Best gifts for guitar players 2024: Gift ideas for every type of guitarist

Us guitar players are a demanding bunch, and picking a perfect gift for a special day can be incredibly tough when you don't know your pedal tuners from your locking tuners. To make things easier for you, we've put together a comprehensive list of the best gifts for guitar players right here, with loads of choices that will show just how much you love the guitarist in your life.

As guitarists ourselves we know what we really want, and to be brutally honest it's not a custom pick with our name on it that'll get lost in a few days. We want accessories that enhance our instruments, consumables that save us money, and tools that help us play better. All of the items on this list have been picked by actual guitar players, so you can rest assured they'll be hit when the big day arrives.

Whether it's something useful like new guitar strings or a cleaning kit, or something more expensive like a new practice amp or quality set of headphones, we've got the full gamut of gift ideas from super cheap to super splurge. If you're reading this and it's a little too late to get your item shipped, we've got you covered there too, with plenty of last-minute, instant gifts that don't require you to wrap them up and send them.

Best gifts for guitar players: Editor's picks

All of the products in this guide will make great gifts but if you want to know what we'd buy, these are our favourites. There's a range of budgets here, and something to suit every kind of guitarist.

Best gifts for guitar players: Under $20/£20

Best gifts for guitar players: Ernie Ball super slinky

(Image credit: Ernie Ball)

1. Ernie Ball Slinky guitar strings

The ultimate guitar perishable, replenished

Specifications

Price: From $6.99/£7.99

Reasons to buy

+
Guaranteed to be used
+
You can save money buying multiple sets
+
Super budget friendly

Reasons to avoid

-
Some guitar players are picky with which string gauge they want

Guitarists will always need new strings so this is one gift that's guaranteed to see use, unlike that jumper that's never left the closet. They come in multi-packs so their guitar collection stays fresher for longer and best of all, they're low-cost, making them a perfect stocking filler.

Best gifts for guitar players: Fast Fret String Cleaner

(Image credit: GHS)

2. Fast Fret String Cleaner

Clean strings. Happy guitarist...

Specifications

Price: $7.99/£7.99

Reasons to buy

+
Improves the feel of any guitar
+
Lubricates and protects the strings
+
Cheap as chips

Reasons to avoid

-
If used regularly, it wont last long

This little tin of slippery greatness has been a favourite of guitarists for years. The idea is to rub its slippy bit up and down the strings of a guitar. It not only lubricates the strings but protects them from the hideous secretions that seep from your fingertips. Strings live longer and the guitar just feels nicer to play.

Best gifts for guitar players: Guitar Tab Book

(Image credit: MusicRoom)

3. Guitar Tab Book

A great option for players on the learning journey

Specifications

Price : From $9.99/£9.99

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of big-name bands available
+
Good range of beginner to intermediate 
+
Variety of musical styles

Reasons to avoid

-
Might not have their specific favourite artist

Most players get their start learning their favourite band's songs, so this is the perfect gift for a beginner player or even one who's already been going for a while. Over at Musicroom, there's a huge selection of major name artists available so you're sure to find something to suit here, although it's unlikely you'll find their favourite Swedish melo-death band. There's also a great selection of more educational tab books that will improve their chord work, soloing, phrasing, and much more.

Best gifts for guitar players: Dunlop 222 Brass slide

(Image credit: Dunlop)

4. Jim Dunlop 222 Brass slide

Put a thing on their finger

Specifications

Price: $11.99/£12.99

Reasons to buy

+
Opens up a whole new world of guitar
+
Works great on electric and acoustic
+
Great stocking filler

Reasons to avoid

-
May not fit everyone

There's no sweeter sound than George Harrison playing slide guitar. That's a fact. A slide is essentially a glass, ceramic or metal tube dragged along the strings to emulate the sound of a wailing human voice. In the wrong hands it can sound like a dying cat being pulled through a hedge backwards, but this fancy brass number from Fender is a brilliant choice for a guitarist that wants to try something new. 

Best gifts for guitar players: Under $30/£30

Best gifts for guitar players: Schaller strap locks

(Image credit: Schaller)

5. Schaller strap locks

Everything in its right place

Reasons to buy

+
These things help a guitar defy the occasionally devastating effects of gravity
+
Easy to install and live with

Reasons to avoid

-
Worth making sure you get the correct colour 

There's nothing more distressing for a guitarist than the moment their pride and joy slips off its strap and hits the deck. If Sir Isaac Newton were around today and riffing and that, he would be using strap locks. These are available in various finishes - black, gold, nickel, chrome - to suit the rest of the hardware on a guitar. So, do your homework... Our guide on how to upgrade and install strap locks is a great place to start. 

Best gifts for guitar players: Fender Custom Shop DLX Guitar Care Kit

(Image credit: Fender)

6. Fender Custom Shop DLX Guitar Care Kit

The ultimate gift for guitar players who want a clean tone

Specifications

Price: $29.99/£24.99

Reasons to buy

+
Protects their guitar's finish
+
Makes strings last longer
+
Will keep their guitar looking better for longer

Reasons to avoid

-
Not very much in each bottle

There are two types of guitarist. Those that keep their gear clean... and those filthy beasts that need to get their act together. Keeping a guitar clean and polished protects the finish and hardware, and actually adds to the lifespan of guitar strings. This Fender set comes with a cleaner, polish, quick clean and a fingerboard revitaliser.

Best gifts for guitar players: Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs

(Image credit: Alpine)

7. Alpine MusicSafe Pro earplugs

Protection for your loved one's ears

Specifications

Price: $29.99/£25

Reasons to buy

+
A must-have for any guitarist
+
Can be worn to gigs
+
Comfortable and washable

Reasons to avoid

-
Doesn't fit as well as a custom set

As a musician, there's one thing above all that's irreplaceable - your hearing. You can't gift yourself a new pair of ears, so taking care of the ones you already have is critical. These Alpine MusicSafe Pro Earplugs come with a wide variety of fittings, are washable, and will ensure that their hearing stays pristine for longer. Plus if you get yourself a pair you can drown out that 50th attempt at the Stairway to Heaven solo!

Best gifts for guitar players: Under $50/£50

Best gifts for guitar players: Macrame Acoustic Guitar Hanger

(Image credit: MacraMusic)

8. Macra Music Instrument Hanger

A unique gift for acoustic instrument players

Reasons to buy

+
Makes your guitar look even cooler
+
Available for any size acoustic, banjo or uke
+
Loads of colour options
+
All natural materials are vintage-finish safe

Reasons to avoid

-
Only for acoustic instruments

There hasn't really been much innovation in guitar wall hangers, until now. Macra Music's range of instrument hangers takes the boring black and plastic of the past and brings it firmly into the future with all-natural materials and a huge range of colour options.

We particularly love the Macrame Acoustic Guitar Hanger, with its isometric lines that enhance the features of your guitar whilst simultaneously holding it securely. The hanger itself is super lightweight, yet the rope is strong enough to hold even the heftiest jumbo acoustic guitar.

It's made from 100% cotton and a bamboo hoop, which means that there's no chance of harming your vintage guitar's finish. Whilst it takes a little getting used to get it in and out of the hanger, once you've nailed the process it takes no longer than a regular one. It's a perfect gift for acoustic guitar players who want something different or the guitarist who has absolutely everything.

Best gifts for guitar players: TC Electronic Polytune Clip

(Image credit: TC Electronic)

9. TC Electronic Polytune Clip Tuner

A great gift for any guitarist

Specifications

Price: $49/£42

Reasons to buy

+
Works on any instrument
+
Makes them sound better
+
Nice and portable

Reasons to avoid

-
Not vintage finish safe

If you're tired of hearing out of tune chords emanating from upstairs, the TC Electronic Polytune Clip Tuner will be a perfect gift. Small enough to fit in a stocking, this powerful little tool works on electric, acoustic, and bass guitars as well as ukuleles, violins, banjos, and pretty much any stringed instrument you can think of.

Best gifts for guitar players: Under $100/£100

Best gifts for guitar players: Boss DS-1

(Image credit: Boss)

10. Boss DS-1 distortion pedal

A legend of the stompbox world

Specifications

Price: $62.99/£61

Reasons to buy

+
One of the most popular distortion pedals
+
Will last a lifetime
+
Versatile tones

Reasons to avoid

-
Not to every player's taste

This simple pedal is a stalwart of the guitar world, having been heard on countless records since its inception in the 70s. The Boss DS-1 is excellent value for money and built like a tank, so will last them a lifetime. It's versatile enough to suit a variety of players too, whether they're an all out metal head or they like soft rock and blues.

Best gifts for guitar players: Levy's MSS2 Strap

(Image credit: Levy's)

11. Levy's MSS2 Signature Series guitar strap

A heavy duty strap that's great for bass guitarists

Specifications

Price: $64.99/£69.99

Reasons to buy

+
Heavy duty enough for bass
+
Great for heavy LP-style guitars
+
Top quality construction

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the longest

This premium leather guitar strap is a great choice for bass guitarists, or those who play a heavier electric guitar like a Les Paul. The extra wide band offers great support for a heavy instrument and the leather ensures it doesn't slip off your shoulder. The top quality construction means it will stand the test of time too, with many users still using them after more than ten years of use!

Best gifts for guitar players: G7th Performance 3 Art Capo

(Image credit: G7th)

11. G7th Performance 3 Art Capo

One of the most popular capos available

Specifications

Price: $69.99/£45

Reasons to buy

+
One of the most popular capos
+
User-friendly, ergonomic design
+
Works on a variety of instruments

Reasons to avoid

-
Won't fit every type of guitar

Even if your loved one already has a capo, another one will certainly be a welcome addition. Having a capo for different guitars can save the faff of switching a single one between multiple instruments, and the G7th Performance 3 Art Capo will perform in pretty much any situation. The Adaptive Radius Technology means it will fit a huge variety of guitars, so your giftee is bound to find a use for this excellent bit of kit.

Best gifts for guitar players: D'Addario Instrument Care Kit

(Image credit: D'Addario)

12. D'Addario Instrument Care Kit

The perfect gift for the guitarist who has everything

Specifications

Price: $69.99/£79.99

Reasons to buy

+
Everything they need to set up their guitar
+
Keeps their instrument in great condition
+
Comes in a handy case

Reasons to avoid

-
They'll need to find a set up guide

Packed full of tools and cleaning kit the D'Addario Instrument Care Kit gives them everything they need to take care of their instrument. Even a cheaper instrument can play brilliantly when set up and looked after properly, making this handy kit the perfect gift for any guitar player. 

It's got a range of cleaning materials, set up tools, and even features a headstock rest and a mat to make sure their guitar's finish stays pristine. The ultimate gift for electric guitar players, it also comes in a convenient carry case so their instrument will always be in top condition.

Best gifts for guitar players: TC Electronic Ditto Loop Pedal

(Image credit: TC Electronic)

13. TC Electronic Ditto Looper

A fantastic tool for any guitarist

Specifications

Price: $99/£79

Reasons to buy

+
An excellent practice and songwriting tool
+
Can loop for up to five minutes
+
Really easy to use

Reasons to avoid

-
Some will want more functionality

A looper pedal is a fantastic gift for a variety of reasons. It's a great practice tool but also serves their songwriting well by allowing them to bounce ideas off themselves. The TC Electronic Ditto Looper is the perfect gift because it's easy to use yet powerful, compact, and relatively cheap when it comes to loopers.

Best gifts for guitar players: EBow Plus

(Image credit: EBow)

14. EBow Plus

A more unusual gift for guitarists

Specifications

Price: $99.95/£99

Reasons to buy

+
Turns any guitar into a violin
+
Great for experimental players
+
Upgrades their guitar sound

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes some getting used to

For the guitarist who likes to experiment sonically, or one that already has a huge collection of gear, the EBow Plus will give them something different. The EBow sits under the radar a little when it comes to guitar gear, but it can open up a huge range of tones from their guitar. It can be unpredictable at times, and takes some getting used to, but it's a fantastic gift idea and they're unlikely to already have one.

Best gifts for guitar players: Under $150/£150

Best gifts for guitar players: Fender Lego Stratocaster

(Image credit: Fender)

15. Fender Lego Stratocaster

A fun project for guitar players with big collections

Specifications

Price: $119.99/£104.99

Reasons to buy

+
A fun project for all ages
+
Great for guitarists with loads of gear
+
Amazing level of detail

Reasons to avoid

-
Headstock is a little fiddly

If the guitarist in your life already has a million different guitars, the Fender Lego Stratocaster will definitely offer them something different. It's a fun building project that isn't too complicated, making it great for any age guitarist. We were really surprised with the level of detail in the amplifier too, which features tubes, capacitors, and correct internals. The headstock is fiddly to construct and a little flimsy, but it's designed to be displayed rather than actually played so it's a minor issue.

Best gifts for guitar players: Fener Mustang Micro

(Image credit: Fender)
A huge array of sounds that fits in your pocket

Specifications

Price: $119.99/£98.99

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for quiet practice
+
Huge array of sounds
+
Can be used for home recording

Reasons to avoid

-
Not much control over effects

The Fender Mustang Micro is an amazingly powerful headphone amplifier that really is pocket sized. We've had one for a few years now and it's an amazing practice tool that will fit a wide variety of guitars. There's a huge array of sounds from clean to full on metal high gain so no matter what their preferred style of playing is, they'll find a sound that works well here.

Best gifts for guitar players: Boss DD-3T

(Image credit: Boss)

17. Boss DD-3T

An update to a guitar pedal icon

Specifications

Price: $154.00/£120

Reasons to buy

+
Iconic delay sounds
+
Rugged build quality
+
Excellent additional functions

Reasons to avoid

-
Others have more sounds

A long-awaited update to an icon of the delay pedal world, the Boss DD-3T retains the simplicity of the original whilst adding some extra features that increase functionality and improve its versatility. A delay pedal will work brilliantly in a variety of styles, so no matter what they play it will be a welcome addition. You can rest assured with Boss' build quality too, as their pedals are well known for surviving pretty much anything.

Best gifts for guitar players: Gator Deluxe ABS Molded Case

(Image credit: Gator)

18. Gator Deluxe ABS Molded Case

A lightweight yet sturdy case that protects their instrument

Specifications

Price: $149.99/£119

Reasons to buy

+
Fits a variety of guitar types
+
Offers excellent protection
+
Nice and lightweight

Reasons to avoid

-
Won't fit more exotic guitar types

A hard case offers much better protection than that free gig bag that comes with their instrument when they buy it, so it's a worthy investment no matter who the guitar player is. The Gator Deluxe ABS Molded Case offers sturdy protection whilst remaining nice and lightweight thanks to the plastic construction, it's also available for a variety of different guitar types.

Best gifts for guitar players: Under $250/£250

Best gifts for guitar players: Squier Sonic Stratocaster

(Image credit: Squier)

19. Squier Sonic Stratocaster

The perfect choice for the budding guitar player

Specifications

Price: $199.99/£159

Reasons to buy

+
Perfect for beginner guitarists
+
Excellent build quality
+
Lots of different colour options

Reasons to avoid

-
Only for beginner guitar players

The brand-new Squier Sonic Stratocaster is a huge update to Fender's beginner guitar offering, featuring new pickup configurations and a whole new set of enticing colours. There's a lot of variety on offer here and they're all fantastic value for money too, making it the perfect gift for your loved one who wants to take up the guitar this year.

Best gifts for guitar players: ATH-M50xBT2

(Image credit: Audio-Technica)
An awesome set of headphones for guitarists

Specifications

Price: $199/£169.99

Reasons to buy

+
Supreme audio quality
+
Bluetooth connectivity
+
Wired connection option

Reasons to avoid

-
Fit is a little tight

Perfect for quiet practice or just listening to their favourite tunes, the Audio-Technica ATH-M50xBT2 are a premium set of headphones that work great for guitarists. Featuring studio-grade sound, they'll make certain their guitar tone shines when practicing with their amp. The added Bluetooth functionality means they can take that great sound on the road with them too.

Best gifts for guitar players: Positive grid Spark Mini

(Image credit: Positive Grid)

21. Positive Grid Spark Mini

A powerful amplifier in a small package

Specifications

Price: $229/£225

Reasons to buy

+
Has a ton of great sounds
+
Intuitive backing tracks
+
Good for learning new songs

Best gifts for guitar players: $250/£250+

Best gifts for guitar players: Boss Katana MKII 50 Amplifier

(Image credit: Boss)

22. Boss Katana MKII 50 Amplifier

When one amp just isn't enough...

Reasons to buy

+
Killer sounds
+
Portable yet powerful
+
Reasonably priced

Reasons to avoid

-
Modelling amps aren't for everyone 

Want a one-way ticket into the good books? What if we said you could buy the guitarist in your life a whopping ten amplifiers and 65 effects? And all for less than the price of a games console. The Boss Katana II 50 watt combo uses clever internal gubbins to replicate the sound of the aforementioned mountain of gear. Plus, it can be run at gig, rehearsal and bedroom volume. Yes, there is a headphone socket. The Boss Katana isn't just one of our favourite cheap guitar amps under $500/£500 but also one of the best guitar amps on the market - period. 

Best gifts for guitar players: Epiphone Slash AFD Les Paul Special

(Image credit: Epiphone)

23. Epiphone Slash AFD Pack

Perfect for budding rock gods

Specifications

Price: $399/£350

Reasons to buy

+
Comes with everything you need
+
Great looks and excellent value
+
Excellent as an upgrade platform

Reasons to avoid

-
Only for beginners

If you've got a little rock god in waiting, the Epiphone Slash AFD Pack is a brilliant all-in-one kit that will get them on the road to superstardom. Featuring a guitar, amp, and a myriad of accessories, it's your one-stop shop for a budding guitar player. Epiphone guitars punch well above their weight in terms of quality versus price point, so don't think this is a mere toy. It's also a great platform for upgrading components should they want more performance as they develop.

Best gifts for guitar players: Martin LX1E

(Image credit: Martin)
A Little Martin with a big personality

Specifications

Price: $439/£449

Reasons to buy

+
Solid spruce top
+
Easy to play
+
Portable 

Reasons to avoid

-
Not the loudest guitar out there 

The Martin LX1 is the smallest and cheapest of the Little Martin series acoustic guitars, but you absolutely don’t compromise on tone or quality as a result. The solid Sitka spruce top is of the same grade as some of Martin’s most desirable USA-made models, and paired with the durable HPL back and sides this little beauty provides a depth of tone that no other small bodied acoustic can get close to. It’s that typical Martin sound - but in a nice neat package. 

This LX1E has an internal pickup from Fishman, who are widely regarded as one of the best in the business. Plug this bad boy in and it’ll produce an arena-filling sound - FYI it also makes a fantastic travel guitar for those on the move! 

Read the full Martin LX1E Little Martin review

Best gifts for guitar players: Fender Player Stratocaster

(Image credit: Fender)
A guitar icon that will make a great gift

Specifications

Price: $849.99/£719

Reasons to buy

+
An icon of the guitar world
+
Fantastic value for money
+
Awesome playability
+
Lots of finish options

Reasons to avoid

-
Not for heavier styles of music

One of the legends of the guitar world, the Fender Player Stratocaster is a fantastic instrument that will suit a large variety of different players. Whether they're looking to upgrade from a beginner guitar, or just add to their collection, this ultra-playable axe is the perfect intermediate-level instrument. Available in a variety of configurations and colour schemes, the Fender Player Strat is a brilliant guitar in every sense and will make an amazing gift for any guitar player.

Read the full Fender Player Stratocaster review

Best gifts for guitar players: Last minute ideas and subscriptions

Music software: Various

Music software: Various
Recording and creating music at home is now easier than ever, thanks to powerful laptops and easy-to-use recording software. 

Plugins and software are great last-minute ideas as they are instant downloads, meaning there's no need to wait on delivery! Why not tell your giftee what budget you have for them and set them free on sites like Plugin Boutique or Waves

These sites have everything from guitar amp simulators to reverbs, delays and compressors, so they won't be short of options. 

Concert tickets: Ticketmaster

Concert tickets: Ticketmaster
If you’re shopping last minute for someone who loves live music, then e-tickets for a concert or a voucher to put towards their next gig is a no-brainer. 

There are many sites out there, but Ticketmaster is our vendor of choice. This is due to the vastness of events on offer, plus you can spread the cost of tickets! 

Gift cards: Any amount

Gift cards: Any amount
Ok so gift vouchers aren’t the most inspiring gift idea, but with guitarists being a fussy bunch, sometimes they are the best option.

Buying vouchers for their favourite shop gives them the option to choose what they really want, plus, you can usually get them delivered straight to an email address; ideal if you’re shopping very close to the big day! 

Our recommendations would be Thomann and Andertons in the UK and Guitar Center, Sweetwater and Musician’s Friend in the US.

Music magazines: Subscribe and save!

Music magazines: Subscribe and save!
Sometimes nothing beats sitting down with a good book or magazine and ditching the tech for a while. You can subscribe and save on music-making magazines right now from Future Music and Computer Music, to Guitarist, Total Guitar, Guitar World and Guitar Techniques. Head to our subscriptions site or call 0330 333 1113.

Best gifts for guitar players: Cards and gift wrap

Best gifts for guitar players: wrapping paper

(Image credit: Etsy)

Now that you've selected the perfect guitar gift, you'll need to make sure the card and wrapping paper are a match too! If you’re looking for quirky, handmade options that support independent makers, our first choice would be Etsy. You’ll find plenty of music-themed designs like this awesome guitar print paper.

Best gifts for guitar players: Quick links

Didn't find your perfect gift here? Well, below are a selection of our favourite places to grab a guitar-related bargain. 

US

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