Buying yourself one of the best guitar stands or guitar hangers isn’t just about finding a safe place to store your instruments. Having your guitar out on display means you’re far more likely to pick it up and play, just purely because it’s there. So while it's a great way to keep your guitar in good condition, it’s also a really good way to improve your playing because you’ll be more likely to pick it up.
Having worked in a guitar store for around 10 years, I’ve just about seen it all when it comes to guitar stands and hangers. Whether that be customers coming back with a broken one, choosing a nitrocellulose safe option for the expensive models, or generally having sales reps showing me the weird and wonderful ‘cutting edge’ designs that no one has ever seen before. That’s not to mention my own massive collection of guitars.
I actually have to store some of them out of sight, and this means I always end up playing the five or six in my rack, or the one that’s resting against my desk. In my experience, and in my opinion, every guitarist should own at least one guitar stand or hanger.
There are lots to choose from though, so if you’re looking for the best guitar hanger overall, I’d go for the ubiquitous Hercules GSP39WB Plus. It’s one of the most popular guitar hangers of all time, with excellent build quality and all the bits you need to install it included. Plus, it’s nitro safe for all of you Gibson fanatics out there.
However, if you need something a little quicker, easier, and cheaper, then have a look at the D’Addario Guitar Rest, which is excellent value for money and does an amazing job of securing your guitar.
If you’re new to guitar stands and hangers, I’ve put together a how to choose section based on my years of experience playing guitar and working in guitar retail. I’ve also answered loads of common questions in our FAQs, and defined some key terms in a glossary further down the page.
Best overall
✅ Buy if floor space is a premium: Hanging your guitar collection on the wall is a complete space saver for any home office or bedroom.
❌ Avoid if you aren’t comfortable with using tools: It isn’t a terribly difficult installation, but having to drill screws into a solid base may scare some people off.
There are a myriad of guitar hangers out there but do you really want to entrust your guitar to hang on a wall to just any old company? The Hercules Stands GSP39WB Plus is the most popular guitar hanger in the world for good reason.
The Hercules is a wall-hanging, single guitar holder with a neat locking system to keep your guitar firmly in place. I particularly like the general non-nonsense vibe here; it’s reliable, sturdy, and isn’t about to drop your prized guitar any time soon.
It will require some installation on your part however, so be prepared to get handy with some tools. You’ll also need to be careful about where you attach it, as it needs to be drilled into something solid.
Best budget
✅ Buy if you record in a home studio: This is a gem when you’re constantly picking up and putting down a guitar when laying tracks.
❌ Avoid if you’re a little clumsy: The rest struggles to stay put when there’s no guitar in its cradle, particularly if you bump it.
I’ve had the D’Addario Guitar Rest on my studio desk for a good few years now and despite initially seeing it as a temporary buy, it’s actually become a permanent place for my guitars when I’m recording. Despite the deceptively simple design, it’s actually one of the best guitar stands I’ve ever used.
The Guitar Rest works by simply placing it upon a flat surface like your desk. You can then lean your guitar against it, with its non-slip rubber construction ensuring that your instrument stays exactly where it should be. It’s simple but incredibly effective, and after years I’ve using it, I’ve never had a guitar fall over once I’ve placed it there.
The inert rubber is specifically designed not to be damaging to your guitar’s finish, whilst on top a handy little tub allows you to store small accessories like guitar picks. One annoying thing is that it's easy to knock off your desk if there’s no guitar leaning against it, which will send any picks you’re storing flying. This happens to me a lot when I’m hoovering my studio!
Best 3-guitar stand
✅ Buy if a full-size rack takes up too much room: If you have a few guitars, but a multi-rack takes up too much real estate, this option is a great choice.
❌ Avoid if you don’t want to play a balancing game: With only one guitar on the stand, there's a chance that the balance can go off kilter and topple over.
If you’re looking for an easy way to store 3 guitars without taking up too much space, I’d go for the Hercules GS432B Plus. I used one of these in an old video studio when I was recording guitar demos and I found it to be rock solid.
What I like about the GS432B Plus is that it’s really easy to just pull your guitars off and get playing. It was key to me when I was demoing multiple guitars a day, and it allowed me to quickly change between instruments with a minimum of fuss.
One problem I did notice with it is that if you only have one guitar on the stand it can become a bit unbalanced. This happened to me when I had a single Ibanez RG on it, and the guitar nearly went crashing to the ground, so only get one of these if you have multiple guitars to go on it.
Best acoustic guitar stand
✅ Buy if you want to display your acoustic in style: The wooden design makes this the classiest stand on our list and will complement any guitar.
❌ Avoid if you have a large acoustic collection: Although it looks great, you may want something more cost-effective if you have multiple guitars.
If you’ve got an acoustic guitar it makes sense to match its natural beauty with a natural-looking guitar stand. The Taylor Guitar Stand is made from natural Mahogany and is available in a couple of finishes, as well as a Beechwood option, making it the perfect match for complementing your acoustic.
It’s not just got the looks either, thanks to the wood construction its ultra-durable, so you can rest assured it will hold your guitar solid. There are small rubber pieces at the contact points to keep your guitar’s finish in pristine condition and prevent any wood-on-wood contact.
It’s pretty compact too, so if you’re the gigging sort it wouldn’t take up too much room in the trunk of your car, or if you just want to move it around at home. The lack of a neck aligner means if you’re the pedantic type you might have to make some adjustments, but that aside, it’s a great option for acoustic players.
Best bass guitar stand
✅ Buy if you cycle through bass guitars quickly: Since this stand is extendable, it will work with any new bass.
❌ Avoid if space is at a premium: Although great for stability, the tripod design makes it tricky to fit in tight studio spaces.
There have been more than a few occasions when I’ve tried to place a bass guitar on a regular guitar stand and encountered some kind of issue, so if you have a long-scale instrument, I can highly recommend the Hercules GS414B Plus.
Great build quality gives confidence it’ll look after your guitar well, and I also appreciate the amount of versatility on offer thanks to a push-button height-adjustable neck. Every part of the stand that will come into contact with your guitar is covered in either foam or rubber, so no scrapes or scratches.
Of course, it will work just as well on an electric guitar as it does on a bass guitar, but there are cheaper stands if you’re looking for one for a regular-sized instrument, as this one is relatively expensive compared to some of the others on this list.
Best guitar stand for offset
✅ Buy if you’re tired of your offset guitar sitting crooked: There’s nothing worse than having to fuss with the angle when you just want to stand it securely.
❌ Avoid if you have a nitro finish: Explorers or Firebirds may react with the material on this stand, as it isn’t nitrocellulose-safe, which is a real shame.
When I first bought my Fender Jaguar I didn’t really think about having to put it on a stand, but got a shock when I took it to practice for the first time and tried to place it on my regular one. Offset guitars like the Jaguar, Jazzmaster, Explorer, Firebird, and other angular guitars don’t sit well on a normal guitar stand, which is where the Fender Universal A-Frame comes into play.
It features two height-adjustable arms that allow you to get the perfect fit to hold your offset guitar securely, no matter how oddly shaped it is. Handily, this guitar stand also features an additional arm for extra security so even if you have a really weird custom design, this frame should do a good job of holding it securely.
It takes a bit of setting up, so if you’re planning on changing guitars a lot just bear this in mind. This stand is better if you’re just regularly putting a single offset onto it. It won’t fit an acoustic guitar, and also it’s not certified nitrocellulose safe, so be careful if you have a vintage instrument as you could mar the finish.
Best for large collections
✅ Buy if you have a serious guitar collection: This hanger safely stores your guitars off the ground, and you can add more yokes as needed.
❌ Avoid if you have vintage guitars with sensitive finishes: The untreated rubber pads may react with nitrocellulose or other delicate finishes.
One of the great things about guitar stores is their racks of beautiful guitars hanging, often angled, facing you as you walk through the door. It's something I certainly remember fondly, having worked in a guitar store, and I remember many customers wishing they had something like that at home. Well, now they can, as Levy’s Strip wall hanger offers pivotal and spatially adjustable yokes that you can have on your wall at home.
Since the yokes can pivot, you can fit quite a diverse lineup of guitars in a row, as having them angled allows you to stack them a little easier. If you find yourself with a bit of extra room, Levy’s also sells individual yokes, meaning you can squeeze a few more on.
Not only will this appeal to players who have larger guitar collections, but it will also appeal to those who want an attractive way of displaying their guitars. The problem with individual wall hangers is the fact that it can be tricky getting the hangers close together, and the extra space can sometimes look a bit naff; having them in a row like this looks much more coordinated and intentional.
However, be aware that you do have to drill holes into the base plate before being able to screw it into the wall. I actually have one of these and had to make a trip to my local DIY store to pick up an extra drill bit.
Also consider
The above stands should cover the vast majority of guitarists needs, but if you didn't find what you were looking for above, here are some more great options for you to look at.
How to choose
Guitar stands and guitar hangers are by design, relatively simple objects, but there are some things you should consider before purchasing one. As I’ve been playing guitar for well over twenty years now, I’ve got a good understanding of what’s required from a guitar stand or hanger, so here’s what I’d look at before buying one.
1. Instrument compatibility
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Guitar stands and hangers are fairly universal, but not all of them are suitable for each instrument. It means you need to consider whether or not the stand or hanger you choose will work for your particular type of guitar. Some guitar stands can be too narrow for acoustic guitars for example, whereas particular headstock designs can be incompatible with certain headstock shapes on electric guitars.
It means you should check out the manufacturer's specifications before buying a stand, so you can be sure it will fit your guitar. Offset guitars are a great example, as they need a specific type of stand like the Fender Universal A-Frame in this guide, because their odd shape means they don’t sit properly on a normal guitar stand.
2. Hanger or stand?
Next you’ll need to decide whether you want to go for a guitar hanger or a guitar stand. Hangers are great if you’re short on space, but they require installation. Stands on the other hand are easy to use anywhere and can be taken to gigs, but they take up more space. Deciding which to choose is all about the space you have.
You can hang multiple guitars up on your wall, but if you want to make the most of a larger collection then a multi-guitar rack is a better option for space saving. A multi-stand lets you put the guitars closer together so you can fit 5 or 7 guitars in a relatively small space depending on the rack design.
3. Materials
For those with nitrocellulose guitars, you need to be very careful about the type of stand you buy, as certain plastics can interact with a nitro finish. This can result in damage to your finish if left on a stand for a period of time, so if you do have a guitar with a nitro finish, make sure to check the specifications of your chosen stand to prevent damage to your guitar.
FAQs
Is it better to use a hanger or a stand?
It really depends on your personal situation. Both have their pros and cons, but it comes down to a few simple differences. A hanger gets your guitar up on the wall and out of the way, so can be good for saving space. When installed correctly they are very robust, but they are a pretty permanent addition to your space.
Guitar stands sit on the floor and tend to take up a bit more room, but can more easily be moved around, and you can take some of them to shows. There are a lot more different stand designs too versus hangers, so you can get something more specific for your particular instrument.
Will hanging a guitar by its neck damage it?
I get asked this question a lot and the answer is always no. A guitar can pull anywhere between 80 to 180 pounds on a guitar neck depending on the strings and type of guitar, so there’s no way hanging a guitar which weighs on average around 8 pounds is going to cause any damage.
Can certain stands damage a guitar’s finish?
Yes they can. This typically happens with nitrocellulose guitars as that type of finish can interact with certain materials. It doesn’t happen instantly though, but can cause damage if you leave the guitar on a non-compatible stand for a long period of time. If you have a nitro-finished guitar then be sure to check your stand for compatibility before you buy.
How do I safely install a guitar hanger?
While I'm no DIY expert, I do know you need to make sure you’re drilling into a stud wall if you want to install a guitar hanger. Drilling into drywall doesn’t typically offer enough support, which can result in your guitar falling off. Most hangers come with the correct rated anchors or bolts, but if you’re buying your own make sure they’re rated well above your guitar’s weight.
What if I own lots of guitars?
If you have a bunch of guitars then I’d recommend getting a multi-stand like the K&M Guardian. Racks like this let you store lots of guitars in a relatively small space, and you can buy various sizes for larger collections.
Are A-frame stands any good?
I use an A-frame stand on stage because it can fold away and fit in my guitar case, but if I wanted to be really safe I’d get a stand with a neck support on it. A-frame stands are fairly sturdy if you’re careful with how you place them, but just bear in mind that they’re not the most stable stands out there.
Will my offset guitar fit any guitar stand?
It depends on the type of stand. Offset guitars will fit into most multi-guitar racks, or a stand or hanger that supports the guitar by the neck. Certain stands where the guitar sits in a cradle will likely not work with these types of guitars though. The Fender Universal A-Frame stand featured in this guide is great for offset instruments.
Can I hang a guitar on drywall?
No, you shouldn’t hang your guitar on drywall alone. It’s not strong enough to support a guitar for long periods, especially if you’re regularly taking it down. Continuous movement can wear away the drywall, causing the hanger to become unstable. The last thing you want is to wake up to your guitar crashing to the floor because the drywall gave way.
For safety and peace of mind, always mount your hanger into wooden wall studs. This provides a much stronger and more secure base for your instrument.
How much weight can a guitar hanger hold?
A well-positioned and properly anchored wall hanger will safely hold the weight of any guitar. Whether it’s 5, 6, or 7 lbs. If you’ve drilled your hanger into a wall stud and it’s good quality, it will support any guitar in your collection.
For extra peace of mind, consider purchasing longer screws than those provided with your wall hanger. The standard screws are usually sufficient, but longer ones from your local hardware store can make the installation even more secure.
Should I keep my guitar in a case instead of on a stand?
Ultimately, where you store your guitar is entirely up to you. If you want maximum safety, keeping it in its case is a great option. However, a secure, good-quality stand can be just as safe. Plus, in today’s busy world, having your guitar accessible on a stand will encourage you to play more often than if it’s tucked away out of sight. Sometimes, just seeing my guitar inspires me to play and if it were in a case, I wouldn’t get that same inspiration.
Can I use the same stand for acoustic and electric guitars?
This depends on the design of the stand’s base. Some guitar stands have molded rests, which may not accommodate larger-bodied acoustics, especially if the stand is shaped for slim, offset, or unconventional bases. However, if the stand has a flat base or is a multirack designed for general use, you can safely use it for both acoustic and electric guitars.
Glossary
A-frame: A common type of stand with two or three legs that makes it look like an ‘A’.
Anchor: Used to secure guitar wall hangers to the wall.
Auto-lock: A mechanism that locks the guitar into place when you put it into a stand.
Body rest: Part of the guitar stand that the body rests against, usually padded.
Collar: A small part of a hanger, usually plastic or metal, that sits at the pivot point.
Floor stand: A guitar stand designed to support your instrument while freestanding on the floor.
Guitar hanger: Another name for a guitar wall hanger, used to hang a guitar from a wall.
Neck cradle: The part of a guitar stand where the guitar’s neck rests. A-frame stands don’t usually have neck cradles.
Neck yoke: The part of certain stands that holds the guitar neck in place.
Nitro-safe: A type of guitar stand with a finish that doesn’t damage nitrocellulose guitars.
Non-slip feet: Rubber or textured feet on a stand that prevent slipping and keep the stand stable when you place your guitar on it.
Padding: The rubber or foam material on a stand or hanger that protects your guitar from contact with metal or wood parts.
Rack: Refers to a multi-guitar stand. Often used in studios or on tours.
Wall anchor: A type of hardware fastener used in drywall to provide extra support for screws. However, it’s best to drill your hanger into a wall stud.
Wall mount: Another word used to describe a guitar hanger.
Wall stud: The wooden structural beam behind your wall’s surface. It’s best practice to drill your hanger into a stud for maximum strength and stability.
How we test
When testing a guitar stand there are a few different considerations we'll make in the process. First and foremost, it has to be stable. The last thing you want is your instrument crashing to the ground because of a dodgy stand or hanger. To test this we'll place lots of different guitars on the stand or hanger, giving it a push here and there to determine just how robustly it holds it in place.
Next, we'll look at the overall build quality of the stand. We want to make sure it's well put together, that any nuts and bolts are nice and tight, and that it's finished well. For the contact points, we'll be looking for non-marring foam that's safe for the vast majority of guitar finishes, as well as making sense for the placement of the guitar.
If it's a guitar wall hanger, then installation needs to be clear, and all fixings provided. There's nothing worse than getting a guitar hanger only to have to go back to the DIY store to buy more things to get it mounted. We want to see clear instructions on how to install the hanger, preferably with a YouTube link to help non-DIY types get it right the first time.
A guitar stand or hanger is a simple bit of kit, but we make sure to test them to their absolute limits to make sure it's the right purchase for you. As users of guitar stands and hangers for many years, we've got loads of real-world experience that allows us to best inform other guitarists on what they should be going for, dependent on their particular instrument of course.
Read more about our rating system, how we choose the gear we feature, and exactly how we test each product.
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Meet the experts
Chris Corfield is a journalist with over 12 years of experience writing for some of the music world's biggest brands including Orange Amplification, MusicRadar, Guitar World, Total Guitar and Dawsons Music. Chris loves getting nerdy about everything from guitar and bass gear, to synths, microphones, DJ gear and music production hardware.
Connor is a contributor to Guitar World and MusicRadar. Having been a guitarist since the age of 10, he's played bass and guitar in bands across the South West of England. He has a background in audio engineering, having worked in some of the UK’s best studios including Rockfield and Invada, and has a passion for recording guitar. He is always keen to discover the greatest gear for capturing tone, be that microphones, audio interfaces or cab simulators.
Matt is a Junior Deals Writer here at MusicRadar. He regularly tests and reviews music gear with a focus on audio interfaces, studio headphones, studio monitors, and pretty much anything else home recording-related. Responsible for over 60 buying guides, a large part of his role is helping musicians find the best deals on gear. Matt worked in music retail for 5 years at Dawsons Music and Northwest Guitars and has written for various music sites, including Guitar World, Guitar Player, Guitar.com, Ultimate Guitar, and Thomann’s t.blog.
Ross has been a music lover and guitar player since the age of 8. He has spent the five years since graduating from university working in music retail, selling guitars, amps and more. Ross is particularly interested in electric guitars, pedals and amplifiers and his current rig includes a trusty 2009 American Standard Stratocaster and Vox AC30S1 with a few Walrus Audio and Way Huge pedals in between.
Latest updates
13/08/26: The guide now features more practical information about each of the guitar hangers highlighted - and a new entry in the shape of Levy’s Slat Strip hanger has been included. The glossary has been reworked, with new key terms added, while the FAQ section has been expanded. A section on why you can trust Guitar World now features, along with a small section highlighting the authors of the guide.
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