The First Fret

Gear & Maintenance

Hype-free advice on what to buy and what to skip. We cover the few accessories that genuinely matter — picks, a clip-on tuner, a capo, the right string gauge, a strap — and the basic maintenance that keeps even a budget guitar playing well: changing strings, cleaning the fretboard, understanding what 'action' means, and knowing when a cheap guitar just needs a simple setup.

Gear & Maintenance

4 guides

Gear & Maintenance

Guitar String Gauges Explained: Which Should You Use?

Guitar string gauges explained: what thickness means, how sets are named, and the best string gauge for beginners on acoustic or electric.

August 12, 2026

Gear & Maintenance

How to Change Guitar Strings Step by Step

Learn how to change guitar strings with this beginner-friendly step-by-step guide covering removal, installation, and tuning.

July 29, 2026

Gear & Maintenance

The Guitar Accessories Beginners Actually Need

A practical guide to guitar accessories for beginners — what to buy first, what to skip, and why each item matters.

July 15, 2026

Gear & Maintenance

How to Tune a Guitar: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn how to tune a guitar from scratch. Covers standard tuning notes, clip-on tuners, tuning apps, and the 5th-fret method for beginners.

July 1, 2026

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