Below is a list of 9 great gift ideas for the guitarist in your life (or for those of you wanting to drop hints to your friends and family).
Listed from least to most expensive, these are all products that I use, or have used, and feel confident that they will work well for you. They are mostly considered “accessories” and I tried to have gifts in a wide range of prices. Make sure to bookmark this page so you can use these gift ideas all year long.
If you are looking for a gift not listed here, please feel free to contact me. I’d love to help!
The 2023 Holiday Gift List
1) Snark Tuner (SN-1) ($20)
There are many options for “headstock tuners” however I recommend this one.
2) Personalized Guitar Picks ($20-25)
Comes with 20 personalized picks, a tin pick case, and a “pick necklace”. Print on both sides if you like. Very cool gift! Scroll down to see the product.
3) Capo (Kyser) ($20-25)
Capos help you change keys. This is a great inexpensive accessory that almost every guitar player can use. Choose electric or acoustic. Many colors to choose from.
Acoustic Guitar Capo
Electric Guitar Capo
4) Strap-Locks ($10-25)
Strap-locks are a security system for holding the strap onto your guitar securely and preventing it from coming loose and falling to the ground. It’s not “if”, it’s “when”. I have them on all of my guitars.
Fender Strap-Locks (good)
Dunlop Strap-Locks (better)
Schaller Strap-Locks (best)
5) Guitar Fretboard Memorization Flash Cards ($23)
Great for learning the fretboard both with and away from your guitar. These cards are created by my friend and fellow teacher, Rich Freeman (Tuned In Guitar Lessons/ Miami). Great gift!
6) GuitarPro 8 Software ($35 license)
Regular price $70 – 50% off through my teacher discount. This software allows you to create or play tablature and is what I use to write all my music lessons. The link here is to the website but contact me if you want to purchase at the discounted rate.
7) Transcribe! Software App ($39)
This is one of the best tools you can have as a developing guitarist. Originally meant for legal transcribers, this app has proven to be one of the best music learning tools ever. Easy drop in an mp3 audio file, and loop it, adjust the speed, adjust the pitch, the volume, the EQ (ie. remove vocals). Also works with video files!
8) Guitar Strap (~$45)
MADE IN THE USA. The most comfortable strap I’ve ever used! I bought a “long” one for acoustic and a “regular” for electric. Website says they’ll deliver by 12/25.
Long Strap (for acoustic)
Regular Length
9) Positive Grid Spark 40 ($234) / Positive Grid Spark Mini ($199) / Positive Grid Spark Go ($114)
This family of practice amps fit most needs and budgets. They are all compact, portable, desk-top practice amps that sound amazing. I love them all, but would get the Mini if I could only have one.
BONUS ITEM) The Kilimanjaro Club Adventure Series ($16-20)
For those down times between guitar practice, this literary series is written by “our own” Ron Lamberson (5:30p Thursday class). I’m sure I can probably swing a signed copy or two if you’re interested. This is a perfect gift for the “reader” in your life. Plus you help out a “real guy” rather than some corporation!
Let me know if you have any questions or other good gift ideas to include on the list. Here’s to giving (or getting) the perfect gift!