When it comes to guitar playing, there are a lot of accessories out there.
Capos are useful accessories that effectively shorten the string length by clamping off the string at the chosen fret. This allows a player to use the same open-chord shapes they know and love in a different key. There are three main kinds of capos: micrometer capos, spring-loaded capos and elastic capos.
Elastic capos are junk. They’re best left on the shelf.
Spring-loaded capos are a significant improvement over elastic capos. They are more durable, and you can use them one-handed. When you’re not using them, you can clamp them onto the headstock like a clothespin.
I personally prefer micrometer capos, as I like to make sure the capo fits tightly on the neck. I’ve been a fan of the Shubb Deluxe Series Capo for 20 years. Its micrometer-controlled tension is applied very evenly to the neck and fretboard at a bargain price. As a photographer (in addition to being a guitarist), I also appreciate how visually discreet the Shubb is.
Shubb offers a 12-String Capo as wellm so you 12-stringers and double-neckers are also in good hands with Shubb.
Strap Locks the best way to be sure that your guitar stays safely attached to the strap. If you don’t think this is a problem, may I call your attention to Exhibit A.
Now thankfully nothing happened to Clapton’s guitar, and Robbie Robertson picks up the solo seamlessly when the band kicks back in. But who wants to risk their guitar crashing down and, for that matter, who has Robbie Robertson with them at all times to take the lead? I know I don’t.
I’m a fan of Fender’s Strap Locks. They’re easy to install and easy to operate. The only downside is that if you use a strap without the strap locks on it in a pinch, you are at a greater risk of the guitar slipping off the strap because the strap lock buttons are very low-profile. I’ve addressed this by putting the strap locks on every strap, and guitar, I own.
EBows are a battery-powered device that you use in your right hand (unless of course you’re a lefty!) instead of a pick. EBow is actually a brand name, like Kleenex and Frisbee. According to the EBow website, their very first customer was Jerry Garcia in 1976. The current model is called the PlusEBow, which sounds sort of like the word “placebo.” If you’ve never used an EBow before, check out some YouTube videos to help you get started.
Slides and Finger Picks are useful tools for changing up your playing style and tone. Slide playing is most commonly found in blues, rock, and country. Finger picks are most commonly found in bluegrass, folk, and country. If you’re not sure if these accessories are for you and you’d like to try it out, here a great Slide and finger pick set to get you started.
Hardshell Cases are absolutely worth the investment. I’ve never been a fan of gig bags. All they really offer in my book is a way to carry a guitar on your back. Sure, they’ll protect from casual scratches, but they don’t offer much protection from the environment or unexpected impacts like an amp falling on it in the back of the van. So if you don’t have one, be sure to get yourself a Hardshell Electric Guitar Case or a Hardshell Acoustic Guitar Case.