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[Must-see for beginners] What do you need to start playing electric guitar? Explaining the essentials and useful items [budget included]

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  • I'm interested in electric guitars, but it seems like it would be a hassle to buy one because there are so many things you need...
  • I want to know everything I need to start playing electric guitar!
  • I'm curious about the budget required to start playing electric guitar.

I want to start playing guitar because of YouTube, social media, and anime!

I want to start playing an instrument and I'm thinking about getting the electric guitar!I'm sure there are many people who think this way.

In this article,With guitar fever on the rise, we'll be giving you a thorough explanation of what you'll need and what would be useful to have so you can get started now!

Budget patterns for each type are also calculated.So please use it as a reference!

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\ Going to meet Sound House's sister /

An older sister I often see

Please use Sound House again next time.

[Budget Pattern] What you need to start playing electric guitar

  • Those who want to start playing electric guitar at the lowest possible cost
  • Those who want to balance costs and quality
  • Those who want to start with quality in mind, even if it means a slightly higher price

We've divided the items you absolutely need to start playing guitar into three categories, and put together a list of the budget and other requirements.

① People who want to start playing electric guitar at the lowest possible cost
What you need and recommended budget
  • Electric guitar:25,000〜35,000 yen
  • Guitar amp:8,000〜15,000 yen
  • pick: 50 yen - 150 yen
  • shield:2,000〜3,000 yen
  • tuner: Smartphone app is also OK

Total: Approx. 35,000 to 53,000 yen

② Those who want to keep costs down to a certain extent while also being conscious of quality.
What you need and recommended budget
  • Electric guitar:30,000〜50,000 yen
  • Guitar amp: 15,000 yen - 30,000 yen
  • pick: 50 yen - 150 yen
  • shield:2,000〜4,000 yen
  • tuner:2000〜3000 yen

→Total: Approximately 49,000 to 87,000 yen

3. People who want to start with quality in mind, even if it means a slightly higher price
What you need and recommended budget
  • Electric guitar:50,000〜100,000 yen
  • Guitar amp:20,000〜50,000 yen
  • pick: 50 yen - 150 yen
  • shield:3,000〜6,000 yen
  • tuner: 2,000 yen - 12,000 yen

→Total: Approximately 75,000 to 168,000 yen

[Essential items] 5 things you absolutely need to start playing electric guitar

Electric guitar body

Choosing your first electric guitar.

It's a difficult decision, isn't it?

Common issues include:In conclusion, just choose based on appearance!

If you grow to love your guitar and practice well, that's enough.

However,We do not recommend cheap guitars in the 1 yen range!

As a guideline, around 1 yen is the standard.
*Details are explained in the article below

Squier is a reasonably priced brand produced by the world-famous brand Fender.

We offer reliable guitars starting from 3 yen.

Click here to learn how to choose an electric guitar for beginners!

If you are unsure about the beginner's set, click here

Guitar amp

Of course, a guitar can produce sound on its own, but the true charm of an electric guitar is revealed when the sound is played through an amplifier.

For electric guitar beginners, when it comes to setting up various equipment and environments,The most important element is actually the amplifier.

For beginners,More than the difference in the quality of the guitar itself, the choice of amp affects how much fun you have playing guitar and your daily motivation.

We recommend ones that have features such as distortion (a cool howling sound).

Furthermore, if you can play at low volume and it has an earphone jack, you can comfortably practice at home.

Positive Grids
38,500 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 18, 14 | According to Amazon)

Here are some great small guitar amps for practicing at home.
*For beginners, choosing the right amp is important!

pick

Although it is possible to play the guitar with your fingers, electric guitars are generally played with a pick.

There are various sizes, materials, textures, etc., but the ones we recommend are as shown above."Teardrop type"(Slightly elongated shape)

They're not too expensive at around 1 yen each, so if you have the chance to stop by a music store, I recommend trying out a few different types.

By the way, the following models are popular among a wide range of guitarists.

shield

A cable is needed to connect a guitar to an amplifier.

It all depends on the price, but there's no need to buy anything fancy.

However,If you choose cheap cables from unknown brands, there is a risk that they will produce noise or break easily.

Recommended for beginners"Kanale"The brand is:

For around 2000 yen you can get a cost-effective shield that will last a long time.

CANARE
2,282 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)

The longer the guitar cable, the more likely it is that the sound will deteriorate. 3m is the most popular and common length.

tuner

A tuner is used to adjust the tone of each string on an electric guitar, from the first to the sixth string.

Continuing to practice with a slightly off note can hinder your progress and make it harder for your ears to remember the correct note, so frequent tuning is important.

However, there are some free smartphone apps that have tuner functions, so if you're on a tight budget you can put it off for later.

Please note that the accuracy of smartphone tuners decreases in environments with a lot of noise around.

There are several types of tuners,For beginners, we recommend the easy-to-use "clip-on" type!

You can purchase good quality items for around 2000 yen.

[Recommended] Things you should have if possible to start playing electric guitar

strap

A guitar strap is necessary when playing the guitar standing up.

This item will also help prevent the instrument from falling when you are sitting down to play, so it's a good idea to have one if possible.

There are various types of materials, thickness, and width,For now, it's a good idea to have one affordable, classic item.

guitar stand

A guitar stand is designed to help maintain your guitar while minimizing stress on the neck.

If it is placed carelessly, the neck may be put under stress and may become warped.

It is recommended to have a guitar stand, as it will not only help you manage your guitar, but will also make your guitar look great as interior decoration.

There are many different types of stands,If you're looking for something affordable, then a standing type is the way to go, but if you're looking for stability, neck support, and looks, then a hanging type is the way to go.Would be good.

Reasonably priced stand-up type

Overall excellent hanging type

HERCULES
4,757 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)

Spare electric guitar strings

Electric guitars often come with strings attached, but strings are a consumable item.

It will rust or break with use.

"Once it broke, I couldn't play it anymore..."This kind of thing actually happens quite often, so it's a good idea to have a spare on hand.

At the beginning, the following popular standard models will be fine for practice.

D'Addario
1,030 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)
ERNIE BALL
1,614 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)

Nippers

Use it when changing strings.

Since it's not something that's used that often, you could use scissors instead, but it's recommended that you buy one from a 100 yen store.

cross

A cloth is used to wipe down an instrument.

It can easily wipe off fingerprints and dust from your guitar.

It can also be used to wipe down the fingerboard, which can only be cleaned when changing strings.

There isn't a huge difference in performance, so you can just choose something with good cost performance on Amazon or elsewhere and you'll be fine.

[Can be left for later] Useful things to have when starting to play electric guitar

ワインダー

At first glance it may be hard to tell what it's used for, but this is an item called a "winder" that is used when changing strings.

The idea was to add a handle to the pegs that the strings are wound around, as turning them by hand repeatedly is tedious work.

It's not essential, but it makes things a lot easier.

Jim Dunlop
1,418 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)

With nippers

Strap locks

The strap came off while playing, causing the guitar to fall and break.

The "strap lock" helps prevent such tragedies.

By attaching the strap and then covering it, the risk of it falling is reduced to almost zero.
*Except when the strap itself is torn off.

It's reasonably priced, so although it's not essential, it's a recommended purchase.

Fender(Fender)
649 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)
ERNIE BALL
606 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)

カポタスト

A capo is an item that is attached to the neck of a guitar like this.

It's very difficult to understand, butAn item that allows you to easily change the key of your guitar.

Tab scores (guitar sheet music) sometimes say Capo3 or Capo4, which indicates that the piece should be performed with a capo at the specified spot.

Another benefit of changing the key is that it makes it easier to play chords.

This area is popularU fretIt's easier to understand if you try it on this music sheet site.

Maintenance and care products

Daily maintenance
  • Dry wipe with a cloth
  • When changing strings, moisturize the fingerboard with oil.
  • Remove fine dust with a cotton swab

This is the kind of maintenance I usually do at home.

In particular, since the fingerboard is usually difficult to clean, it is recommended that you clean it at the same time as changing the strings.

Not only does it prevent cracks, but it also affects the sound, so if you apply it frequently you can use it for a long time.

Lemon oil or orange oil are recommended!

HOWARD PRODUCTS
1,414 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)
Howard Products
1,390 JPY(TAX+) (As of 2026:05 on March 15, 20 | According to Amazon)

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