Hey there, gift-seeker for a six-string enthusiast! Are you on a mission to find the perfect guitar-related gift without hitting a sour note with your budget? You’ve strummed the right chord by landing here! We know that the love for guitars isn’t limited by the size of one’s wallet. That’s why we’ve tuned up this guide to help you discover the best budget-friendly gifts for the guitarists in your life. Whether they’re just starting their fretboard journey or have been riffing for years, our roundup of affordable yet rocking presents is sure to amp up their joy. From practical tools that keep their strings singing to quirky finds that add a dash of fun to their guitar life, we’ve got the lowdown on how to make your gift resonate with both heartstrings and guitar strings.
Inexpensive Gift Ideas for Guitarists
Here are some of our favorite gift ideas for guitars and a few curated product recommendations to get you started.
Picks
You can’t go wrong by slipping in a few picks. Who can keep track of the 75 they already own? Not the dudes. Please send more.
Fender Premium Picks Sampler – 24 Pack
A diverse collection of picks in various shapes, colors, and thicknesses, suitable for a variety of playing styles.Includes a mix of classic celluloid picks and premium materials for different tonal qualities.
Pros: Offers a great way to experiment with different picks, enhancing versatility in playing. The variety caters to different styles and preferences.
Cons: Some players may prefer a specific type of pick and find not all picks in the pack useful.
Dunlop PVP102 Pick Variety Pack, Medium/Heavy
This variety pack from Dunlop features a selection of medium to heavy gauge picks, ideal for players who prefer thicker picks. Made from high-quality materials, the pack includes different textures and shapes.
Pros: The thicker picks are great for players who need more control and durability. The variety allows for exploring different tones and playing styles.
Cons: Not suitable for players who prefer thinner, more flexible picks.
Clip-On Tuner
An essential tool for any guitarist, these are affordable and incredibly useful for quick and accurate tuning.
Snark SN5X Clip-On Tuner
A versatile clip-on tuner for guitar, bass, and violin, known for its accuracy and ease of use. This little beauty features a full-color display and a 360-degree swivel head for easy viewing.
Pros: Highly accurate, affordable, and easy to use. The display is very clear, even in low-light conditions.
Cons: The plastic construction may not be as durable as metal tuners.
D’Addario Planet Waves NS Micro Universal Clip-On Tuner
A compact, highly precise clip-on tuner suitable for a variety of stringed instruments. It includes a micro design for discreet tuning and a multi-color display.
Pros: Its small size makes it unobtrusive; it’s highly accurate and easy to read. Suitable for guitars, basses, and orchestral strings.
Cons: The small size might make it easy to misplace. The screen might be too small for some users.
String Winder and Cutter Tool
A handy gadget that makes changing strings faster and more efficient.
D’Addario Pro-Winder String Winder and Cutter
An all-in-one string winder, cutter, and bridge pin puller tool, designed to make string changes quick and effortless.Ergonomically designed for comfort with built-in clippers to trim string ends.
Pros: Streamlines the process of changing strings, saving time and hassle. The integrated cutter is a convenient addition.
Cons: The plastic construction might not be as durable as metal alternatives.
Ernie Ball PowerPeg Pro String Winder
A battery-powered string winder that significantly speeds up the string changing process. Can be used on guitars, basses, and other string instruments; features a universal head and rechargeable battery.
Pros: Saves time and reduces the effort needed to change strings. The universal head fits a variety of instruments.
Cons: Battery dependency means it needs regular charging. More expensive than manual string winders.
Capo
A simple tool that allows guitarists to explore new sounds and keys with ease.
Kyser Quick-Change Capo for 6-string acoustic guitars
A popular, easy-to-use capo designed specifically for acoustic guitars, facilitating quick key changes.Made of lightweight aluminum and available in various colors. It clamps firmly without damaging the guitar neck.
Pros: Quick and easy to move, reliable in maintaining string tension and tuning. Durable and widely used by professionals.
Cons: May not fit perfectly on guitars with unusually thick necks or non-standard fretboard radii.
Shubb C1 Steel String Guitar Capo
A professional-grade capo known for its precision and minimalistic design, suitable for steel-string guitars. Features an adjustable tension screw and a unique over-center locking mechanism.
Pros: Provides precise pressure for buzz-free note clarity. Its adjustable tension avoids excessive force on strings.
Cons: The adjustment mechanism might be less convenient for quick changes compared to spring-loaded capos.
Maintenance Kit
A set including string cleaner, fretboard conditioner, and a polishing cloth, perfect for keeping the guitar in top shape.
MusicNomad MN140 Premium Guitar Care Kit – 3 Piece
A comprehensive kit that includes everything needed for complete guitar care, from cleaning to maintenance.Includes guitar polish, fretboard oil, and a microfiber cloth, all safe for all guitar finishes.
Pros: The kit makes maintaining a guitar easy and efficient, enhancing the instrument’s longevity and playability.
Cons: The price might be a bit high for those who only need basic maintenance items.
Jim Dunlop System 65 Guitar Maintenance Kit
A well-rounded kit from a trusted brand, providing essential tools for guitar maintenance.Includes polish, cleaner, fingerboard conditioner, and a microfiber cloth.
Pros: Offers a comprehensive solution for guitar care, suitable for both beginners and seasoned players. The products are of high quality.
Cons: Like other comprehensive kits, it might include products that some players don’t need.
Guitar Stand
A basic stand to keep the guitar safe and readily accessible.
AmazonBasics Guitar Folding A-Frame Stand
A simple, sturdy, and affordable guitar stand suitable for home or studio use. Features a foldable A-frame design, rubberized arms, and backrest to protect the guitar’s finish.
Pros: Compact and easily portable, it provides stable support for most guitar types. The rubberized parts prevent damage to the guitar.
Cons: Not as robust as heavier-duty stands, and might not be suitable for very heavy or unevenly shaped guitars.
On-Stage Stands GS7462B Professional A-Frame Stand
A professional-grade A-frame stand designed for stability and ease of use. Features a “flip it” upper yoke for easy guitar placement and removal, and padding for instrument protection.
Pros: Highly stable and durable, suitable for various guitar types. The flip-it yoke makes it convenient to use.
Cons: Slightly more expensive than basic stands and bulkier, making it less ideal for travel.
Instrument Cable
A good-quality cable is always a necessity and can make a noticeable difference in sound quality.
GLS Audio 20 Foot Guitar Instrument Cable
A high-quality instrument cable designed for clear signal transmission with minimal interference. Features a 20-foot length, a flexible tweed cloth jacket, and high-quality connectors.
Pros: Offers excellent sound quality and durability. The length is suitable for most situations, and the cloth jacket adds a vintage look.
Cons: The tweed jacket might be less flexible compared to rubber or plastic-coated cables.
Pro Co Evolution Studio/Stage Instrument Cable – 20 foot
A professional-grade cable known for its exceptional sound clarity and durability. Features 20-foot length, Neutrik connectors, and a flexible, durable jacket.
Pros: Delivers excellent sound quality with reliable, noise-free performance. The build quality is suited for both studio and stage use.
Cons: Pricier than many standard cables, which might be a factor for budget-conscious buyers.
Guitar Method Book
For beginners, a book with lessons and exercises can be a great resource.
Hal Leonard Guitar Method, Complete Edition: Books 1, 2 and 3
A comprehensive guitar method book that covers everything from the basics to more advanced techniques.Includes easy-to-follow instructions, exercises, and songs. Comes with online audio access for practice.
Pros: Great for self-learning, covering a wide range of topics. The audio tracks are helpful for understanding timing and rhythm.
Cons: Some learners might prefer a more modern approach or interactive digital lessons.
Alfred’s Basic Guitar Method 1, Third Edition
A widely-used guitar method book ideal for beginners, focusing on the fundamentals of guitar playing. Includes practical exercises, easy-to-play songs, and illustrations for easier learning.
Pros: It lays a solid foundation for beginners with clear, step-by-step instructions. The book is well-structured for progressive learning.
Cons: It may be too basic for intermediate or advanced players. The style might feel dated to some modern learners.
Finger Exerciser
A tool to help build strength and dexterity in the fingers, useful for both beginners and experienced players.
D’Addario Varigrip Adjustable Hand Exerciser
A portable tool designed to build strength and flexibility in the fingers, hand, and forearm.Features adjustable tension for each finger, allowing customization for individual needs.
Pros: Great for improving dexterity and grip strength; portable and easy to use anytime, anywhere. Adjustable tension suits a range of skill levels.
Cons: Might not fit very small or very large hands comfortably. Some users may find the build quality not as durable as expected.
Guitar Picks Holder
A simple yet practical gift, ensuring picks are always within reach.
Dunlop Series 5005 Pickholder
A simple and effective solution for storing guitar picks, ensuring they’re always within easy reach. Made of durable plastic, it can hold several picks and is easily attached to a microphone stand or guitar.
Pros: Compact and practical, keeping picks organized and accessible. The adhesive back sticks securely to various surfaces.
Cons: Adhesive might lose its strength over time. Limited capacity; can only hold a few picks at a time.
D’Addario Planet Waves Pick Holder with LED Light
A unique pick holder that combines functionality with an added LED light for dark settings.Holds up to 4-5 medium-heavy picks and features a bright LED light, useful on dimly lit stages.
Pros: Dual functionality as a pick holder and a light source. Compact design easily attaches to instruments or music stands.
Cons: Limited pick storage capacity. Battery life for the LED light may be a concern over time.
Slide
For those interested in blues or slide guitar, a glass or metal slide can open up a new world of sounds.
Ernie Ball Glass Slide, Medium
A smooth, medium-sized glass slide for guitar, offering a warm and expressive slide sound. Made from borosilicate glass, providing a smooth glide and clear tone.
Pros: Produces a rich, warm tonality preferred by many slide guitarists. Comfortable fit for players with medium-sized fingers.
Cons: Glass slides can be fragile and may break if dropped. Might not fit all finger sizes comfortably.
Dunlop 213 Tempered Glass Slide – Heavy Wall Thickness, Large
A high-quality, large-sized glass slide known for its durability and rich tonal quality. Features a heavy wall thickness for better sustain and volume, ideal for electric guitar.
Pros: Offers a robust and resonant sound. The heavy wall design enhances sustain and is durable.
Cons: Its large size might not suit players with smaller fingers. The heavy wall can feel bulky to some users.
Pocket Guitar Practice Tool
A portable fretboard tool to practice chords and scales anywhere.
Shredneck Practice Guitar Neck
A portable practice tool that simulates a guitar neck, allowing for practicing chords and scales. Features real guitar strings and frets, with a headstock simulator for tuning.
Pros: Great for practicing finger positioning and scales on the go. Helps in building muscle memory and dexterity.
Cons: Does not replicate the full playing experience of a guitar. Some players may find the tension and spacing different from their actual guitars.
PocketStrings 6 Fret Black
A compact and portable tool featuring a 6-fret guitar neck for practicing chords and finger exercises.Includes real guitar strings that can be tuned and a collapsible design for easy portability.
Pros: Ideal for practicing finger movements and chords anywhere. Helps in improving finger strength and dexterity.
Cons: Lacks the feel and response of a full guitar neck. Some users may find the string action and spacing not accurately reflective of their instrument.
Gift Card
A small gift card to a music store is always appreciated, offering the flexibility to choose their own gear.
What to Look For When Shopping for Inexpensive Guitar-Related Gifts
- Utility and Relevance: Look for items that the guitarist will use frequently. Essentials like tuners, strings, or maintenance tools are always in demand. Consider the recipient’s current setup and playing habits to find something that they’ll truly appreciate and use.
- Quality Over Quantity: It’s better to choose a smaller, high-quality item than a larger, lower-quality one. Brands known for their durability and performance are usually a safe bet. Read reviews and look for products with high ratings within your budget.
- Personalization: Even inexpensive items can be special. Look for gifts that can be personalized, like custom picks, or that reflect the recipient’s personal style, like a unique guitar strap.
- Versatility: Gifts that are versatile and can be used in various scenarios are always a great choice. Multi-tools for guitar maintenance or multi-effects pedals offer a range of functionalities in one package.
- Innovation and Fun: Don’t overlook the fun factor! Novelty items like a guitar-shaped cutting board or a 3D illusion lamp can bring joy and show thoughtfulness.
- Compatibility: Make sure the gift is compatible with the recipient’s guitar type and playing style. For instance, electric and acoustic guitars may require different accessories.
- Shop Smart: Utilize deals and discounts, and read customer reviews. Trusted online retailers like Amazon and Sweetwater often have user reviews that provide real-world insight into product performance and value.