Accessories

When buying a new guitar, you should always get a good, sturdy case. Generally, there are three types of cases available:

• Chipboard: The cheapest, and least protective of your investment.
• Gig Bag: A lined bag made of vinyl or some plastic material that gives limited protection to your guitar.
• Hardshell Case: The heaviest and most durable protection you can get.

Obviously, you should go for the most protection you can afford. But never ever store or carry a guitar outside of its case, even if it’s just a cardboard one. A case will help protect a guitar from bumps and scratches, and also can protect it against excessive humidity, sunlight, or heat, as well as other less-than-favorable conditions.

Other accessories you might consider are electronic tuners, extra sets of strings, straps, and guitar instruction sites and videos. All of these items can be useful, although you don’t need to buy them all at once. We’ll be discussing some of these items in more depth in future chapters.