If you’re a guitarist who’s involved in any kind of live performance, there are certain things that are critical to making sure you get the job done properly. Of course you need a good instrument and preparation to play the songs you have to perform, but once you hit the stage and plug in your guitar, there’s still more to consider. The following items seem simple and obvious, but they tend to get overlooked. My experience has been that life onstage is easier and less stressful when you have them at the ready. You can concentrate on making music and connecting with the other people on the stage and in the audience, which is why you’re there — plus it’s way more fun than struggling with gear.
Tuner
Being out of tune is an instant handicap that’s easy to fix. Guitar tuners are affordable, convenient, abundant, and accurate. Whether you’re plugged into a classic BOSS TU-3 or TC Electronic PolyTune 2, or if you prefer the clip-on-style Snark ST-8 or Planet Waves PW-CT-12, a good tuner is essential. You can’t be too in tune!
Strap
This may seem too basic, but a bad strap that digs into your shoulder, is the wrong height, or makes your guitar hang oddly is a total distraction onstage. This is easy to fix. I prefer a padded leather strap, such as Levy’s M26. It’s comfortable with just about any acoustic or electric guitar and is neutral enough to blend with any style. Of course, you can easily get a strap that complements your look, such as the Vox Python or the Gibson Accessories Austin Comfort. Definitely have a good strap for each of your instruments.
Strap Lock
I can’t imagine standing onstage with a guitar and not using a strap lock of some sort to prevent disasters. If you’ve ever felt your guitar strap drop off your shoulder as your guitar plummeted toward the floor, then you know what I mean. Keep the same system on all your guitars, so all straps and guitars match and are interchangeable. I’ve always used the Dunlop Dual Design.
Cables
A bad cable will either give bad sound, or worse, no sound. Cables wear out from being plugged and unplugged, stepped on, wrapped, pulled, etc. From the cable that connects your iPad to the PA for break music or backing tracks, such as the Pro Co IPMB2Q10, to the cable that connects your guitar to everything else, such as the Mogami Gold Instrument, solid trustworthy cables are beautiful things. I always have a few backups handy, too.
Stands
The Hercules GS414B is my favorite guitar stand. The hanging aspect keeps your strap and cable from getting tangled up in the arms of the stand, and the neck closure keeps your guitar safe. For multiple guitars, the Fender Accessories Guitar Case Stand is sturdy, secure, and folds down easily to transport.
