What to Buy With Your First Electric Guitar: Checklist

Buying your first electric guitar is an exciting step, but choosing the guitar is only part of getting started. You'll also need a way to hear your instrument, keep it in tune, play comfortably, and protect it between practice sessions.

The good news is that you don't need an expensive collection of equipment to begin learning. A practical starter setup can cover everything you need for your first songs, while additional gear can be added as your skills and musical interests develop.

In this guide, we'll explain what to buy with your first electric guitar, which accessories are essential, what can wait until later, and how to prioritize your budget.

What Do You Need With Your First Electric Guitar?

For most beginners, the essential setup includes:

Electric guitar: An instrument that feels comfortable and suits your musical interests.
Amplifier or headphone-based guitar solution: A way to hear your guitar at a useful volume.
Instrument cable: A cable to connect your guitar to a compatible amplifier or other equipment.
Tuner: A device or app that helps you keep your strings in tune.
Guitar picks: A few different thicknesses to find what feels comfortable.
Guitar strap: Useful for playing while standing.
Gig bag or case: Protection when storing or transporting your guitar.
Spare strings: A backup set for when strings wear out or break.

You don't have to purchase everything at once. Start with the equipment required for your preferred practice setup, then add the remaining accessories according to your needs.

1. Choose an Electric Guitar That Suits You

Your guitar is the foundation of your setup, so prioritize playability, comfort, and sound rather than choosing an instrument based on appearance alone.

When comparing your first electric guitar, consider these factors:

Body shape and weight: Choose a guitar that feels comfortable while sitting and standing. A body shape you enjoy holding can make regular practice more appealing.

Neck and fretboard: The neck should feel manageable in your hands. Pay attention to whether you can comfortably reach the strings and move between frets.

Pickup configuration: Different pickup designs influence the character of your guitar's sound. Single-coil pickups are commonly associated with clear, articulate tones, while humbuckers are often chosen for their fuller sound and reduced susceptibility to electrical hum. These are general tendencies rather than strict rules.

Musical style: Consider the music you want to learn. The guitar's pickup configuration, controls, bridge, and overall feel can influence how well it suits your preferred playing style.

Playability and setup: Check whether the strings feel reasonably comfortable to press, the frets have no obvious sharp edges, and the guitar stays in tune during normal playing. A suitable setup can improve the playing experience on a new instrument.

If possible, try several guitars or ask an experienced player to help assess them. If you're buying online, check the specifications, return policy, warranty, and availability of support from the seller.

New to choosing a guitar? Read our best electric guitar for beginners guide.

Explore the Scorpion Guitar electric guitar collection to compare available models and find an instrument that suits your preferences.

2. Get an Amplifier or a Headphone-Based Practice Solution

An electric guitar can produce sound without an amplifier, but its unplugged sound is generally much quieter than its amplified sound. To hear the instrument as intended, you'll need an appropriate amplification or headphone-based setup.

There are three common options for beginners.

Small Practice Amplifier

A compact practice amp is a straightforward choice for learning at home. Look for practical features such as volume control, a headphone output, and clean and overdrive tones if you want to explore different sounds.

You don't need a large amplifier for bedroom practice. Choose one that suits your room, listening preferences, and volume restrictions.

Headphone Amplifier

A headphone amplifier is useful if you want to practice quietly without setting up a full speaker amplifier. Compatibility varies by model, so check that the device supports your guitar and headphones.

Guitar Amp Simulator or Multi-Effects Processor

A compatible multi-effects unit or software amp simulator can provide simulated amplifier tones and effects. Depending on the device, you may be able to connect headphones, powered speakers, or a computer.

This option can be attractive if you want to explore different tones without immediately purchasing several pedals.

Beginner tip: Decide where and how you'll practice before choosing your amplification equipment. A simple practice amp may be the most convenient solution for one player, while headphones may be more practical for someone sharing a home.

3. Buy the Correct Instrument Cable

If you're using a conventional electric guitar and amplifier, you'll generally need a standard 1/4-inch instrument cable with compatible connectors.

The cable carries the guitar's audio signal to the amplifier. Without it, a conventional wired setup won't work.

When choosing a cable, consider:

Length: Choose enough length to move comfortably without leaving excessive cable around your practice area.
Build quality: Look for secure connectors and durable construction.
Compatibility: Make sure the cable is suitable for connecting your guitar to your chosen equipment.

You don't need to purchase an expensive premium cable just to start learning. A reliable, properly functioning instrument cable is sufficient for most beginner practice setups.

If you're using a plug-in headphone amplifier or a wireless system, the cable requirements may differ.

4. Get a Guitar Tuner

A tuner helps you keep your guitar in tune so the notes and chords you practice sound as intended.

Beginners should develop the habit of tuning before each practice session. Even a well-made guitar can go out of tune because of string changes, temperature variations, playing conditions, or normal use.

Common options include:

Clip-on tuner: Attaches to the guitar's headstock and detects vibrations. It's portable and convenient for home practice or lessons.

Pedal tuner: Connects within a pedal-based signal chain. It's useful if you later build a pedalboard, although it's not necessary for most beginners.

Tuner app: A smartphone app can be a convenient starting point, provided you can use it in an environment where it detects your notes reliably.

For a first electric guitar, a clip-on tuner or a suitable app is usually enough. You can upgrade later if your setup becomes more complex.

5. Pick Up a Variety of Guitar Picks

Guitar picks are inexpensive, but the right thickness and shape can influence how comfortable it feels to play.

Instead of immediately buying a large pack of one type, try a few different thicknesses.

Thin picks: Often feel flexible and can suit lighter strumming.
Medium picks: Offer a useful balance of flexibility and control for many beginners.
Thicker picks: Provide a firmer feel that some players prefer for precise picking and lead playing.

These are starting points, not strict rules. Your technique, the strings you use, and your musical style all influence which pick feels best.

Keep a few picks nearby so you can experiment while learning chords, riffs, and single-note melodies.

6. Add a Guitar Strap

A guitar strap supports the instrument when you play standing up and helps you maintain a consistent playing position.

When selecting a strap, consider its length, width, material, and comfort. Adjust it so that the guitar feels stable without forcing your shoulders or wrists into an awkward position.

If you only practice while sitting, a strap may not be essential on your first day. However, it's worth adding if you plan to practice standing, rehearse with other musicians, or eventually perform onstage.

Before playing while standing, check that both strap ends are securely attached to the guitar's strap buttons. If the strap or buttons feel loose, address the issue before lifting the instrument.

7. Protect Your Guitar With a Gig Bag or Case

A gig bag or hard case helps protect your instrument from scratches, bumps, dust, and accidental knocks.

A padded gig bag is often convenient for beginners because it is relatively lightweight and easy to carry to lessons or rehearsals. A hard case offers a more rigid protective shell and may be preferable for frequent travel or situations where the guitar could experience greater impacts.

When choosing one, check the internal dimensions, body shape compatibility, neck support, padding, and storage space.

A guitar stand is another useful accessory for home practice. It gives your guitar a designated place when you're not playing, but it doesn't offer the same protection as a case. Keep the stand away from walkways, unstable surfaces, and areas where the instrument could be knocked over.

If you're transporting your guitar, use a suitable case or bag rather than relying on a stand or leaving the instrument unprotected.

8. Keep a Spare Set of Guitar Strings

Strings gradually accumulate dirt and wear, and they can eventually lose their brightness or break.

Having a spare set means you can replace a damaged string without interrupting your practice for long.

When buying replacement strings, check the string gauge and compatibility with your guitar. Lighter gauges can feel easier to bend and press for some beginners, while heavier gauges may offer a different feel and response. Your guitar's setup and playing preferences also matter.

See our guitar string gauge guide to understand the differences.

If you aren't comfortable changing strings yet, ask an experienced guitarist or technician to demonstrate the process.

You don't need a large supply of replacement strings on day one. One compatible spare set is a practical starting point.

9. Consider a Basic Cleaning and Maintenance Kit

You can keep your first maintenance kit simple.

Useful items include:

Microfiber cloth: Wipe away sweat and fingerprints after playing.
String winder: Makes restringing faster when the design is compatible with your tuning machines.
Wire cutters: Help trim excess string after restringing.
Suitable guitar cleaner: Use a product appropriate for the guitar's finish and materials.

You can add these items gradually. A clean, soft cloth is a sensible first purchase, while a string winder and wire cutters become more useful once you start changing strings yourself.

Avoid applying household cleaning products or unverified oils to your instrument. Different finishes and fretboard materials can require different care, so follow the manufacturer's guidance.

For a full routine, read our guide on how to take care of a guitar.

10. Do You Need Guitar Pedals as a Beginner?

Not necessarily.

Effects pedals can change your sound with effects such as distortion, overdrive, delay, reverb, chorus, and modulation. They're useful creative tools, but they aren't required to learn your first chords or songs.

Before buying separate pedals, learn the sounds available through your amplifier. Some practice amps and multi-effects processors already provide a range of effects.

Consider buying an additional pedal when you understand the sound you're trying to achieve and can explain what your current equipment cannot do.

This approach helps you avoid spending money on effects you may rarely use.

11. Optional Accessories You Can Buy Later

Once your basic setup is ready, you can consider other accessories as your playing develops.

Guitar stand: Convenient for keeping your instrument accessible at home, provided it is placed securely.

Capo: Useful for changing a song's key and exploring different chord shapes. Whether you need one depends on the songs you play.

Metronome: Helps you develop timing and practice at gradually increasing tempos. A free app may be sufficient.

Headphones: Helpful for quiet practice when paired with compatible equipment.

String winder and cutters: Worth considering when you begin changing strings yourself.

Music stand: Useful if you learn from printed music, chord charts, or written exercises.

Extra instrument cable: A backup can be helpful if you attend lessons or rehearsals regularly.

The best accessory is the one that solves a real problem in your practice routine. You don't need to buy every item on a guitarist's equipment list immediately.

Complete First Electric Guitar Shopping Checklist

Use this checklist before making your first purchase.

Essential for a Conventional Wired Setup

Electric guitar
Compatible amplifier or other suitable amplification solution
Compatible instrument cable
Tuner or reliable tuning app
Guitar picks

Recommended for Comfort and Protection

Guitar strap, especially for standing practice
Compatible gig bag or case
One spare set of guitar strings
Soft microfiber cleaning cloth

Optional for Later

Guitar stand
Effects pedal or multi-effects processor
Headphones, if not already available
String winder and wire cutters
Capo
Metronome or music stand

Important: The exact essentials depend on how you plan to play. For example, a plug-in headphone amplifier may eliminate the need for a conventional amplifier and instrument cable, while a wireless setup has different connection requirements.

How to Budget for Your First Electric Guitar Setup

When planning your budget, think about the total cost of getting started rather than the price of the guitar alone.

A practical way to divide your spending is to prioritize the items that let you play, hear your instrument, and keep it in tune.

Budget priorities for a first electric guitar setup
Priority	What to buy	Why it matters
First	Guitar, amplification solution, required cable	Establishes a playable setup
First	Tuner and picks	Supports everyday practice
Next	Strap, gig bag or case, spare strings	Improves comfort and preparedness
Later	Stand, maintenance tools, capo	Adds convenience
Later	Effects pedals and advanced equipment	Expands creative options

Look for starter bundles if you want convenience, but inspect the included items before purchasing. A bundle is only good value if it contains equipment you can actually use.

Buying accessories individually can also make sense if you already own headphones, have a suitable tuner app, or want to choose specific components.

Don't feel pressured to purchase professional-level equipment before you've developed your playing habits. A comfortable, functional setup is a better starting point than a complicated rig you don't yet know how to use.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Your First Electric Guitar

Buying a Guitar Without Budgeting for the Rest of the Setup

A guitar may fit your budget while the complete setup does not. Before checking out, confirm whether you still need an amplifier, cable, tuner, picks, and a way to protect the instrument.

Choosing Equipment Based Only on Appearance

Looks can be part of the decision, but comfort, playability, sound, and practical compatibility should come first.

Buying Too Many Effects Pedals Too Soon

Start with the sounds available from your amplifier or multi-effects solution. Add individual pedals when you have a clear reason to use them.

Ignoring Playability and Setup

A guitar that is difficult to fret or frequently goes out of tune can make learning unnecessarily frustrating. Check the instrument's condition and ask a qualified technician about a setup if needed.

Forgetting Quiet Practice Options

If you share a home or have limited practice hours, consider equipment with a headphone output or another compatible headphone-based solution before making your purchase.

Spending the Entire Budget on the Guitar

Reserve enough money for the equipment needed to play it properly. The goal is to leave the shop with a complete setup, not simply the most expensive guitar your budget allows.

Final Thoughts

Knowing what to buy with your first electric guitar makes it easier to spend wisely and focus on learning.

Start with a guitar that feels comfortable, a suitable amplification solution, any required cable, a tuner, and a few picks. Add a strap, protective bag or case, spare strings, and basic maintenance accessories according to your needs.

Pedals, premium accessories, and advanced equipment can wait until you know more about your playing style.

If you're still choosing an instrument, explore the Scorpion Guitar electric guitar collection and compare the available models before deciding which guitar best fits your preferences and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I buy with my first electric guitar?

Start with an electric guitar, a suitable amplifier or headphone-based guitar solution, any required connection cable, a tuner, and guitar picks. A strap, protective bag or case, and spare strings are also useful additions.

2. Do I need an amplifier for my first electric guitar?

You need a suitable way to hear the guitar at an amplified level, but it doesn't have to be a traditional speaker amplifier. A compatible headphone amplifier, multi-effects processor, or software amp simulator can also work.

3. Do I need a guitar cable if I have a headphone amplifier?

Not always. Some plug-in headphone amplifiers connect directly to the guitar. Other devices require a separate cable, so check the connections and compatibility of your equipment before buying.

4. What guitar picks should a beginner buy?

A variety pack with several thicknesses is a good starting point. Medium picks are a practical option for many beginners, but experimenting with different picks helps you discover what feels most comfortable.

5. Should I buy guitar pedals when I first start playing?

No. Pedals are optional, and many beginner amplifiers or multi-effects units already provide useful sounds. Learn the basics first, then consider effects that support the music you want to play.

6. Do I need a guitar strap if I only play sitting down?

Not immediately. A strap becomes more useful when you practice standing up or play with other musicians. Choose one that feels comfortable and attaches securely to your guitar.

7. Should I buy a gig bag or a hard case?

A padded gig bag is often convenient for everyday transport and lessons. A hard case provides a more rigid shell and may be more suitable for frequent travel or situations requiring greater protection. Check the fit and intended use before buying either option.

8. What other accessories should I buy for my first electric guitar?

Consider a guitar stand, cleaning cloth, spare strings, string-changing tools, capo, and metronome. These items can improve convenience, but you don't need all of them immediately.

9. Is a beginner electric guitar starter pack worth buying?

It can be, especially if you need several pieces of equipment at once. Check the guitar's playability, the quality and compatibility of the included accessories, the warranty, and whether you will actually use everything in the package.

10. How much should I spend on my first electric guitar setup?

There is no single budget that suits every beginner. Calculate the combined cost of the guitar and essential equipment, then prioritize playability, reliable basic accessories, and a setup that fits your practice environment. You can upgrade individual components as your needs change.