There are few items most guitarist might need at every gig and lacking these items is unacceptable. Being of sound mind and body should be a given but my fellow musicians seem to betray this ideal. Therefore, let's stick to tangible items required to support your job. Lastly, I make it a list and I encourage you to leave comments regarding items you feel are important to be included on this list.
This is an all encompassing list not in order of importance:
- 2 tuners - one for the headstock and one inline.
- Extra strings - 1 pack per guitar minimum.
- String winder - I recommend Frank's Cranks. I prefer the wooden variety because I drop stuff. Basic $2 is fine and better than nothing.
- 2 guitar leads (cables). 1 primary and 1 spare.
- Small tool kit. I prefer the Tech set.
- Picks - Bring extra and assorted unless you use your fingers.
- Crazy glue - Keep a new tube on hand. It's the duct tape of the future.
- Duct tape - Just kidding. If you must, make it a small roll.
- Spare acoustic guitar bridge (drop-in), different heights to compensate for different climates (wet or dry).
- 4" piece of heavy gage guitar string. Used to unstick strings stuck in the guitar. I use a bicycle spoke I cut down.
- A lighter. I forget why.
- A friend with a camera.
- 9 volt batteries.
- Paper (Stave), pencil and eraser.
- Confidence.
