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Guitar Tools YOU Need: Guitar Setup Tips For Every Pro Guitar Player!

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Do you have the necessary guitar tools for the PERFECT guitar set up? Before you go to another gig, make sure you have a gig bag containing all the following tools for the job! Without the proper guitar repair tools, you could be high and dry at the WRONG time!

This reference guide is a preemptive strike against NOT having the necessary guitar tools if something goes wrong on stage, before the show, or at home! Use this comprehensive list to make sure you ALWAYS have the BEST guitar set up!

Ooga Booga says:

"When you look and ACT professional, you will begin to notice the increasing occurrence of "approving nods" tilted in your direction emanating from the shining faces of fellow band mates and Rockstars like yourself!"

Certain guitar accessories take priority over others. For example, you should ALWAYS have extra guitar picks and packs of strings in your gig bag, but it's entirely up to YOU whether you want ear plugs and eyeliner!

Guitar Tools and Accessories for YOUR Gig Bag

Double check the following list and make absolutely certain you have each and every one of these items in your gig bag. Do NOT leave for your next face-melting rock show without them!

Guitar Pro is every guitarists most essential tool!

Mandatory Items -- These are necessary for electric guitar setup:

Hex Wrenches/Allen Wrenches of various sizes

These are used to make practically EVERY adjustment your electric guitar needs! From saddles, to action height, to the truss rod, you NEED them!

Screw Drivers -- Phillips

For those few adjustments that hex keys WON'T make, you need a phillips head screw driver for the rest! Pickup height and access to internal electrical components require this type of tool.

1/4" Cables

You need both patch cables AND guitar cables. The patch cables are used for your effects pedals (the short kind). They DO go out!

Extra Pack of Strings

No guitar tools bag is complete without a change of strings! ONE set is enough. TWO sets is better!

Guitar Picks

Like to toss picks out into the sea of rabid fans like a Rockstar? Well grab some extra picks so you don't feel the embarrassment of having to play WITHOUT one!

Nail Clippers

Any little bit of nail that extends beyond the fleshy part of your finger (besides being gross) will GREATLY inhibit your ability! Unless you like biting them (you don't know where they have been!), invest in an extra pair.

9v Batteries

If you use special effects pedals and DON'T plug them into the wall, buy a pack of decent 9v batteries for your gig bag. Then you get the FUN of testing them with your tongue just like the pros!

Power Tubes and Fuses

First, figure out what kind of power tubes your guitar amplifier uses. Using the wrong kind can harm your amp! Buy a couple of extra amp tubes and fuses for those times when you rock TOO hard.

And now for the optional "guitar tools" for your next gig...

Optional Items -- These are NOT necessary for electric guitar setup, but MAY come in handy nonetheless:

Cotton Balls

These are used to save your ears when the opening act sounds like wrenches in a clothes dryer!

Black Eyeliner

For when you want to make that LASTING impression!

Guitar Slide

You never know when you may feel the sudden need to "go country"!

String "grease"

There are brands of "string lube" out there that ease the "sticky" feeling your strings get sometimes. This stuff can be a lifesaver in certain unsavory climate conditions.

And finally, some items you should in fact go without:

Things You DON'T Need:

Wire Cutters

Do it like the pros! Wiggle the brand new string back and forth at the tuning peg post to remove unwanted "hair".

Guitar Tuner

THAT should be on your pedal board, rack mounted, OR a job reserved for your underpaid guitar technician!

A Capo

Hey, there's nothing wrong with using a "cheater bar" on occasion. But you should never RELY upon it!

You Got The Tools...NOW What?

We will venture more into HOW to use these special guitar tools in the related articles, including What Every Lead Guitarist Should Know About Electric Guitar Setup: Your Checklist for "Getting it Right" and tips on raising and lowering your guitar action using hex keys.

For now though, collect each of these items and place them all in your gig bag. You should keep it near you on stage for easy access during rock and roll pandemonium!

Any little hand-held bag with separate compartments will do. But I have seen a shoebox work as well! Whatever floats your boat, cranks your tractor, and primes your pump is fine by Dionysus.

Last Thoughts From Our Guests:

Strawberry Cupcake says:

"After you cherish the last drop, hang on to a Crown Royal baglet or two. You can easily recycle them as containers for picks and 9 volts, and they are the perfect hiding place for all those prophylactics you are SO fond of and use EVERY time."

More Metal says:

"And while we are on the subject: String winders, capos and those rubbers of yours all fall into the same category. They are all novelties reserved for those of you less seasoned amateurs out there. And although you may have my permission to use BLACK eyeliner, I better not look into that satchel of yours to find a friggin' powder puff!"

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