic guitar case
- Microphone for recording
What Are the Best Gifts for Electric Guitar Players?
Similar to acoustic guitars, there are also hundreds of unique guitar gifts for electric guitar players out there. However, a few of my absolute favorites include:
- Guitar pedals
- Portable guitar amps
- Strap locks
- Guitar stands of hangers
- Maintenance tools and kits
Conclusion on Best Gifts for Guitar Players
Some of the best gifts for guitarists blend practicality, functionality, and uniqueness. From birthday gifts to Christmas gifts to random gift gestures, I hope you can find something in the list above for your loved one.
Of course, knowing the guitarist you’re gifting to and putting your personal touch on it is equally important.
While gift cards can be great if you don’t know what to buy, they’re one of my guitar gifts to avoid if you want to be more personal. You may even consider practical gifts like online guitar lessons or ultra-personalized gifts like custom pedalboards or collectibles.
I would say that while there’s undoubtedly room for novelty items in many gifting scenarios, providing a gift like the ones above that elevates their playing experience is a surefire way to leave a lasting impression and empower them to become better, more versatile players.
