What presents can you buy for a beginner rock guitarist

A bit of background first

As part of a series on gifts and presents for guitarists, trying to give some ideas for what you buy beginner rock guitarists for birthdays, Christmas or for any other reason.

Guitarists usually start out either with a guitar package from a shop (including a guitar, amp, strap, lead, plectrum and tuner) or by being given a second-hand guitar. If it's the former, then most of the items in the kit are very basic and are chosen either for having a cheap price-point or a gimmick - maybe they've got green skulls on or some other pattern. If you want some details about buying a starter-kit, then look at our starter kit guide. If it's the latter, then they may be luckier. Either way, a lot is dependent on the quality of that first guitar kit. So I'm going to suggest we upgrade some of the accessories.

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 rock guitar. They Jazz II is the pick style I've been using for years as a rock guitarist.

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.

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.

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. As this is a rock guitar, then I'd highly recommend the Kerly Kues brand. If you can't find them, D'addarios are a good standard to go by. 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.

1. Kerly Sinister Strings Nickel Wound Electric Guitar Strings Light. Kerly Sinister Strings are nickel wound, regular, light-gauge strings 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. Set of 6 guitar strings.
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.

Distortion Pedal

Every rock guitarist needs a good distortion. The first pedal that most rock guitarists go for is the distortion pedal. These usually sound better than the amp's built-in distortion, 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. 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.

1. Vox Joe Satriani Satchurator Distortion Guitar Effects Pedal Red Metallic. Drawing on Joe Satrianis knowledge accumulated from decades of groundbreaking performances, both live and in the studio, VOX unveils a breakthrough in guitar tone in The Satchurator distortion pedal. Designed to Satrianis exact specification, the Satchurator produces Satrianis signature tone and adds features and improvements never before combined in a distortion pedal. After almost a year of painstaking experimentation and road testing, Satriani and the VOX R&D team discovered the secrets to capturing the ultimate distortion tone in a modern-day effects pedal. The Vox Satchurator is capable of very high gain levels, but operates more quietly and musically than many other modern distortion pedals. It also preserves the tone and pick attack regardless of style, while providing distortions from subtly distorted blues tones through classic rock and shred. "The Satchurator is the most musical, most dynamic, multi-function distortion pedal I've ever played through" says Satriani. "This little red box is a monster tone generator. Following my specifications without compromise, and adding design innovations I never thought possible, the VOX team has delivered exactly what I need for the stage and studio a distortion pedal that responds to my touch, and produces a big, natural, harmonically rich tone compatible with any guitar/pedal/amp configuration."
2. Visual Sound V2 Series V2JH Jekyll and Hyde Overdrive and Distortion Guitar Multi Effects PedalThe Visual Sound V2JH is two separate overdrive effects in one pedal, each with separate controls, and each with its own personality. They can be used separately or blended together. Jekyll accurately reproduces the sound of the original TS808 Tube Screamer, providing depth and smooth sustain. The Hyde part is a heavier extremely versatile overdrive with more bottom. Use the Jekyll & Hyde pedal's EQ to scoop out the midrange for a wide range of tones and a Sharp/Blunt switch to go from compressed to very bright. The sonic possibilities are endless.The V2 Jekyll & Hyde pedal features redesigned noise reduction and improved mid control on the Hyde channel, plus additional low-drive range on the Jekyll channel. Besides that and the sweet new V2 housing, the V2JH stompbox delivers the same great overdrive and distortion tones that the Jekyll & Hyde pedal is famous for.IFrom its first appearance in 1997, the Jekyll & Hyde was the first stompbox to combine two separate effects in one pedal. Now ten years later the V2 Series gives you the same great tone guitarists have come to love, plus an added noise reduction system, creating the ultimate guitar dream! Each channel of the newly designed Jekyll & Hyde has separate controls, giving you the ability to use them singly, or together. The Jekyll Overdrive channel delivers more output volume than the original TS-808-far surpassing its predecessor. The Hyde side is more than just a turbo version of Jekyll. With heavier distortion and more bottom end, this crazy distortion pedal is extremely versatile!From Visual Sounds V2 Series, the V2JH Jekyll & Hyde Overdrive and Distortion Multi Effects Pedal features a diecast aluminum housing, ultra-reliable 10 million cycle switching, easy battery access and circuit protection from AC adapters.
3. MXR M-115 Distortion III PedalDeveloped from the ground up using carefully selected components, the Distortion III pedal delivers everything from sweet singing overdrive to massive distortion crunch! It's natural and amp-like distortion is versatile enough to appeal to any playing style and transparent enough to let your guitar's personality shine through. Like all MXR pedals, the Distortion III features a heavy-duty casing, switch and jacks for a lifetime of use.The initials MXR are synonymous with the effects pedal innovations that have shaped the tone of modern electric guitar. Since the 1970's, MXR has produced some of the best stomp boxes available; now comes the inspired MXR Distortion III. Starting with its proprietary circuit design that delivers rich harmonic content, the D-III carries on the MXR tradition of tough, rugged and tonally tasty stomp boxes. With its die cast chassis, robust stomp switch and carefully selected components the D-III guitar effects pedal is truly a modern day classic
4. Electro-Harmonix XO Metal Muff with Top Boost Distortion Guitar Effects PedalThe Electro-Harmonix Metal Muff with Top Boost features 3 powerful EQ bands that are ideal for sculpting mids and a total of 6 controls for shaping sound precisely your way. Top Boost adds serious bite with its own control knob and footswitch button.

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

There are some DVDs that have become required watching for rock guitarists.

1. Ozzy Osbourne - Live at Budokhan
2. Dream Theater - Live at Budokhan
3. Iron Maiden - Rock in Rio

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.

Part of an in-depth series looking at gift and present ideas for guitarists.