recommended
products & LINKS
I've put together a selection of the many guitar and music related products I've used for many years and continue to use. These are products that I recommend to my students because I know they work! I have no affiliation with any of the companies listed. If you're interested in purchasing anything, simply click on the image and it will open a page where you can buy direct!*
Strings
I've been using Elixir strings now for over 15 years. These strings have a very fine coating which keeps the strings fresher for longer and protects against corrosion. They are slightly more expensive than regular strings so I have also included D'addario strings which are my go to strings for my guitar maintenance work over the years.
PICKS
It's easy to underestimate the importance of a pick (or plectrum) but the reality is that the type of pick you choose can have a huge effect on not only the sound of your guitar but how your playing feels. It's important to experiment for yourself but the picks below could offer a good starting point. If you're a beginner I highly recommend you try the grey .73mm Jim Dunlop Nylon.
The Jim Dunlop .73mm nylon is excellent for rhythm guitar, it's also an excellent pick for beginners.
The 1mm version is less flexible but allows for more picking accuracy, a great option if you find the .73mm a bit too thin.
This is the pick I use for electric guitar playing. It's pretty thick, so not so great if you're heavy handed, but it has a really nice full tone. Thinner options are also available.
Capos
Capos are an important part of every guitarist's kit bag. I've always used the G7th performance capo and found them to be really user friendly and reliable. They're not the cheapest though so I've included a small selection to suit every budget. I have used all of these capos and all are well made and do the job very well!
G7th Performance Capo
Shubb Nickel Capo
Donner DC-2 Guitar Capo
tuners
Tuners are obviously a vital tool for all guitar players. These days we're spoilt for choice when deciding which ones to use. Here I have listed three common choices (I use all three). A Clip-on or App tuner is ideal if you predominantly play at home. A pedal tuner is a great choice if you play with pedals or perform live regularly.
Clip on Tuner:
These tuners simply clip on to the headstock of your guitar for quick and simple tuning.
Pedal tuner:
If you perform live, a pedal tuner is a must. Muting the amp so the audience is spared the sound of us tuning up! This TC Electronic mini polytune is very small, taking up very little space on any pedalboard.
App Tuner:
It's always worth downloading some kind of app tuner to your phone. That way you'll never be without one!
CABLES
Fender Pro Series
D'Addario American Series
Hosa Patch Cable
music shops
Intasound is a family run music shop in Leicester. It remains one of the only music retailers in the city to survive and provides a great selection of guitars, uke's and basses for most budgets.
Based over in Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, Icon Music have a wide selection of instruments and accessories as well as being one of the best stockists of music merch I've ever come across!
Apps
METRONOME
Time Trainer:
Online guitar teaching guru Justin Sandercoe's Time Trainer app is a comprehensive metronome which is intuitive to use and is customisable for most applications.
EAR TRAINING
Ear Trainer:
This app is excellent for helping you to develop your listening skills, a vital skill for every musician. Starting with basic intervals and moving on to more advanced exercises, this app is a great resource for
SIGHT READING
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Music Tutor Plus:
This app is great if you want to improve your sight reading skills. Especially for learning notes on the stave in both treble and bass clef.
books
Click the images to open a page where you can purchase the books if you're interested!
When I started learning music theory and how to apply it to the guitar, this book was an invaluable resource.
There's something for everyone in this book, from beginner to advanced level.
For anyone just starting out learning the modes, this book is a great place to start.
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A chapter is dedicated to each mode. With an in depth look at the characteristics of each. As well as musical examples and a backing track CD to practice over.
Robben Ford is a legend of modern Blues playing and a huge influence on my playing over the years. This book explores some of Robben's approaches to blues rhythm guitar and gives a great insight in to his approach to the genre.
This book is aimed at the more advanced guitarist who is looking to develop their playing to a higher level.
This book is a great resource for most guitarists. Covering lots of the basics but also delves into more advanced concepts.
Not a new book by any stretch but it was pretty much my bible as a teenage guitar player who was bitten by the bug!
Soloing using chord tones and not just relying on scales is something that can really unlock the fretboard. By targeting notes found in the chords we can play more melodic solos. This book is a really good introduction to the concept.
Ted Greene was a master at guitar harmony. This book is full of interesting chord voicings and more advanced guitar concepts so it's definitely for the more experienced player.
The Registry of Guitar Tutors at London College of Music exams are a comprehensive grading system for electric guitar.
Here you can purchase the books for grades 1-8.
*The Amazon links above are affiliate links. I receive a small commission for any purchase you make through the link. This doesn't affect the price you pay for the product at all but it helps me to maintain the site and buy the odd cup of coffee :) thank you