Gift Ideas for a Beginner Blues Guitarist

A bit of background first

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists. You should find some ideas for what you can buy beginner blues guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or whatever occassion arises.

Similar to the rock guitarist, this guitarist probably started out either with a guitar package from a shop (including a guitar, amp, strap, lead, plectrum and tuner) or has been given a second-hand guitar. Blues guitarists seem to have a way of ending up with used guitars - I think that's just the way of the world.

Here's what you can get either guitarist:

A set of picks

Buy a variety of picks. Pick and plectrum are the same thing. Beginner guitarists and even intermediates are still finding their way around the different picks. Get a few thicknesses of each of the following: Dunlop Tortex, Dunlop Jazz II, Dunlop Jazz III. Maybe even get a copper pick. From a quality perspective, there's no need to bother with some famous brand or guitar hero on the pick, they're usually just regular picks with an image on so they can charge more.

By the way, despite the Jazz name, the Dunlop Jazz picks are great for most styles of guitar. They Jazz II is the pick style I've been using for years.

1. Dunlop Tortex Jazz Guitar Pick Heavy 3 Dozen.The Tortex jazz guitar picks were carefully designed and manufactured to give the characteristic maximum memory and minimum wear that made the original tortoiseshell picks famous. The small size and sharp point make it the most precise plectrum on the planet.
2. Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Standard Guitar Picks 1 Dozen .88Mm. Dunlop Tortex Pitch Black Standard Guitar Picks are carefully designed and manufactured to give the maximum memory and minimum wear that made the original tortoiseshell guitar picks famous. Dunlop Tortex guitar picks are available in a variety of gauges. One dozen Pitch Black Picks.
3. Planet Waves 10 Standard Celluloid Picks Medium Green PearlThese guitar picks from Planet Waves provide a natural feel and warm, fat tone due to their celluloid construction. One of the first polymers ever created, cellulose nitrate is made by reacting cotton fibers with nitric acid. Celluloid was substituted for natural tortoise shell picks in the early 1900s and is still one of the most popular guitar pick materials available today.
4. Wedgie Delrin EX Guitar Picks 1 Dozen Blue 1.00MMThe unique and innovative Wedgie guitar picks are designed to be so comfortable, you'll never hold a flat pick again without noticing how flat it is. The Wedgie's contoured shape allows it to be held more firmly without changing its playing feel. The Delrin EX picks are made of a special blend that ensures a clean sound and snappy release.

Strap locks

If their guitar is worth less than $400/£200, then plastic locks (e.g. by Dunlop) are good enough. If it's worth more, then get some Schaller metal locks instead. No harm in having the metal locks on a cheap guitar - start as you mean to go on.

1. Schaller Guitar Strap Locks and Buttons (Pair) Black. Get Schaller's guitar strap locks for added security.

Slide

Every blues player needs a slide. They may not use it all the time, but they will use it now and again. Some even use one every song. They should at least have a glass slide and a metal slide.

1. Dunlop Glass Guitar Slide Heavy Wall Medium. Choose Dunlop Pyrex Glass Slides for a warmer, thicker tone accentuating the middle harmonics of your sound. Processed from high quality boron silicate. Heat treated and annealed to produce a flawless tube. Medium fits ring size 11. Medium with heavy wall fits ring size 10-1/2. Large fits ring size 14.
2. Dunlop 228 Chromed Brass Guitar Slide. The Dunlop 228 Chromed Brass Guitar Slide is a heavy-duty slide with the nice, weighty feel of a brass slide. The Dunlop 228 slide's high-quality chrome plating dishes out tons of bright tone. Perfect for heavy, toneful electric guitar work.

New Strings

Strings should be changed on a regular basis, somewhere between every week and every few months depending on a number of factors, mainly including how often the guitar is played. Play safe and buy what they use or take a chance or get them some great strings and see how they react after stringing up. Strings come in different sizes (known as guages). Go for 9s or 10s to be safe (the smallest number should be 9 or 10, generally it's 0.09 or 0.10). If you know the string gauge the guitarist uses, then you've already got a headstart. Light tops and heavy bottoms are popular for blues guitarists.

1. Rotosound Roto Blues Light Top/Heavy Bottom Electric Guitar Strings. Gauges 10-13-17-30w-42w-52w. Nickel Developed in conjunction with some of the world's top artists, Roto Blues Electric Guitar Strings deliver a smooth powerful tone that lasts when other strings have long since gone dead. Superb brilliance and strength make Roto's the first choice for the professional.
2. Kerly Kerly Kues Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings - Light Top Heavy Bottom. Kerly Kues Nickel Plated Steel strings are seasoned between -320F and +350F for 24 hours to reduce the micro-cracks that cause tonal loss and premature breakage. Thanks to the repetitive HOT/COLD tempering process, the micro-cracks close up, preventing the buildup of dirt and corrosion. Strength, sound, and string life are enhanced. Light top. Heavy bottom.
3. D'Addario EXL110 Nickel Regular Light Electric Guitar Strings 10-Pack. Gauges 10-13-17-26-36-46.World-renowned as "The Player's Choice" among guitarists of all genres and styles. EXL strings are wound with nickel-plated steel, known for it's distinctive bright tone and reduced fret wear. EXL110s are among D'Addario's most popular round-wound, nickel-plated electric guitar strings. D'Addario is the world's largest manufacturer of strings for musical instruments. Many top guitarists won't play any other brand.

Guitar Stand

There are lots of stands around. Choose one that supports the guitar from the headstock at the top (i.e. the guitar hangs rather than rests). Better still look for one that locks the guitar in at the top. The Hercules guitar stands are good for this.

1. Hercules Stands Single Guitar Stand with Free Wallmount Guitar Hanger. This bonus pack includes one Hercules GS414B bass/guitar stand and one free GSP38WB guitar wall hanger. The instrument stand has a comfort grip, fold-up option, specially formulated foam rubber, and a self-locking Auto Grip System to keep your guitar firmly in place. The wall-mounted hook has a wood base, an Auto Swivel yoke that allows different-shaped guitars and basses to hang vertically, an Auto Grip System yoke that securely holds your instrument, and a specially formulated foam that completely covers the yoke.

Overdrive Pedal

Every blues guitarist needs a good overdrive pedal, maybe even just a volume boost pedal. If you're lucky, you'll find a good pedal that does both. These usually sound better than the amp's built-in overdrive, especially if it's a beginner amp. Get a good pedal and it can still be in use 20 years later, after the guitarist has changed amplifiers many times. Since it would be odd to play a $200 guitar through a $400 effects pedal, I've kept the selection here down to cheaper pedals and at the same time avoided the very bottom-end. When I find a decent, low-priced boost pedal, I'll post back here. So far though, most of the cheap ones suck tone, so I've gone with mainly overdrive pedals.

1. Visual Sound V2 Series V2RT66 Route 66 Overdrive and Compression Guitar Multi Effects Pedal. The Visual Sound Route 66 multi effects pedal gives you the great tone guitarists have come to love, plus an added noise reduction system that gives you that quiet ride you've always wanted. Classic compression combined with classic overdrive-these two effects sound great on their own, but combine them, as the Route 66 pedal has, and get the ultimate combination in a single pedal pedal. The V2 Route 66 pedal features redesigned noise reduction on the compressor channel, and additional low-drive range on the overdrive channel. The great-sounding overdrive channel is modeled after the sound of the original Tube Screamer, but it also has a bass boost switch. The compressor can be set for classic squash or clean boost with the unique preamp stage and gain knob. This allows for a truckload of clean gain. The compressor even has its own tone control. The 2 effects can be used independently or combined to complement one another. In 1999, Visual Sound made the statement "Our Route 66 is sure to become as legendary as its namesake." With countless great guitarists using it ever since, the Route 66 pedal from Visual Sound has become just that, a legend! The V2RT66 Overdrive and Compression Guitar Multi Effects Pedal features a diecast aluminum housing, ultra-reliable 10 million cycle switching, easy battery access and circuit protection from AC adapters. Wide and sturdy stomp switches designed by Bob Weil himself. And a redesigned, noise-free experience. This version of the Route 66 pedal has raised the bar for years to come.
2. Electro-Harmonix Nano Muff Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal. The Electro-Harmonix Nano Muff Overdrive Effects Pedal revives the big sound of the 1969 classic Muff Fuzz effect in a compact, die-cast aluminum package. No complicated settings needed here: just the switch and a volume knob. Rugged construction and amazingly compact to save valuable pedalboard space! The red LED indicates when the effect pedal is switched on.You can power the Nano Muff Overdrive pedal with a 9V battery, or an optional 9V 100ma tip-positive AC adapter with an 1/8" plug
3. Visual Sound V2 Series V2DT Double Trouble Dual Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal. The V2DT Double Trouble Dual Overdrive is Visual Sound's interpretation of the TS-808 with bass boost and lots more volume, times 2! Use either overdrive by itself or combine them. For each overdrive, Double Trouble includes level knobs for Drive, Tone and Volume; plus wide and sturdy stomp switches. Bass boost can be switched on or off separately for each overdrive. 1/4" jacks in and out.Everyone loves the overdrive channel in Visual Sound's Jekyll & Hyde and Route 66 pedals. Over the years, Visual Sound has had many requests to put two of these overdrives into one pedal, allowing for two different settings and the ability to use them together. Now you can have that great sound and all the advantages of V2 Series construction, plus the addition of an innovative noise reduction system, in the Double Trouble only from Visual Sound!The Visual Sound V2 Series V2DT Double Trouble Dual Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal features a die-cast aluminum housing, ultra-reliable 10-million cycle switching, easy battery access and circuit protection from AC adapters.
4. T-Rex Tonebug Overdrive Guitar Effects Pedal. The Tonebug Overdrive Guitar Pedal from T-Rex is all about overdrive. Not distortion, not fuzz, but overdrive, that almost miraculously warm, saturated sound of one vintage tube amp pushing the next one just a little too hard. It's what the blues and rock are made of, and now it's yours with the T-Rex ToneBug Overdrive pedal.Tonebug Overdrive is a masterpiece of simplicity, offering just the controls you need to give your sound the unmistakable warm edge that's the hallmark of every guitarist that's ever meant anything to rock and roll. You get a Gain control for setting the amount of overdrive, a Tone control for tuning the timbre of your gain, and Level for making sure your overall volume is right. The T-Rex Tonebug Overdrive is one stompbox that's everything you need and nothing you don't.

String Winder and Cutter

So much easier than winding with your fingers. A must for any guitarist. Yes, you can turn the machine-heads (the tuning pegs) by hand, but the last thing you need in a gig or rehearsal is five minutes while you tune-up. String winders make this so much faster.

1. Planet Waves Pro-Winder String Winder/Cutter. The Planet Waves Pro-Winder is a patented high-quality peg winder with a built-in string clipper. Ergonomically designed with hardened tool-steel wire cutters. The Pro-Winder enables you to change strings with just a single tool. Easy and comfortable to use.

Ear Plugs

No, seriously. Buy them some musicians ear-plugs. This is so important, it should be top of the list. If you're not sure which type, then start with Elacin/Etymotic ER-20s.

1. Hearos Skull Screws Ear Plugs. Hi-tech Hearos Skull Screws Ear Plugs are designed to match how users actually place ear plugs into their ears. Just screw 'em into your ears. Super soft and always comfortable. This pair of Skull Screws have a high noise-reduction rating of 30 decibels. The high-quality foam is washable and reusable. Comes with a free hard case that fits in your pocket, purse, or gear bag. Perfect for performers, concert goers, or at your next jam session

Strap

Again, another personal preference. I like Leather or Leatherette with a padded strap for the shoulder and front of the guitar then tapering down to a thinner end for the back. I just go for plain black, but what's the guitarist interested in? Look around and you can find almost any design for a strap (skulls, football, alcohol brands, motorcycles, bandnames, roses, paisley and so on). Avoid elastic or stretchy straps unless you know they like them - it's a lot harder to play guitar when it's bouncing on a bungee rope. A warning: a lot of beginning rock guitarists have a habit of playing the guitar slung low, below waist height. This is great for throwing shapes and looking like a rock god/goddess, but not the best position for playing accurately. It works for some though. So if you're looking at straps, go for a strap that extends to over 1.3m if they're the low-slung type.

1. Levy's Italian Glove Leather Guitar Strap Black 3 1/2 In. The Levy's Italian Glove Leather Guitar Strap is 2-1/2" wide and made of supple garment leather with foam padding and suede backing. A very comfortable strap, it feels like you've been using it for years the first time you put it on. And just in case you've forgotten - leather smells great! Adjustable from 44" to 53".
2. Perri's 2.5" Leather Guitar Strap with Screen Printing Skulls. 100% leather guitar strap is 2-1/2" wide and features a striking silk-screen design. Made in Canada.

Cable or Lead

Buy a decent lead. You don't need to spend lots. Avoid the cheap coiled leads. Not all coiled leads are rubbish, but we can discount the majority. We're aiming for repairability, so get a lead with a non-moulded plugs. Something like a 15-20ft length will let the guitarist move around. I've had my last guitar lead for over 15 years and only retired it last year.

1. Monster Cable S-100 1/4" Straight Instrument Cable 21 Foot. With the Monster Standard 100, you'll use a cable that sounds as good as it looks. Whether you're gigging, tracking in the studio, or jamming in the garage, this is a great entry-level cable to get you started. It delivers the quality, durability, and reliability every musician needs—it's always ready to perform when you are. One angled end, one straight end.The Standard 100 series cables feature heavy-duty injection molded connectors specially designed for strain relief to increase durability and resist damage. Hard nickel 1/4" connectors are durable and corrosion resistant and the ultra-flexible Duraflex protective jacket coils and uncoils effortlessly and is designed extra tough to resist breakage or cuts. Included swappable color-coded rings make cables easy to ID when you're plugging in multiple cables.Internally, the Standard 100 cables feature precision coaxial design for accurate frequency response and wide dynamic range, while the 90% coverage copper-braided shield rejects RFI and EMI for a lower noise floor and increased resolution. With a carbon-infused dielectric cutting down microphonic pops and cracks and IsoTec vibration technology reducing handling noise, these cables are nearly dead quiet. A special copper winding provides improved clarity and tighter bass, even over long lengths.This entry-level instrument cable delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price. Monster Standard 100 is a superior performance, general purpose instrument cable with improved durability and dynamic range.
2. Live Wire Soundhose Instrument Cable Red 20 Feet. Live Wire Soundhose Instrument Cables are packed with pro features that ensure not only great sound, but lasting performance and durability. Superior wiring and strong soldering means Soundhose cables deliver clear sound with less noise and frequency loss. Your rig is only as strong as the weakest link in your chain. So choose cables that protect your tone. Plug in with Live Wire Soundhose Instrument Cables.

Soldering Station

Over time, the guitarist will need to repair or modify a piece of kit. Rather than spending lots for others to do repairs, it's worth learning how to basic repairs yourself (or in this case, it's worth guitarists learning). Ok, I don't touch valve/tube amps, but I'll happily rewire a speaker cabinet.

1. American Recorder (ART) 40 Watt Soldering Iron. 40 watt soldering iron comes with pencil tip and included stand.

Re-usable Cable Ties

These are incredibly useful holding a lot of things together, not just packing cables neatly. I've used them to hold a car exhaust on (wouldn't advise it), attach stuff to mic stands (like a quick counter-balance to stop a mic stand drooping), holding pedals onto a board. Lots of uses. The reusable plastic/nylon type are a lot stronger than the fabric velcro cable ties, but are also a lot harder on the fingers. Ideally, we all need both types.

1. Musician's Gear Cable Ties 5 Pack Black. These self-hooking Musicians Gear Cable Ties provide an easy, neat way to secure your guitar, mic and power cords. Made of strips that feature hook and loop fabric closures to hold your coiled cables in place. Ties can remain on cable at all times.
2. Wrap-N-Strap Cable Ties 9". Wrap N Strap ties are adjustable rubber straps designed to neatly secure and store guitar, microphone, speaker, and computer cables, as well as extension and hardware cords for a variety of applications. They stay attached to your cords, so there's no risk of losing or misplacing them.The ties are cleaner and more effective than hook-and-loop material, so they leave no sticky residue on your cables. They are reusable and adjustable to fit any length of cord, and come in six different colors so you can tell who is using which cable.Here's how Wrap-N-Straps work Attach a strap to the plug end of your electrical cord using the plastic button. Bundle or coil the electrical cord, stretch the rubber strap around the bundle, and secure it again to the plastic button. The Wrap n' Strap stays attached to your cord, so there's no risk of losing or misplacing it and enabling you to use your Wrap-N-Strap Ties over and over again.

DVDs

1. Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble - Live at el Mocambo
2. Eric Clapton - Crossroads Guitar Festival 2007

Clothing and Accessories

If you know what they're interested in, then get some t-shirts, belt buckles, hoodies, hats or even a tote bag. Look at Audio Cloth for good examples.