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• Gives a compatible guitar its own amplified sound for practice.

Before you buy

• Match the amplifier type and input to the guitar they own.
• Confirm any cable, power supply, batteries and headphones needed are included or budgeted.
• An amp head may need a separate speaker cabinet; a combo contains both.
• An acoustic guitar without a suitable pickup or microphone cannot simply plug into an amp.

• Lets a guitarist use familiar chord shapes in a different key.
• Adjustable pressure can help the player balance clean notes against pulling strings sharp.

Before you buy

• For a guitarist, confirm instrument type, fretboard curve and the pressure adjustment they prefer.
• Match the capo to their guitar type, neck width and fretboard curve.
• Check whether they prefer a spring clamp, lever or screw-adjusted design.
• Check that they're comfortable squeezing or operating the mechanism.
• A capo changes the key; it doesn't tune the guitar.

• Gives their guitar a dedicated place between playing sessions.

Before you buy

• Check their guitar's model, body shape and depth against the stand's compatibility and weight limit.
• Confirm padding compatibility with the instrument's finish; soft foam alone isn't a guarantee.
• Allow room for the open legs on a firm, level floor away from doors and walkways.
• A floor stand doesn't offer the protection of a guitar case.
• For a traveling player, compare folded size, weight and setup.

• A spare set of their usual strings is a useful refill for a guitar they already play.

Before you buy

• Ask for the exact packet or product name, including gauge or tension and string material.
• Match the guitar type, string count and end fittings; sets aren't universally interchangeable.
• Check that you're buying a complete set rather than a single string or repair-kit bundle.
• A different gauge or material may be an unwelcome experiment unless they've asked to try it.

• A vibration-sensing clip-on tuner gives a visible pitch check before they play.

Before you buy

• Check the supported instruments, tuning modes and note-detection range.
• A readable display and a clip that fits their guitar matter more than extra screen effects.
• For ukulele, check that its mode or chromatic range supports their tuning.
• Check the battery or charging arrangement and what comes in the box.
• Someone happy with their current tuner or app may have little need for another.

• A new strap adds a personal touch to the guitar they already enjoy playing.

Before you buy

• Check its adjustable length and how they prefer to hold the guitar.
• Match the ends and any adapters to their guitar's strap buttons or existing locks.
• Width, padding and backing affect how a strap feels during a standing practice or set.
• A player who mostly sits and never uses a strap may have less need for one.

• Gives a guitarist a fresh way to shape tone, build arrangements and chase the sounds that inspire them.
• Adds a genuinely new sound to an instrument they already enjoy playing.

Before you buy

• Match the required voltage, polarity and current to a suitable power supply; it may be sold separately.
• A pedal normally needs an instrument and suitable amplification or recording equipment to be useful.

• Works without power, apps or elaborate setup whenever inspiration appears.
• Supports solo practice, songwriting and informal music with other people.
• A comfortable, properly set-up instrument can grow with a beginner for years.

• A suitable instrument input gives a guitarist a route into computer-based recording.
• Adds microphone or instrument connections to a supported computer recording setup.
• Direct monitoring can let them hear an input without a distracting software round trip.

Before you buy

• Verify operating-system support, drivers, power and the connections at both ends of every cable.
• The interface alone usually supplies neither a microphone nor a standalone way to record.

• Provides a regular audible or visual beat to practice against.
• A compact model can travel with a ukulele player's music to lessons.

Before you buy

• Check the tempo range, controls and whether the beat is easy for them to hear or see.
• For guitar practice, choose something easy to position and start with their hands free.
• For piano practice, check where the beat indicator will sit within view.
• A phone app or instrument may already provide the metronome they prefer.
• Check power requirements and any headphone output before choosing.

• Keeps sheet music or a songbook in view while their hands are busy playing.

Before you buy

• For guitar practice, match the height to their usual seated or standing position.
• A stand meant for paper music may not safely support a heavy folder or tablet.