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Guitar Accessories

Our range of guitar accessories covers strings, straps, plectrums, slides, capos and the small parts that wear out or go missing. These are the items that make the difference between an instrument that is a pleasure to pick up and one that is not, and almost all of them cost very little. Found it cheaper elsewhere? We will match the price.

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Choosing string gauge

Gauge is the thickness of the strings, quoted by the diameter of the thinnest one, so a set of 9s is lighter than a set of 10s. Lighter strings bend easily and are kinder to the fingers, which suits beginners and lead playing. Heavier strings give more volume, a fuller tone and hold tuning better under aggressive playing. Changing gauge significantly alters the tension on the neck, so a large jump may need the setup adjusting afterwards rather than being purely a matter of taste.

String materials

Electric strings are nickel wound for a warmer tone or stainless steel for a brighter, harder edge that resists corrosion. Acoustic strings are usually phosphor bronze, which sounds warm and rounded, or 80/20 bronze, which is brighter but dulls faster. Coated strings cost more and last considerably longer, which makes them good value if your hands are acidic or you play daily. Classical instruments take nylon strings and must never be fitted with steel, which will damage the neck.

Straps and strap safety

Width and material decide comfort. A wide padded strap spreads the weight of a heavy instrument across the shoulder, which matters for long sets and for basses in particular. Leather lasts longest and softens with use, while woven fabric is lighter and cheaper. Whatever you choose, fit strap locks or at minimum a pair of rubber washers over the buttons, because a strap slipping off a button is the commonest way a guitar hits the floor.

Plectrums and slides

Pick thickness changes both tone and control. Thin picks flex and suit strumming, giving a lighter, brighter attack. Thick picks give more precision and volume for single note playing. Since they cost pennies and get lost constantly, buy a mixed selection and find what suits your hand. Slides come in glass for a warmer smoother tone, and metal for more bite and volume, and the choice is mostly personal preference.

Capos and tuning aids

A capo clamps across the fretboard to raise the pitch, letting you play familiar shapes in a different key, which is invaluable for accompanying singers. Spring clamp designs are quick to move, while screw adjusted capos apply more even pressure and pull the instrument out of tune less. If a capo makes strings buzz or sound sharp, it is either too far from the fret or clamped harder than necessary.

Care and small spares worth having

Keep a spare set of strings, a spare strap, a couple of plectrums and a string winder in the case, since all four are things that end a rehearsal otherwise. Wipe strings after playing to slow corrosion, and change them when they sound dull rather than waiting for one to break, because a set that has gone lifeless makes a good instrument sound cheap.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which string gauge should I choose?
Lighter gauges such as 9s bend easily and are kinder to the fingers, suiting beginners and lead playing. Heavier sets give more volume and fuller tone and hold tuning better under hard playing. A big change in gauge may need the setup adjusting.

What is the difference between nickel and stainless steel strings?
Nickel wound sounds warmer and is the usual electric choice. Stainless steel is brighter with more edge and resists corrosion better. For acoustics the equivalent choice is phosphor bronze for warmth or 80/20 bronze for brightness.

Can I put steel strings on a classical guitar?
No. Classical instruments are built for the much lower tension of nylon strings, and fitting steel can damage the neck and bridge. Always use nylon on a classical or Spanish guitar.

Are coated strings worth the extra?
If you play daily or your hands corrode strings quickly, yes, because they last considerably longer. For occasional playing, standard strings changed when they sound dull work out cheaper.

Do I need strap locks?
They are strongly worth having, since a strap coming off a button is the most common way a guitar ends up on the floor. At minimum, fit rubber washers over the strap buttons.

Thin or thick plectrums?
Thin picks flex and suit strumming with a brighter, lighter attack. Thick picks give more precision and volume for single note playing. They cost very little, so buy a mixed pack and find what suits your hand.

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