Many new guitar players aren't sure what accessories to buy for their new guitars, and sadly, if you aren't careful you can get taken to the cleaners when you go to buy your first guitar. Remember, it is the salesman job to upsell you on as much equipment as possible, thus making more money for the store and a higher commission for himself.
While we can't blame the salesman for wanting to make more money, it is your job to have a little understanding of what you need before you walk into your local guitar store. So with that in mind, here are a few tips to help you understand what you should be looking to buy with your new guitar.
For simplicity's sake, I will be using a bass guitar as my example.
The first thing you will need is a decent case to protect your guitar. If you will be transporting your guitar all around, I suggest spending a little more money and buying a hard case. If you will leave the guitar mostly at home, then a soft case will do just fine.
You will probably also need at least a spare set of strings as well. There are several different types you can buy, but I would suggest if you are just a beginner, to use roundwound strings. These are very versatile strings that can be used with mostly any bass guitar.
You will also need a good pick. Luckily they are pretty cheap and come in various shapes and sizes. Comfort is a big key for buying any pick, so simply grab a few that catch your eye and buy the ones that feel the most comfortable in your hand.
Another thing you will need is a strap. Straps come in all styles and materials, from leather to vinyl. Try the strap on with your guitar and make sure it feels comfortable and you can easily reach the fretboard. Some thicker straps may bother inexperienced guitar players, so be careful when you are making your final choice.
The final thing you will need is a tuner, to make sure your guitar sounds good at all times. You can download some free tuners on your computer, so I wouldn't suggest putting much money into a tuner until you actually join a band. Then you will most likely need to buy a decent one for the road, to keep your guitar in tune.
Remember, when you buy your first guitar, stick to the basics and don't let the salesman sell you on things you don't need!
