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• Lets a player explore an amplified guitar sound in their own practice space.

Before you buy

• Establish the guitar’s pickup or microphone arrangement and the input it needs.
• Allow for the correct regional power supply, instrument cable and any headphones.
• A separate amp head can need a speaker cabinet; look for a combo if both are wanted.
• An unmodified acoustic guitar cannot simply connect to an amp without suitable amplification equipment.

• Helps a guitarist change key while keeping familiar chord shapes.
• An adjustable model lets the player set the clamping pressure for the instrument.

Before you buy

• For a guitarist, confirm the instrument, fretboard curve and preferred pressure adjustment.
• Check the guitar type and the neck's width and curve before choosing.
• Find out whether they like a spring clamp, lever or screw-operated capo.
• Check that they can operate the mechanism comfortably.
• A capo won't correct the guitar's tuning; fitting it may mean checking tuning again.

• Keeps their guitar close to the place where they practise.

Before you buy

• Match the support to their guitar's body shape, depth and weight.
• Check the guitar and stand makers' finish guidance, particularly for nitrocellulose lacquer.
• Measure the open footprint and allow a clear, level space away from passing feet.
• A stand provides a resting place, rather than the protection of a case.
• For lessons or rehearsals, check folded size, weight and any loose setup parts.

• A fresh packet of their preferred strings is a useful refill for an existing guitar.

Before you buy

• Get a photo of their usual packet, including the gauge or tension and material.
• Check the guitar type, number of strings and required end fittings.
• Make sure the listing contains a complete set, rather than a single string or mostly tools.
• An unfamiliar gauge or material may not suit the player unless they've asked to try it.

• A clip-on tuner offers a visible note check using the instrument's vibrations.

Before you buy

• Check the instruments, tuning modes and pitch range the model supports.
• For guitar, choose a display they can read and a clip that suits the headstock.
• For ukulele, confirm that the tuning mode or chromatic range covers the notes they use.
• Check whether it recharges or needs a battery, and what is supplied.
• They may not need a second tuner if their current device or app already suits them.

• A strap lets a guitarist add their own style without replacing the instrument.

Before you buy

• Look for an adjustment range that matches how high or low they play.
• Check the strap ends against their guitar's buttons and any locks already fitted.
• For standing practice, the width, backing and padding matter as well as the pattern.
• Someone who always plays seated without a strap may not need another 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

• Check power-supply voltage, polarity and current together; a suitable supply is not always included.
• The pedal generally needs an instrument and appropriate amplification or recording equipment around it.

• 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 matching instrument input helps a guitarist record directly into a computer.
• Provides microphone or instrument connections for a supported computer recording setup.
• Direct monitoring can provide an immediate way to hear the input while recording.

Before you buy

• Confirm operating-system support, drivers, power and both ends of the required cables.
• Most interfaces do not record independently or include the microphone and instrument.

• Gives a regular beat they can hear or see while practising.
• A small model can go to lessons with a ukulele player's music.

Before you buy

• Check the tempo range and controls, and how they'll follow the beat while playing.
• For guitar, check that they can position it clearly and start it easily.
• For piano, consider a stable place within the player's sight.
• They may already prefer an app or the metronome built into an instrument.
• Check the power supply and any headphone connection they want to use.

• Gives printed music a separate place where they can read it while playing.

Before you buy

• For guitar, choose a height that works with their normal playing position.
• Heavy books and tablets need the support and retention the manufacturer specifies.