It’s one thing to pick a guitar. It’s another to build a setup around it that actually makes sense.

Most players—especially early on—focus entirely on the instrument. Fair enough. The guitar is the centerpiece. But a few weeks in, once the novelty fades, one thing becomes clear: playing gets frustrating fast without the right gear. Not much more equipment and not much flashier equipment, but the proper stuff.

So, either you plan to go acoustic, electric, or somewhere in between, here is what you will actually need. No filler, no additional equipment.

Guitarists often highlight that acoustic and electric guitars each offer unique strengths suited to different styles and preferences. As explained by Guitar Kaksha, an acoustic is celebrated for its rich, natural resonance and portability—ideal for unplugged performances and intimate play—whereas electrics stand out for their playability, tonal versatility, and customization through effects and amplification.

The Must-Haves, No Matter What You Play

Let’s start with the stuff that every guitarist needs, regardless of type.

A tuner tops the list. You can’t play what you can’t hear in tune. Some players go for clip-ons, others prefer pedal-based ones—either works. Just skip the phone apps. They’re inconsistent and way too sensitive to background noise.

Next up: the capo. Acoustic players use them all the time, but they’re just as handy for electric setups—especially when you’re trying out alternate voicings or playing around with open chords. A good one won’t buzz, shift, or kill your sustain. The 5 Core Capo hits that balance well—it clamps clean, adjusts fast, and works equally well across both body types.

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Then there's strings. Obvious, yes. But here’s the nuance: acoustic sets are wound differently than electric ones. Still, some players prefer a hybrid set—especially if they own both types and don’t want to keep switching muscle memory. The 5 Core Nickel-Wound Extra Light Gauge Strings walk that line. They’re light enough for ease, but still punchy where it counts.

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You’ll also want a cloth for wiping down strings, string cutter, and a winder if you plan to change strings more than once. It’s not glamorous gear—but it saves time, and it extends your string life more than you'd think.

Acoustic Guitar Setup: Less Is More (But Not Nothing)

One of the draws of acoustic guitars is how plug-and-play they are. No cables, no amps. Just grab and go. But even here, a bit of gear goes a long way.

Start with a strap—preferably one with reinforced ends. Not all acoustics have two strap buttons, so consider one that works with headstock ties. Cheap nylon straps tend to slip, twist, or wear out quickly.

If you're thinking of recording or playing live, you'll need to amplify at some point. A basic soundhole pickup is a solid place to start, though internal systems are cleaner if you're committed to it. Still, that can wait.

What shouldn't wait? Storage.

Guitars don’t do well leaned against walls or left on couches. A stand works, sure—but wall storage is safer and cleaner. The 5 Core Wall Mount Hanger keeps your instrument off the floor, ready to grab, and out of harm’s way. The padding’s soft. The swivel head makes mounting easy. And once it’s up, you won’t go back.

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Lastly, invest in a decent gig bag. Look for padding, zippers that don’t jam, and thick straps. Even short trips without one are a gamble.

Electric Guitar Setup: A Longer List, But Worth It

Electric gear takes up more space, yes—but the flexibility makes up for it.

Your amp is where your tone lives. For home use, a small practice amp with a decent clean channel and headphone out is enough. As you improve, you’ll start hearing the difference between cheap modeling and true tone shaping.

Then there’s the matter of cables. Never go with the thinnest one you can find. Look for cables with proper shielding—cheap ones hiss, crackle, and give out when it matters most.

What about pedals? Even one can transform your setup. A simple overdrive, a reverb unit—nothing crazy. Just enough to start learning what kind of tone you like. You’ll add more as you figure out your sound.

Add a strap lock system, too. You can get away without it on acoustics, but with electrics, especially on stage, one pop is all it takes to drop your guitar.

And don’t skip the hard case. Gig bags won’t protect your gear from drops, pressure, or temperature swings. A good molded case is an insurance policy you only pay for once.

Storage and Setup: Think Long-Term

Whether you're acoustic, electric, or somewhere in between—how you store and set up your guitar matters more than most people think.

Wall mounts like the 5 Core hanger do more than look tidy. They keep your guitar playable. When it’s in reach, you’ll pick it up more. And when it’s secure, you won’t flinch every time someone walks past it.

Know your way around truss rod adjustments and action height, too. You don’t need to be a luthier, but being able to tweak a neck or check your intonation means fewer trips to the shop and a guitar that actually feels right under your fingers.

Conclusion

The gear rabbit hole is easy to go down. But the fact is, you do not need much. All you need is functional gear. That makes practice easier, your tone more consistent, and your guitar more durable.

When you are playing acoustic, play light. Comfort, storage, and simplicity should come first. Go electric? Then go with the tools. Use the gear to discover what type of player you are becoming.

Above all, do not think about it too much. Some well-selected items--strings that feel good to you, a good capo, a case that guards against damage--can carry you farther than any bling.

Make it simple. Play it. And the rest will follow with time.

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