{"id":2004,"date":"2019-05-01T13:01:43","date_gmt":"2019-05-01T13:01:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/blog\/?p=2004"},"modified":"2026-03-29T08:20:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-29T07:20:50","slug":"musicians-gig-bag","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminutemusicians.com\/blog\/musicians-gig-bag\/","title":{"rendered":"Musicians’ Gig Bag Checklist – Be Prepared!"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Last updated: March 2026<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you are gigging locally or further afield, the demands on a professional musician can be tough. As such, you have to be prepared for a whole range of different scenarios.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The equipment you take from gig to gig will vary, depending on instrument and set up, however there are certain general things that will be handy for all musicians. Here are our top picks of the most useful items to keep in your gig bag.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

General items for all musicians<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Gaffa \/ Duct tape<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Duct<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Probably one of the most useful things you could possibly put in your gig bag, Gaffa tape is one of the absolute essentials for musicians. Uses include; taping down leads to stop people tripping, temporarily repairing faulty gear and many more that you probably haven\u2019t even imagined yet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WD40<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"WD40\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While this won\u2019t be quite so commonly used as gaffa tape, WD40 oil is also a very good thing to have on hand. Uses include lubricating stubborn stands and various other items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ear plugs<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Gaffa<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Protecting your hearing is important. Even if you play in (what you consider to be) a relatively quiet band, there will be times that it is best to give your ears a break. Ear plugs for musicians<\/a> can take many forms, cheaper and more generic \u201ctouring plugs\u201d can be purchased for as little as \u00a310, whereas custom ear plugs can cost hundreds, but ensure little chance of hearing loss.<\/p>\n\n\n

Make sure you check out the Help Musicians hearing health scheme<\/a>. The scheme can provide a comprehensive hearing assessment, wax removal, and custom-moulded ear plugs from around \u00a350 (\u00a337.50 for Musicians’ Union or ISM members).<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Multi-tool<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Multi<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

An especially useful part of any musicians toolkit should be a good quality multi-tool. These can come in handy for almost anything at all – from taking the screws off of gear to cutting up material for emergency drum dampening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Torch<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Torch\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The problem with phone lights is they have a tendency to drain battery, and how often do laws of chance give you plenty of battery when you really need it anyway?! Having a torch can prove useful for all sorts of things, whether it’s just looking for the guitar picks you’ve managed to drop all over the floor or desperately trying to see what’s going on under the bonnet of your van on the motorway hard shoulder at 2am…<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Extra extension leads<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Extension<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you’re regularly playing at venues that haven’t always been purpose built music venues (such as weddings at big country manors) then your performance space may not be as near a wall socket as you might like. As such, it makes sense to bring some extensions with you, of varying lengths. Whatever your instrument, try to carry a minimum selection of 6 or 8 meter 4 ways and a long 10\/15 meter reel. If your power requirements are modest, this should be enough to see you through.<\/p>\n\n\n

Don’t be tempted to head to the bargain basement when it comes to power extensions. Cheaper extensions have a higher chance of being faulty and potentially ruining your expensive gear, to say nothing of being potentially dangerous. Always buy extensions that are surge – protected.<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Sheet Music<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Close-up<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s always a good idea to carry spare sheet music if you are a reading musician. You never know when someone will have to step in at the last minute so having charts on hand can be a life saver! If you’re putting together a new set list, check out our list of the most popular cover songs from 2,500+ set lists<\/a> for inspiration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Paper \/ Manuscript Paper<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Paper\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

You never know when you might need to write something down, whether it’s your set list for the evening or an emergency chart to a new song, it\u2019s always good to have a note book on hand in your tool kit. It might also be a good idea to have some manuscript paper<\/strong> on hand for last minute charts!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Streaming App \/ Background Music<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Ipad\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing worse than leaving the stage to rapturous applause and then having to deal with nothing but awkward silence afterwards. Depending on your gear set up, there are many ways to plug a phone or tablet with a streaming app into your system and get some background music playing before your set, in between sets and once you’re done. There are plenty of useful mobile apps for musicians<\/a> that can help with this and much more. If you use backing tracks<\/a> as part of your performance, make sure these are loaded and tested before you leave for the gig.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phone charger<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Phone<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Especially essential if you\u2019re using your phone for its Spotify connection for background music.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Towel<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Towel\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

No one wants their prized bass guitar to be forever smelling like last nights beer spillage! Having a towel close by for any emergencies really is a must for keeping your gear in good condition. Similarly, in summer months or at particularly packed gigs, things could get more than a little sweaty and having a towel around in that situation isn\u2019t such a bad idea either\u2026 just remember to wash it!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 First Aid Kit<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"First<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While this could probably be more for storage in the car or van than in the actual kitbag, keeping some key supplies around somewhere will be invaluable if you find yourself having a minor medical problem. You don\u2019t have to be able to cater for a scene out of \u201cCasualty\u201d here, but having some plasters, paracetamol and bandages would seem a sensible precaution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Business cards \/ Flyers<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Business<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Keeping a stack of cards \/ flyers in your gig case is going to mean that they are immediately available to hand out after a successful show. Make sure your cards include your social media handles too – our ultimate guide to Instagram for musicians<\/a> has tips on building your online presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Allen \/ Hex keys<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Allen<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

While these aren\u2019t going to be as frequently needed as many of the other tools, if you are using any lighting rigs or anything similar, a set of allen keys are so small and relatively inexpensive (usually around \u00a31 in hardware stores) it would make sense to put a set in your case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Safety gloves<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Gloves\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

If you are responsible for loading and packing down your own gear (and let\u2019s face it, the majority of us are!) then a set of thick safety gloves to prevent injury when lifting gear really is a must.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spare leads<\/h6>\n\n\n\n

Whether you utilise an XLR, \u00bc inch Jack or anything else, make sure you have a sensible number of spare leads to hand in case any break or go missing.<\/p>\n\n\n

Make sure you loop and tape your cables properly to increase their lifespan.<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Sharpie<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Sharpie\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Whether it\u2019s writing a set list, marking up a sound desk or a dozen other things, having a marker that can write on pretty much anything is always going to come in handy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 Electrical \/ Insulation Tape<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Electrical<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Great for marking up a sound desk or for keeping your cables neat, some electrical tape will set you back a matter of pence, but save you considerable time at set up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Spare Fuses<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Fuse\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A couple of spare fuses for your electrical items certainly won’t go amiss if anything goes wrong… Just make sure you know which ones your gear needs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pegs<\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Pegs\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

No, we aren’t suggesting you hang out some washing while you play a show! A couple of pegs are great for keeping your sheet music or lyrics in place, especially if your gig is outside!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Multimeter \/ Continuity Meter<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Multimeter\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A multimeter or continuity meter can be very useful when trying to track down electrical problems with cables and electronic equipment, or for testing fuses etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldering Iron<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Soldering<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Soldering irons (don’t forget the solder!) are a great thing to include in your gig bag for those on site repairs when things go wrong. If you’re not confident using a soldering iron there are tutorials on YouTube to help guide you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tuner \/ Metronome<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Tuner\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

It’s worth investing in a tuner \/ metronome either separately or combined like the one shown above. These are particularly useful for guitarists to get the tuning spot on, or for Musical Directors to help count in at the correct tempo!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Emergency Snacks \/ Drinks<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Snacks\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps you don’t fancy the “bandwiches” on offer, or perhaps the event organiser forgot to organise your food – either way, emergency snacks and drinks are always a good idea to pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hand Sanitiser<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n
\"Hand<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

A portable hand sanitiser is useful for events outside or where there’s no easy access to running water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instrument Specific Equipment<\/h5>\n\n\n
\n

Keyboard Players<\/h2>\n

DI box (With power or batteries if needed)<\/h6>\n

\"DI<\/p>\n

Having to usually run your keys into an input on the mixer or a multi coil, a DI box will help clean up your signal and give you more control. Keep it in your gig case or with the instrument itself.<\/p>\n

Fold-away Music Stand<\/h6>\n

\"Music<\/p>\n

Never underestimate how annoying it is to get to a gig and realise you have forgotten your music stand. While a stool may fulfil the role to a degree, a small and inexpensive fold away back up is always useful to have in your gig bag. If you perform in a string quartet, big band or similar group you might want to consider matching music stands.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

\n

Bassists & Guitarists<\/h2>\n

Spare strings<\/h6>\n

\"Spare<\/p>\n

An absolute must for all stringed instruments. Remember, although they are hopefully sealed, spare strings can still degrade over time even in their packets, so replace them every now and then.<\/p>\n

Spare plectrums<\/strong><\/h6>\n

\"Acoustic<\/p>\n

One of our Facebook group<\/a> members commented:
\n“The amount of times I\u2019ve been at a gig and the guitarists been stressing out about plectrums coz they didn\u2019t take many and just lost the last one on the floor!”<\/p>\n

9V batteries<\/h6>\n

\"Battery\"<\/p>\n

Whether you choose to run your pedals from batteries or the mains, make sure you have plenty of spares to hand for when they eventually run out or you hit any other issues.These are especially important to keep on hand if you own an active instrument.<\/p>\n

String winder\/ clipper<\/h6>\n

\"String<\/p>\n

A brilliant tool for restringing on the fly, a winder\/clipper combo (like the one made by Planet Waves) should be in every guitarists gig bag.<\/p>\n

Capo<\/h6>\n

\"Capo\"<\/p>\n

For emergency key changes (or just for that \u2018Wonderwall\u2019 encore!)<\/p>\n

Acoustic guitar feedback buster<\/h6>\n

\"Feedback<\/p>\n

A great tool for anyone finding themselves battling feedback on their acoustic guitar. While essentially only comprising of a small bit of rubber to fit over the soundhole, a feedback buster can prove to be a lifesaver in certain situations.<\/p>\n

Nail clippers<\/h6>\n

\"Nail<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve all been there\u2026 unless you\u2019re playing a very specific style, long nails are nothing but a hindrance.<\/p>\n

In a real bind, nail clippers can also double as string clippers!<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n

Drummers<\/h2>\n

Drum key<\/h6>\n

\"Drum<\/p>\n

Any drummer will tell you this is an important tool for tuning drums, and it is usually never to be found when you really need it! Consider even adding one to your keyring and making sure you have at least one in your gig bag!<\/p>\n

Extra sticks<\/h6>\n

\"Drumsticks\"<\/p>\n

If extra strings are the guitarists essential, then these are drummers. You never know when a set of sticks might break or simply go missing.<\/p>\n

Hot rods<\/h6>\n

\"Hot<\/p>\n

If you end up facing a particularly bad volume restriction or sound limiter (See our LMM Blog<\/a> for more advice) then a set of hot rods will help reduce the volume while still keeping a lot of the \u201cfeel\u201d. Hot rods are bunches of smaller sticks taped together to lessen the impact on drums and cymbals.<\/p>\n

Cymbal dampeners<\/h6>\n

\"Cymbal<\/p>\n

If you find yourself in a small venue, then spare both your (and your colleagues!) hearing by dampening your snare and cymbals.<\/p>\n

Spare Drums \/ Skins \/ Heads<\/strong><\/h6>\n

\"Drum<\/p>\n

It’s a good idea to carry spare skins if you’re a drummer. One of our group members suggests to have a second snare set up in case of skins breaking mid-set. Kick drum heads can also be useful especially if you don’t change them regularly.[\/color-box]\n\n\n

\n

String Players<\/h2>\n

Rosin<\/h6>\n

\"Pieces<\/p>\n

Rosin is essential for string players but can often be overlooked!<\/p>\n

Dusters<\/h6>\n

\"Selection<\/p>\n

Dusters are useful to keep your string instrument clean and can double up as an emergency chin rest for violinists (if you don’t have a sponge!).<\/p>\n

Black Hole<\/h6>\n

\"Cello<\/p>\n

No, not the region of spacetime, rather a rubber ring with a hole used by cellists \/ bassists to steady their instrument and avoid marking the floor.<\/p>\n

Spare Strings<\/h6>\n

\"Violin<\/p>\n

String players will appreciate the importance of having a good set of strings on standby at all times.<\/p><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Extra Items Worth Considering<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Beyond the essentials listed above, here are a few more items that experienced gigging musicians often recommend keeping in your gig bag:<\/p>\n\n\n\n