What Does a Beginner Guitar Starter Kit Include and Do You Really Need Everything Inside?

Introduction

Starting your guitar journey is exciting — but also overwhelming. When you search for your first instrument, you’ll often see something called a “beginner guitar starter kit.” These bundles promise everything you need in one package. But what exactly do they include? And do you really need all those extras to start playing?

In this guide, we’ll break down what a beginner guitar starter kit includes, why certain items matter, and which ones you can skip. By the end, you’ll know how to start playing without unnecessary stress (or wasted money).

What Is a Beginner Guitar Starter Kit?

A beginner guitar starter kit is a pre-packaged bundle designed to give new players the essentials for learning. Instead of buying each piece separately, everything comes together: the guitar, basic accessories, and sometimes even learning materials.

These kits can be acoustic or electric, and while the exact contents vary by brand, most follow a similar structure.

What’s Typically Included in a Beginner Guitar Starter Kit?

Here’s a breakdown of the most common items you’ll find inside:

🎸 The Guitar

  • The centerpiece of every kit.

  • Usually an entry-level model — lightweight, simple to play, and budget-friendly.

  • Acoustic kits: Steel-string or nylon-string classical.

  • Electric kits: Basic solid-body guitars.

👉 The guitar is the one item you absolutely need — without it, the rest doesn’t matter.

Amplifier (For Electric Kits Only)

  • Small practice amp, usually 10–20 watts.

  • Designed for bedroom-level playing, not performances.

  • Often includes a headphone jack for quiet practice.

👉 Essential for electric players. Without it, your electric guitar will sound very quiet (even quieter than an acoustic guitar).

Instrument Cable (For Electric Kits Only)

  • Connects your guitar to the amplifier.

  • Usually included, though quality can vary.

  • Even a cheap cable is better than no cable — but replacements are inexpensive.

Guitar Strap

  • Lets you play standing up.

  • Not essential for everyone (especially if you’ll mostly play sitting).

  • Comfort varies — many beginners replace the included strap.

Picks (a.k.a. Plectrums)

  • Almost always included.

  • Usually come in different thicknesses (thin, medium, heavy).

  • Great for experimenting and finding what feels right.

👉 Picks are small but crucial — don’t overlook them.

Tuner

  • Many kits include a clip-on electronic tuner.

  • Vital for beginners — a guitar out of tune can be discouraging.

  • Some tuners are built into the amp or available as free apps.

Instructional Materials

  • Vary widely: booklets, DVDs, access codes for online lessons.

  • Some are very basic and not particularly useful.

  • Many players prefer YouTube or online courses instead.

Gig Bag or Case

  • Protects your guitar when carrying it around.

  • Often a soft gig bag — light, but not very protective.

  • Hard cases are rarely included in beginner kits.

Extra Strings

  • Not always included, but very helpful.

  • Strings break, especially for beginners.

  • Having a spare set saves frustration.

Accessories That Might Be Included

  • Capo (for changing pitch easily).

  • Cleaning cloth.

  • String winder.

  • Basic stand.

Not every kit includes these, but they’re nice extras.

Do You Really Need Everything Inside a Beginner Guitar Starter Kit?

The big question: Which items do you actually need, and which are optional?

✅ Must-Haves

  1. The Guitar – obviously.

  2. Picks – essential for learning strumming and picking.

  3. Tuner – you can’t learn properly on an out-of-tune guitar.

  4. Amplifier & Cable (for electric kits) – without them, your electric guitar won’t sound right.

🤔 Nice-to-Have (But Not Critical)

  • Gig Bag – good for travel, but if you’ll keep the guitar at home, not urgent.

  • Strap – useful for standing practice, but not mandatory at the start.

  • Instructional Materials – some are useful, but you may prefer YouTube lessons or apps.

🚫 Non-Essentials (Optional Extras)

  • Cheap Accessories like string winders, cloths, or novelty picks. They’re fine, but you can live without them.

  • Low-Quality Cables or Straps – often included, but many players upgrade quickly.

Acoustic vs Electric Starter Kits: Key Differences

Acoustic Kits Usually Include:

  • Guitar (steel or nylon strings)

  • Picks

  • Tuner

  • Strap (sometimes)

  • Gig bag

👉 No amp required — simpler and lighter.

Electric Kits Usually Include:

  • Electric guitar

  • Practice amp

  • Cable

  • Picks

  • Strap

  • Tuner (sometimes)

  • Gig bag

👉 Slightly more complicated setup, but more versatile sound.

Hidden Downsides of Beginner Guitar Starter Kits

While starter kits are convenient, they’re not perfect.

  • Accessory Quality – Items like straps, cables, and tuners are often very basic.

  • Limited Guitar Quality – Good enough for starting, but you may want to upgrade as you progress.

  • Redundant Materials – You might never use the included DVD or lesson booklet.

👉 The real value is convenience: everything in one box so you can start playing immediately.

Common Beginner Guitar Starter Kit Mistakes

Many new players make these errors:

  1. Ignoring the Tuner – playing out of tune makes learning frustrating.

  2. Not Changing Strings – old strings sound dull and harder to play.

  3. Relying Only on Included Lessons – supplement with online tutorials.

  4. Not Using a Comfortable Strap – the cheap included one can make practice harder.

  5. Skipping Practice Because of Setup Hassles – keep your guitar accessible, not packed away.

How to Get the Most Out of Your Starter Kit

  • Learn tuning first – every practice session should start in tune.

  • Experiment with picks – find the thickness that feels best.

  • Use free learning resources – combine the kit’s lessons with online content.

  • Upgrade gradually – don’t feel pressured to replace everything at once.

  • Focus on playing, not gear – your skills matter more than accessories.

Final Thoughts

So, what does a beginner guitar starter kit include and do you really need everything inside?

  • You’ll almost always get a guitar, picks, tuner, and sometimes extras like a strap, gig bag, or lessons.

  • Electric kits add an amp and cable — must-haves for that style.

  • Not every accessory is essential, and some may be low quality, but the kit ensures you can start playing right away.

The real key is this: don’t get distracted by gear — focus on learning to play. A starter kit gives you enough to begin your journey. The rest can be upgraded as you grow.