Get a stand

One of the best investments a gigging guitarist can make is a portable guitar stand. Don’t leave your guitar leaning against an amp on stage because, sooner or later, it will get knocked over and damaged, possibly seriously. Using a stand is also more professional – the guitar will stay safe on the stand while techs go bustling about the stage – and be ready to pick up and play when you come on. Our fave is the Cooperstand CS-1 (£39.95), which supports both electrics and acoustics securely. It also folds down to gigbag pocket size when not in use and, with its smart wooden finish, looks great at home, too.