A guitar is more than just an instrument — it’s a world of endless creative possibilities. Every guitarist strives to make their sound unique, and original accessories can push the boundaries of traditional playing. Some make playing more comfortable, others unlock new sounds, and some add extra functionality to the instrument.
In this article, we’ve compiled the top 10 most unusual guitar accessories that will not only enhance your playing technique but also inspire new musical experiments. These devices allow you to:
- Create unique effects, such as infinite sustain or sounds resembling a bowed instrument.
- Expand the guitar’s capabilities, turning it into a percussive instrument or even something akin to a sitar.
- Improve playing comfort, reducing hand strain and enhancing ergonomics.
Get ready to discover guitar bows, capos with extraordinary features, string dampening tools, and devices that make your guitar “speak” without an amplifier. Dive into the world of new sounds and techniques that will make playing even more exciting!
1. E-Bow – Infinite Sustain for Your Guitar
If you’ve ever dreamed of making your guitar sound like a violin, cello, or even a synthesizer, then the E-Bow is exactly what you need. This device works by electromagnetically stimulating the strings, creating a continuous sound that traditional playing techniques simply cannot achieve. Instead of picking or plucking the string, it vibrates on its own, transforming each note into a smooth, soaring tone with infinite sustain. This effect makes the instrument feel alive and expressive, adding a unique musical depth.
Using the E-Bow unlocks countless possibilities for experimentation. Depending on its position over the string and how it’s moved, you can achieve different tonal shades — from a light, almost acoustic vibrato to a dense, rich sound reminiscent of a synth pad. Moreover, this device works on both electric guitars and acoustic guitars with a pickup, making it a versatile tool for many musical styles.
Musicians who seek unique ways to express themselves especially appreciate this accessory. It allows them to:
- Improvise in real time, shaping new tones and sonic textures.
- Add atmospheric effects that can’t be achieved with conventional techniques.
- Experiment with genres, from classic rock and progressive music to ambient and neoclassical compositions.
With the E-Bow, a guitar is no longer just a stringed instrument — it becomes a tool for crafting sonic landscapes. No wonder it has been used in recordings by many renowned artists, including U2, Radiohead, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Pink Floyd. In the following video, you’ll see how the E-Bow works, what effects it creates, and how it transforms the guitar’s sound.
Video by Chicago Music Exchange on YouTube
2. Guitar Bow – A Bow for Your Guitar
While the E-Bow provides infinite sustain, the Guitar Bow offers even more expressive possibilities, transforming your guitar into a bowed instrument. This special accessory allows you to bow the strings, producing a warm, fluid sound reminiscent of a violin or cello. This effect enhances expressiveness, enabling smooth note transitions and a unique dynamic range.
The Guitar Bow is designed for flexibility and durability, which is essential for extended use. It is typically made from carbon fiber or similar materials, ensuring maximum control over movement and feel. The harder you press against the string, the richer and more vibrant the tone becomes, while the speed of movement influences the volume and timbre. This accessory works best on steel-string guitars, though skilled players can adapt it for other instruments as well.
This tool is particularly appealing to musicians who love sound experimentation and want to push the boundaries of traditional guitar playing. It allows them to:
- Create atmospheric soundscapes, perfect for cinematic and orchestral music.
- Mimic bowed string instruments, adding fluidity and expressiveness to their playing.
- Play multiple strings simultaneously, creating rich harmonic textures.
It’s no surprise that the Guitar Bow is frequently used in soundtracks, ambient music, and experimental genres. It enables musicians to craft unusual sonic textures that would be impossible with conventional techniques. By adopting this accessory, guitarists can expand their tonal palette, adding greater depth to their sound. The following video explains how to use the Guitar Bow and showcases examples of playing with this unique accessory.
Video by Pickaso Guitar Bow on YouTube
3. Passerelle Bridge – Turning Your Guitar into a Sitar
If you’re fascinated by Eastern music and want to infuse your playing with exotic tones, the Passerelle Bridge is an accessory worth exploring. This small specialized bridge is placed under the strings of an acoustic guitar, transforming it into something reminiscent of a sitar. As a result, each note takes on a characteristic buzzing resonance, filling the music with warm, melodic overtones typical of Indian instruments. This effect is particularly well-suited for ethnic, experimental, and cinematic music, where unique timbres and atmospheric textures play a crucial role.
The Passerelle Bridge is valuable not only for those interested in Eastern music but also for guitarists seeking to add new dimensions to their sound. It allows them to:
- Introduce a distinctive timbre that cannot be achieved through conventional playing techniques.
- Unlock new improvisational possibilities, enabling deep, melodic compositions.
- Achieve an atmospheric sound without relying on expensive effects and processors.
Due to its simplicity and effectiveness, the Passerelle Bridge has become popular among musicians who love to experiment with sound. It helps guitarists break free from the usual constraints, sparking fresh ideas and unexpected creative solutions. Hearing is believing — watch the video below to experience how the Passerelle Bridge sounds in action.
4. Spider Capo – A Capo for Partial String Pressing
If you’re used to a standard capo, then the Spider Capo will completely change your perception of this accessory. Unlike traditional capos, which clamp all the strings at a specific fret, the Spider Capo allows you to press each string individually, unlocking new possibilities for guitarists. With this design, you can create unconventional tunings without having to retune your instrument — especially useful for fingerstyle players, alternative chord voicings, and experimental techniques.
This accessory is designed so that each clamp can be adjusted separately, enabling combinations of open and fretted strings to create unique sound effects. Complex chords that previously required extensive retuning can now be achieved in just seconds. This approach not only simplifies playing but also inspires new musical ideas.
The Spider Capo is particularly valued by musicians who love to experiment with sound, as it:
- Allows instant tuning changes without needing to retune the instrument.
- Unlocks unique harmonies and open chords that can't be played using standard methods.
- Works great for percussive techniques, as it lets you mix open and muted notes.
This capo is a true game-changer for singer-songwriters, studio musicians, and those who enjoy unconventional guitar sounds. It enables new ways of pressing the strings, reshaping how familiar chords are played, and giving the guitar a distinctive tonal character. In this video, you’ll see how the Spider Capo works and what creative opportunities it offers:
Video by American Musical Supply on YouTube
5. Tonewood Amp – Reverb Without an Amplifier
Want to add rich, spacious sound to your guitar without using effects pedals, amps, or processors? The Tonewood Amp is an innovative device that transforms how an acoustic guitar sounds. It attaches directly to the back of the guitar and creates natural effects using the instrument’s own vibrations and resonance. This allows the player to experience reverb, delay, chorus, and other effects without external equipment.
The Tonewood Amp is designed with a magnetic mounting system, making it easy to install on the guitar’s back panel without complex setup. Unlike traditional effects that process the signal before it reaches an amplifier, this accessory makes the guitar body itself a sound source, adding a natural spatial effect. As a result, the playing experience remains as organic as possible, while the sound gains depth and dimension.
With the Tonewood Amp, guitarists gain access to a variety of effects:
- Reverb, creating the impression of playing in a large space.
- Delay, adding a subtle echo effect.
- Chorus, vibrato, and other sound enhancements, enriching the tone and making the sound fuller.
This accessory is particularly useful for buskers and musicians who play unplugged, as it delivers deep and expressive sound anywhere. Additionally, it:
- Enhances the volume and richness of an acoustic guitar’s natural sound without pedals or processors.
- Is compact and portable, making it ideal for travel and live performances.
- Enables professional-quality effects, even when playing in small rooms.
The Tonewood Amp opens up new possibilities for acoustic guitarists, making their sound more immersive and expressive. It’s a great choice for those looking to expand the traditional acoustic playing experience, adding modern effects without the need for complex gear. The video below demonstrates how the Tonewood Amp enhances sound and showcases its effects in action:
Video by Darrell Braun Guitar on YouTube
6. Guitar Snare – Drumming Effects for Your Guitar
If you love blending melody and rhythm but feel that a regular guitar isn’t enough to express your full idea, the Guitar Snare could be the perfect addition to your instrument. This compact accessory is designed for guitarists who use percussive techniques, allowing them to add a rhythmic foundation without external percussion instruments. It essentially turns your guitar into a mini drum kit, adding depth and dynamics to your playing.
The Guitar Snare is simple in design — it attaches to the guitar’s top body using Velcro or magnets, making installation quick and convenient. Every time you tap the guitar body, the accessory produces a distinctive “snapping” sound, similar to a snare drum. It responds to the force of each hit, allowing control over volume and intensity — an essential feature for percussive fingerstyle and live performances.
This accessory is a valuable tool for guitarists looking to:
- Add a clear rhythmic groove directly on the guitar without extra gear.
- Create beats and percussive accents, expanding expressive possibilities.
- Bring a “live” dynamic feel to their playing, especially in solo performances.
The Guitar Snare is a perfect fit for street musicians, acoustic performers, and fingerstyle guitarists, enabling rich rhythmic textures without additional equipment. It enhances the fullness of solo performances, allowing guitarists to act as both the melody player and the percussionist simultaneously. In this video, you can hear how the Guitar Snare transforms the guitar’s sound, adding rhythm and character:
Video by Schlagwerk on YouTube
7. String Dampener (FretWraps) – Controlling Unwanted Overtones
If you play fingerstyle or two-handed tapping, you've probably encountered the issue of unwanted string noise and overtones. Open strings, even when not being played, can vibrate and create background noise that interferes with clean performance. This is where FretWraps comes in — a simple yet highly effective accessory that dampens unwanted vibrations, allowing guitarists to focus on technique and clarity.
This accessory is easily attached to the guitar neck and can be adjusted to control the level of muting, from light dampening to full string muting. It’s no surprise that it has become an essential tool for many professional guitarists. It:
- Is easy to install and adjust, ensuring a comfortable playing experience.
- Helps achieve cleaner and more precise sound, eliminating unwanted noise.
- Makes complex techniques easier to execute, such as tapping, legato, and arpeggios.
Thanks to its simplicity and effectiveness, FretWraps helps musicians achieve studio-quality clarity, even on stage, making performances more polished and professional. This is particularly important for genres where sound precision is key — from jazz and progressive metal to instrumental rock and fingerstyle. Watch this short video to see why FretWraps is so popular among guitarists and how it improves sound quality:
Video by RichardVallanceMusic on YouTube
8. Pick Punch – Make Your Own Guitar Picks
Ever forgotten your pick before a performance or broken your favorite one? With Pick Punch, that’s no longer a problem — you can make your own picks from everyday materials. This compact tool works like a hole punch, cutting picks into a standard shape from any suitable plastic. No more last-minute store runs — just grab an old credit card, product packaging, or an unused CD, and you’ve got a brand-new pick.
Using the Pick Punch is incredibly simple: it requires no electricity, no special skills, and allows you to experiment with different materials. Depending on the material you use, you can create picks with different thicknesses and stiffness levels, helping you find the perfect fit for your playing style. This is especially useful for guitarists who value precise attack, comfort, and a personalized approach to accessories.
This tool is great not only for emergencies but also for creative exploration. It allows you to:
- Make picks in any color, thickness, or flexibility, customizing them to your preferences.
- Save money, eliminating the need to buy new picks regularly.
- Use it as a unique gift or a way to personalize your accessory collection.
Guitarists worldwide love the Pick Punch for its convenience and creative potential. Now, you’re not limited to choosing picks — you can create them yourself, in the quantity you need, exactly when you need them. With a little creativity, making picks can become an art of its own, using materials with unique designs and textures. This video shows how easy it is to make picks from old plastic cards — without a single word needed:
Video by Pick Punch on YouTube
9. Guitar Armrest – Play with Comfort
Many guitarists experience discomfort during long playing sessions, especially when holding the instrument in one position for hours. Over time, the edge of the guitar body can press into your arm, causing discomfort, fatigue, and even numbness. The Guitar Armrest solves this issue by providing a comfortable resting surface, so you can focus on music rather than physical strain.
This accessory easily attaches to the upper edge of an acoustic guitar body, creating a smooth transition between your arm and the instrument. It not only reduces pressure on the forearm but also minimizes tension that builds up over time. Unlike many other accessories, the Guitar Armrest does not affect the guitar’s sound, preserving its natural resonance while giving you a more comfortable playing experience.
Both professional musicians and beginners will appreciate the benefits of the Guitar Armrest:
- Reduces strain on the arm, allowing for longer playing sessions without fatigue.
- Increases comfort, especially during long rehearsals and performances.
- Suitable for all guitarists, regardless of skill level or playing technique.
This accessory is a great choice for those who spend a lot of time with their instrument and want to make playing as comfortable as possible. Easy installation, effortless use, and improved ergonomics make the Guitar Armrest an essential addition for guitarists who care about their comfort. In this video, you’ll see an unboxing of the Guitar Armrest and an explanation of why it’s useful:
Video by GCH Guitar Academy on YouTube
10. Guitar Gloves – Helping Beginner Guitarists
Every guitarist remembers the struggle of getting used to stiff strings in the beginning. Finger pain is an inevitable part of learning, and for many beginners, it can be discouraging enough to make them quit before they truly master the instrument. Guitar Gloves are specially designed to reduce discomfort and help players adapt more quickly to guitar playing.
Made from a thin, flexible material, these gloves allow you to feel the strings without interfering with technique. They reduce pressure on the skin, preventing blisters and soreness while also making it easier to press chords, especially in the first few weeks of practice. While they are ideal for beginners, more experienced musicians can also benefit from them — especially during long performances that put stress on the fingers.
Guitar Gloves are a great solution for guitarists who want to:
- Shorten the adjustment period, avoiding unnecessary pain and discomfort.
- Play longer without fatigue, especially if they have sensitive skin.
- Protect their hands during intensive rehearsals and performances, maintaining finger flexibility.
While some musicians believe that fingers should toughen up naturally, Guitar Gloves make the process less painful and more comfortable — something particularly important for beginners. They offer an easy and accessible way to enjoy music without unnecessary stress. In this video, you'll see how Guitar Gloves help beginners and why they’re worth trying:
Video by TheGuitarGeek on YouTube
Conclusion
The guitar is an instrument that never ceases to amaze with its possibilities. Today, unique musical accessories for guitarists allow players to push sonic boundaries, experiment with effects, and discover new ways to play. From the E-Bow with its infinite sustain to the Spider Capo, which unlocks unconventional tunings, each accessory in this list can serve as a source of inspiration and help you develop your own unique style.
Using these devices doesn’t require professional skills — just a willingness to try. And if you love experimenting with creative techniques, check out unusual guitar tunings for fingerstyle to add fresh new sounds to your playing.
Additionally, the guitar holds many fascinating secrets. For example, did you know that before metal and nylon strings, guitar strings were made from animal gut? This material was widely used by musicians during the Renaissance and Baroque periods before being replaced by modern alternatives. Discover more intriguing facts about the instrument in 10 surprising facts about the guitar.
Don’t be afraid to experiment — music is the art of discovery! Perhaps one of the accessories in this article will inspire you to try fresh ideas, create unique arrangements, and see guitar playing from a new perspective.
