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Common and helpful accessories for ukulele players include:
Capos
A capo is a clamp placed on the neck of a fretted instrument used to shorten the playable length of the string, thereby raising the pitch. A capo works as though you’ve created a new nut at a higher pitch, and is commonly used to play a song in one key using the same fingerings as would be used on open strings. For example, if your instrument has a G string, and you place the capo at the fret for the note A, your G string now functions as though it were an A string. This is convenient when the fingerings are awkward in the key you want to play in. The capo needs to fit the neck and fingerboard of the instrument you’re playing on, so be sure to use a capo made for ukulele.
Cases
For nearly all fretted instruments, there are two options for cases – hard cases and the gig bags. Hard cases provide more protection and sometimes more storage compartments, but are bulkier and more expensive. Gig bags are lightweight and less expensive, but do still supply your ukulele with needed protection.
Stands
A stand is used to keep your instrument safe when you’re not playing it, but have it out of its case. Stands are a great way to keep your instrument readily accessible, and as such, will probably result in playing it more often.
Straps
Utilizing a ukulele strap can provide more freedom of motion for your left hand since it helps take over the support of the instrument. Additionally, ukuleles are small and can be easy to drop, especially for a beginner. A strap can help you worry less about holding on to your ukulele and spend more of your practice time learning new techniques.
Strings
There are several different types and brands of ukulele strings available. Many of the popular strings are synthetic gut – a plastic material created to imitate the feel and sound of real gut strings. These strings, as well as other ukulele strings, are usually made from nylon; however, some strings are also wound in metal. Having good quality strings is important to getting a great sound out of your ukulele.
Tuners
Ukulele tuners are a must-have accessory for all levels of players. Tuners provide a visual reference to help you tune your ukulele properly, hopefully leading to less broken strings or maintenance issues. Most tuners have a display that shows if the string is sharp (too tight) or flat (too loose). By following the display, you can turn the string winders on the ukulele just enough to make the instrument play in-tune. Ukulele-specific tuners (as opposed to all instrument tuners or guitar tuners) will make sure you have the correct tuning notes for the ukulele and in the correct octave.