A gig bag can be the most convenient way to carry your instrument. Whether you’re going to a friend’s house for an impromptu jam or doing a world tour, the gig bag’s grab-and-go accessibility is hard to beat. Many gig bags also have lots of storage pockets, so make sure that you pack them with the things you really need!
The Essentials
No matter how little storage space you have in your gig bag, keep these handy to be prepared for whatever may come your way:
- Extra strings
- Picks
- Strap
- Slide and capo
- Soft polish cloth
- Clip-on tuner
- Hearing protection
- Adjustment wrenches specific to the instrument in the bag
- Cables specific to the instrument in the bag
Nice to Have
This is the stuff that you might be able to live without, but you’ll be happy to see it when you need it:
- Small flashlight
- Leatherman-type multi-tool
- Peg winder and string cutter — a guitar-oriented multi-tool such as Farley’s
- JP Deluxe Guitar Tool or Planet Waves Pro-Winder
- 9-volt and AA batteries
- Extra cable
- Extra strap
- Strap blocks
- Pencil, pen, Sharpie, and paper
- Phone charger
The gig bag’s usefulness doesn’t end there; it’s an excellent place to keep your phone, wallet, keys, etc., during a gig or rehearsal. It’s usually close by, and the zippered pockets will keep everything from getting lost.
This list should keep you prepared and performance-ready at all times. That way you can concentrate on the whole reason you have any of this stuff, which is to make music!