What Do You Need for an Electric Guitar? (Ultimate Guide)

You walk into your favorite music store, and the friendly salesperson greets you. “Hey, what are you looking for today?” You tell him that you’re finally ready to take the plunge and buy your very first electric guitar. But then he asks a question that throws you for a loop – “What do you need for an electric guitar?”

You had no idea that there was any special equipment needed – you just assumed that you could buy the guitar and start playing. But it turns out that there’s a bit more to it than that.

To play an electric guitar, you will need an amplifier to amplify the sound of your guitar, an audio cable to connect your guitar and amp, and a set of picks. You’ll also need a guitar strap, guitar stand, tuner, and a case or gig bag to protect your instrument.

In this guide, you’ll learn about all of the different pieces of equipment you need to get started playing an electric guitar.

An Amplifier To Hear Your Guitar’s Sound Louder

The amplifier is one of the essential pieces of equipment for an electric guitar. It takes the signal from your guitar and amplifies it, making it loud enough to be heard over a drum set or other instruments.

There are two main types of amplifiers: combo amps and head/cabinet combos.

Combo Amps

Combo amps have the amplifier and speaker in one unit, making them easily portable.

Head/Cabinet Combos

Head/cabinet combos have the amplifier head (the part that amplifies the signal) and the speaker cabinet (the part that projects the sound) in two separate units.

When choosing an amplifier, you’ll have to consider how much power you need, what features you want, and how portable you need it to be. You’ll also need to think about the size of the speaker. Larger speakers produce a fuller sound, while smaller speakers are more portable but may not have as much volume.

You should consider an amp with 20-30 watts of power if you’re starting. As you get more experienced, you can move up to a larger amp with more wattage.

An Audio Cable To Connect Your Guitar and Amp

An audio cable is needed to connect an electric guitar to an amplifier. The cable carries the signal from the guitar to the amp, where it is amplified. There are two types of audio cables: instrument cables and patch cables. Instrument cables are typically longer and thicker, while patch cables are shorter and thinner.

When choosing an audio cable, always consider the length, type of connectors, and the gauge (thickness). For most applications, a standard instrument cable with ¼-inch connectors will suffice.

Guitar Picks for Strumming

Picks are used to strum or pluck the strings of an electric guitar. They are typically made of plastic, metal, wood, or nylon and come in various shapes, sizes and thicknesses.

To save money, a good option would be getting picks in medium thickness (0.5-1 mm).

Guitar Strap To Hold Your Guitar

While an acoustic guitar can be played without a strap, an electric guitar is much harder to play without one. A strap helps to distribute the weight of the guitar evenly, making it easier to hold for long periods.

A strap allows you to move around more freely while playing, giving you a wider range of motion. As a result, a strap is essential for any electric guitarist who wants to play his best.

Guitar Stand for a Beautiful Display

A guitar stand is also essential for electric guitarists. While an acoustic guitar can be placed on the ground or a chair, an electric guitar needs its dedicated stand. This is because electric guitars are usually equipped with multiple pedals and other devices that need to be within easy reach.

A stand helps keep everything organized and within easy reach, so you can focus on playing your best.

If you’re serious about playing electric guitar, investing in a good strap and stand is essential.

Guitar Tuner To Make Right Tones

No matter how excellent your skills are, it will sound terrible if your guitar is out of tune. A tuner helps ensure that your instrument is always in the correct key, so you can focus on playing rather than figuring out which note is which.

There are many tuners on the market, from simple and inexpensive models to complex and expensive ones. While spending a lot of money on a tuner is unnecessary, finding one that suits your needs is crucial.

Gig Bag or Case To Protect Your Instrument

Most people don’t think about needing a gig bag or case for an electric guitar. After all, it’s not like you’re going to be taking your guitar out in the rain or snow, right? Wrong.

Even if you’re just taking your guitar from your house to your car or from your car to a friend’s house, you need to have a gig bag or case for it. Otherwise, you risk damaging your guitar. And trust me, you don’t want to buy a new guitar because you left your old one out in the rain.

So do yourself a favor and get a gig bag or case for your electric guitar. It will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Can I Play Electric Guitar Without Amp and Picks?

You might be surprised to hear that you can actually play electric guitar without an amp or picks. Of course, you won’t be able to create the same sound as you would with an amplifier, but it’s still possible to make music.

As for picks, they’re not strictly necessary, but they can help produce a clearer sound. So, if you’re looking to save money and don’t have an amplifier and some picks, know that you can still play electric guitar without these tools.

Conclusion

While we have learned about the different types of equipment an electric guitarist needs, it’s important to remember that not everyone needs all of this gear. In fact, you can get by without an amplifier or even picks.

However, if you’re serious about playing electric guitar and want to create the best sound possible, you’ll need all of the equipment on this list.

Don’t forget that an electric guitar is a significant investment, so be sure to take care of your instrument using the proper equipment. With the right tools, you’ll be able to play your best for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions