9 Best Gifts For Guitar Players 2024

Does the guitarist in your life have a big day coming up that is worth celebrating? Sometimes, a guitar-related gift can really be the gift that makes their day.

You really do have endless options when it comes to this type of gift. Fortunately for you, we’ve chosen to help you by giving you ideas that would make a worthwhile gift.

Here are some of the best gifts you can get the guitarist in your life. 

“How To Write One Song” by Jeff Tweedy – Best Overall

It is no secret that playing guitar, and music in general, requires creativity. Yet, you’d be surprised how many guitarists have never written a song.

In fact, some of your best local guitarists probably fit into this category. It can be easy to rely on playing other people’s music because that is what most people want to hear.

Writing a song is an excellent gift to be able to give yourself as a musician. How To Write One Song by Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco), gives plenty of ideas for crafting a song.

Within its pages are a number of unique exercises a guitarist can employ to write different songs. Many of these involve placing words in unique combinations that lie outside of everyday vocabulary.

Too many musicians wait for inspiration to strike, which can cause serious dry periods of no creativity. How To Write One Song will inspire its reader to incorporate songwriting as an everyday ritual.

Jeff Tweedy is perhaps the best person to write a book like this. He is an insanely prolific songwriter, giving examples of how he uses the exercises throughout the book.

What’s even better is that Tweedy spends a good deal of time dispelling myths and commonly-held beliefs. He aims to make everyone feel as if they could write a song (they can).

This book is an excellent gift for any guitarist who has songwriting aspirations. Even longtime songwriters can find something of value here within these pages.

Another reason this is an excellent gift is that the book imparts knowledge that can be used for a lifetime. This is perhaps better than any item that may or may not get used due to preferences.

Soundbrenner Core Steel Musician’s Smartwatch – Best Premium

Have a decent budget and looking to blow somebody’s mind? Consider looking at the Soundbrenner Core Steel Musician’s Smartwatch (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon).

Yes, believe it or not, high-tech gadgetry has found its way into the daily routine of guitar practice. This smartwatch, however, is not a gimmick by any means.

For starters, this smartwatch not only tells time but features an advanced metronome to keep musical time. The guitarist can adjust the tempo by twisting the clock face or tapping the tempo.

Where this smartwatch gets interesting is that it actually sends physical pulses for the metronome, rather than beeping. In other words, the pulse is felt, rather than heard.

The Core Steel Musician’s Smartwatch also has the ability to tune the guitar. You can attach the face to any magnetic surface of the guitar for easy tuning.

One of the best features here is that the watch tracks the volume of the rooms you are playing in. It gives you data relating to how loud the volume was and how much time you were in that scenario.

This watch will really give the guitarist a good idea of the volumes their ears are consistently being subjected to. Everybody knows that the ears are incredibly important for any musician. 

In general, though, this is an excellent modern take on a metronome. Its sleek design is discreet enough for the highly technical guitarist who performs on stage.

Plus, Soundbrenner offers a large number of different watchbands for a high degree of customization.

The Core Steel Musician’s Smartwatch is powered by a rechargeable battery. A USB port is provided for easy charging. 

Sweetwater Tote Bag – Best Budget

Some gifts don’t need to cost too much money to make a worthwhile gift for a guitarist. In fact, the Sweetwater Tote Bag is a great example of this.

Most guitarists have likely shopped at Sweetwater, as they are the largest retailer of musical supplies. Anyone who’s ever visited the Ft. Wayne headquarters store would have no issue sporting a bag like this.

This Sweetwater Tote Bag is exactly how it sounds. It is essentially a bag comprised of non-woven polypropylene. 

The bag features 2 handles measuring 20”. Each handle has been reinforced for a more durable and rugged bag.

A plastic insert is also included. This allows the guitarist to keep the bag in a rectangular design or opt for an open and loose design.

You’re probably wondering why this might make a great gift. Well, you’d have to be living under a rock not to know the consequences of single-use plastic shopping bags.

A tote bag such as this means the guitarist can eliminate the use of those dreaded bags. Plus, anyone who actively uses these for groceries could always use an extra bag for their collection.

It is a basic bag by most means and it is actually very low in cost. If you’re creating a combination gift, this could make a great gift bag that holds the rest of the gift.

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen

Most guitarists have some desire to be able to record themselves playing. The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon) allows a guitarist to do just that.

This interface connects to any Windows/Mac computer by means of USB. From there, a digital audio workstation program is used to capture the sound input of the interface.

With this interface, you can connect a wide variety of different instruments and microphones for recording. 2 of the interfaces support both microphone and line-in connections. 

Along with these inputs is a dedicated gain knob to control the volume of the signal coming into the interface. Onboard 48v Phantom Power is provided for each channel.

The guitarist will also be able to connect a pair of headphones to the interface for monitoring purposes. This has its own volume control, which will really come in handy.

MIDI function is also supported with the Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen. This will allow for connection with MIDI keyboard controllers, drum machines, and much more.

The back of the interface also has support for 2 more line inputs, with 4 line outputs. 

Also included with this interface is a software bundle featuring:

• Ableton Live Lite
• Focusrite Plug-in Collective
• Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite
• Focusrite Hitmaker Expansion

The Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen makes it extremely easy to record music and live stream audio performances onto the internet. You’d actually be surprised how many musicians and YouTubers rely on this interface on a daily basis.

This is a dream come true for anybody that has ever desired to record their own music. Gone are the days of spending $10,000 for studio time.

The Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen allows you to record anywhere, at any time. Yes, even the bathroom if that’s where the music is happening.

MOTU Messenger Bag

As you’ve learned by now, technology has allowed musicians to record their own music. It’s not uncommon to want to record in different places, even in the remotest of woods.

When this is the case, the musician inevitably has to bring their computer and the rest of their associated gear. The MOTU Messenger Bag makes this process a breeze, ensuring everything stays safe and organized.

Within the main section of the bag, a 17” computer can be safely placed. This section features pockets for larger computer accessories.

There’s also another compartment of equal sizes and has 4 mini compartments divided by file folders. This is an incredibly handy feature provided to keep things organized and separated.

If that wasn’t enough, the MOTU Messenger Bag does have places to store papers, cards, writing utensils, and more. Additional pockets are also added for anything else that might be needed for a recording session.

You’ve probably seen by now that this bag is in no shortage of storage. But, just how well is it built?

For starters, the bag is completely resistant to water. This, of course, is a great touch, as the bag will likely be carrying electronics.

The bag’s shoulder strap has a rubber section provided for stability and comfort. However, 2 smaller handles are provided to carry the bag more like a briefcase. 

This messenger bag also has a cellphone pocket. There won’t be any excuses for leaving the phone at home with this bag!

Overall, this is an excellent choice, especially if you know the guitarist has a need for such a bag. Anyone who has been in these shoes knows the true value of a bag like this.

Musicians tend to be disorganized, which gets amplified in travel situations. This bag allows for organization and safety during transport. 

D’Addario Pint Glass Pack

It is not uncommon for musicians to enjoy a tasty beverage. For thirsty musicians, the D’Addario Pint Glass Pack makes for a perfect gift.

This set of 4 glasses is a great addition to any musician’s home. You can be sure they’ll be put to good use.

As is customary with most pint glasses, these can support capacities up to 16 ounces.

Each glass has D’Addario’s classic D-Mark logo. This gives the glasses a very modern look, even if you didn’t know what the logo stands for.

D’Addario is a company that the guitarist in your life has probably had contact with at some point. They are a well-known and popular maker of guitar strings and other accessories. 

In fact, the guitarist that uses their products would likely be more than happy to use these glasses.

You can opt to buy just a single pint glass if you prefer not to spend as much money. However, the set is perfect because it means you also have a glass to drink out of when visiting.

Plus, you get a better value when you buy the pack as opposed to 1 single glass. The pack essentially provides more bang for your buck.

Ernie Ball P06224 Patch Cable Pack

Does the guitarist in your life actively use a pedal board? If so, take a look at the Ernie Ball P06224 Patch Cable Pack (compare price at Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Amazon).

Any guitarist will tell you that managing a pedalboard can be a serious pain in the rear. So many cables are involved that a pedal board is required for convenience and organization. 

Unfortunately, pedal boards and cables can be quite the tricky combination. The actual real estate on the board itself can be affected greatly by the type of cable being used.

If the cable is too clunky, it could actually take up quite a bit of space. This, inevitably, causes some pedals to be left off of the board.

There are also situations where the ideal signal chain isn’t always the most ideal location for the pedal. A well-designed cable can allow for pedals to be placed and connected at any location on the pedal board.

So, where does the P06224 Patch Cable Pack come into play? This will provide the guitarist with an assortment of different cables they can use to manage their pedalboard.

There are 10 different cables in total that are included with this cable pack. Each cable features a ribbon body for very discreet and space-saving use.

Adding to this ergonomic design is the fact that each cable has a pancake connector. This will allow pedals to be extremely close to each other on the pedal board.

The pack includes cables of various sizes, including:

• 2 cables x 3”
• 4 x 6”
• 2 x 12”
• 2 x 24”

You can be sure that this is one of those gifts that any guitarist will put to good use. It has a common utility and fulfills a much-needed role for any pedal board. 

Hercules GS405B SHOKSAFE 

Any guitarist could always use a guitar stand, especially if it is well-built. The Hercules GS405B SHOKSAFE (compare price at Sweetwater, Amazon) is one of the best money can buy.

Not sure if the guitarist in your life needs a stand? Well, chances are, if they play frequently, they could use it.

Stands allow for the guitar to be stored just about anywhere. Within a moment’s notice, the guitarist can grab their guitar thanks to the stand’s easy access.

However, when it comes to these stands, security and stability are of utmost importance. That is precisely where the GS405B SHOKSAFE comes into play.

This stand features 2 connection points to the guitar for some of the best stability to be found. One point is at the neck cradle, with the other point found at the body cradle.

Each point of contact is coated with specially-designed padding for cosmetic protection. Most guitar finishes should be safe with this padding.

The actual bar that connects these 2 contact points tilts for an optimally-secure function. 

In particular, the GS405B SHOKSAFE protects against any bumps that may occur when the guitar is on the stand. This function is definitely aided by the fact that the stand has a wide base, which provides even more stability. 

While it may seem bulky, the stand actually folds into a very ergonomic size for easy transport. Each component locks into place when being used.

Much of a guitarist’s gear will experience the rigors of playing on the road, being transported to different places. Most gear isn’t able to withstand such a punishment.

The GS405B SHOKSAFE, however, will likely last the guitarist the rest of their life. Cheaper alternatives could easily be found, but few offer the stability this provides.

Snark SN1X

Are you looking for one of the most useful things you could ever give to the guitarist in your life? Look no further than the Snark SN1X (compare price at Sweetwater, Amazon).

Snark absolutely revolutionized the way guitarists tune their guitars. It used to be that we had to use plug-in tuners or tuners that relied on a microphone.

These methods weren’t always the most convenient. Some of them weren’t even all that accurate.

All that changed when Snark introduced its infamous clip-on tuner. This tuner actually measures the vibration present on the guitar caused by the strings being played.

It turned out that these battery-powered tuners were not only super convenient but extremely accurate, too. For that reason, you’ll often see guitarists with these equipped on their instruments. 

The SN1X has the ability to tune both guitar and bass guitars, which is a definite plus for any performer. Every guitarist knows a bass player who always needs to borrow a tuner mid-performance.

This specific model offers chromatic tuning, which allows for custom tunings far outside standard tuning.

These tuners are extremely helpful for any guitarist. Some prefer to have one for each and every guitar that they own.

For that reason, and for its low cost, the Snark SN1X is an excellent gift for any guitarist.

What To Look For When Buying Gifts For Guitar Players

It’s a wonderful thought to want to give the guitar player in your life a gift. Of course, if you don’t play guitar yourself, it can be hard to know what to get.

Keep the following points in mind, and you’ll find a worthwhile gift appropriate for the occasion. This will help to determine whether your gift is useful or gets put away indefinitely.

Function

Everything in the world of guitar has its own specific function. And, as you can imagine, there are quite a lot of things a guitarist can acquire for their musical pursuits.

You will need to figure out what purpose you want your gift to be used for. Doing so will help to narrow down your choices into a manageable group of possible selections.

Are you wanting to find something that your guitarist will use and rely upon? Certain accessories, such as tuners and stands, can really excel as a noteworthy gift here.

Perhaps you know that the guitarist in your life is an avid fan of a certain manufacturer. You’ll likely have some idea of this if they own many things from one company, or constantly talk about them.

Apparel, such as a T-shirt or hat can really work wonders. The guitarist in your life will be more than happy to receive these gifts.

You might not think it, but apparel usually ends up being worn during performances. Guitarists absolutely love to openly advertise the companies they endorse for their own pursuits.

Maybe you want to impart something thoughtful which might not have a place in the everyday routine. These gifts can act as a gentle reminder to the guitarist that you support their musical pursuits.

High-dollar items are generally gifts that could unlock doors for a guitarist. For instance, an interface allows for recording, an ability the guitarist may not have had access to before the gift.

Things like books can make a thoughtful gift without necessarily being a worthless gift. There is likely a music-related book that pertains to your guitarist’s interests that they will read and consume with pleasure.

Books are also great because they can implant kernels of knowledge the guitarist can implement into their life.

Budget

This might seem like a no-brainer, but you will need to keep your working budget in mind. How much you are willing to spend for a gift will determine exactly what you might buy.

If you’re wondering why this concern is here, it’s for the simple fact that everybody’s budget is different. When a person has an important connection in your life, you are going to be willing to spend more money.

Likewise, a casual acquaintance or friend doesn’t really warrant a high-dollar purchase. It would not be selfish to take a moment and really think about the importance of your connection before shopping.

If you do have a larger budget, you’re generally faced with one major choice that can define your gift. Do you buy one large-ticket item, or opt to buy a combination of a bunch of different things?

You’ve likely had the experience of feelings that each of these types of gifts might induce. If both types of gifts are executed in the best possible fashion, the guitarist’s feelings will be of equal elation. 

Combination gifts are excellent if you know you absolutely want to spend a certain amount of money. You can buy something decently expensive and supplement it with cheaper (yet still usable) items.

While it's fun to splurge on a gift, guitarists might get upset if you spend too much money. Keep your spending in moderation and you can help both the guitarist and your own pocket.

Other Things To Consider When Buying Gifts For Guitar Players

It’s nice to want to be helpful, but you need to keep something in mind before buying such a gift. Generally, it’s not always the best idea to buy something that relates to somebody’s hobby.

Guitarists are very particular about the gear they use. This feeling extends even to the smallest accessory they might buy.

Quite often, when guitarists receive guitar-related gifts, it puts them at a disadvantage. We understand the person’s intention, but the gift might be something we might never use.

In turn, guitarists begin to feel guilty about the gift as it sits in a drawer or closet for years. The gift-giver has good and well-meaning intentions, but the gift misses the mark.

It’s certainly not like the guitarist can say anything about this fact upon receiving the gift. To do so would be rude, and, again, your intentions are usually perceived and understood by the guitarist.

If you do want to buy a gift for a guitarist, be sure to ask exactly what they need. They’ll likely have a laundry list of things they want as well as things they always use.

For instance, strings and picks make excellent gift ideas because they incur a recurring cost over the guitarist’s career. But, like everything else, each guitarist has a very specific preference for what they use.

Buying either of these without knowing their preferences will end up being a lost cause. The guitarist will likely end up going to purchase their preferences, regardless of your gift.

Because of that, both strings and picks have been omitted from this list. However, you can do some simple investigating to find out exactly what they use.

Items like guitar stands are also ideal because these are not used during the actual performance of music.

Best Brands For Guitar Player Gifts

If you’ve never bought anything related to a guitar, you’re about to be completely overwhelmed. There is a massive list of manufacturers that produce things related to a guitar.

To help give you a foothold, it’s sometimes best to learn about some of the best brands in the business. Each of the following brands has an excellent reputation with regard to the products they produce.

Snark

Have you ever been to a concert and seen the guitarist having some strange contraption on their headstock? That contraption is likely a clip-on tuner, which is super convenient for a guitarist to have.

Snark is one of the leading companies that produce these clip-on tuners. They have a wide range of different tuners, with some oriented for specific instruments.

Hercules

If the guitarist in your life plays on the stage quite a bit, they could likely use a guitar stand. Stands of all sorts exist, but Hercules undoubtedly makes some of the best available.

Each Hercules stand is built with premium materials, optimum stability, and equipped with various security features. These are the stands any touring musician would love to have in their arsenal.

Ernie Ball

When it comes to strings, Ernie Ball has been in the game for an extremely long time. For over 5 decades, this company has garnered one of the best reputations for strings.

However, Ernie Ball does manufacture other accessories outside of just guitar strings. Things like cables, pedals, straps, and picks are all produced here.

Top Gifts For Guitar Players, Final Thoughts

It is a wonderful thought to give a guitarist in your life a gift related to their guitar-playing. Musicians often do not get the support and acknowledgment for their craft in the way they should.

A gift that was well thought out will really tug at your guitarist’s heartstrings. Such gifts make an impact and allow you to help out, even if you don’t know how to help.