The best way of keeping your guitar safe is tucking it securely away in a case. That’s all well and good, but, unless the guitar is in transit, easy-access is generally preferable. A great option to provide some security for your guitar, without confining it to a case, is setting it down in one of the best guitar stands or hangers.
Guitar stands and hangers not only keep your instrument safe from unexpected falls, leading to bumps and knocks, but they also allow your guitar to be displayed for all to see – guitars are works of art, after all. The easy access of a guitar on a stand or hanger means it’s far more convenient to pick up and play, so the moment inspiration strikes, it’s right there waiting.
There are guitar stands or hangers for just about every environment, with multi-guitar rack stands offering a solution for guitarists with multiple instruments in a studio or on stage, while wall hangers clear the floor space, making them perfect for smaller rooms, and compact stands are able to be folded and taken wherever you go. Whether a hanger or a stand is what you’re looking for, read on to find out the best you can buy.
Product guide
Type: Hanger
Materials: Wood base with plastic hanger
+ Saves space
+ Well built
- Needs installing
If you’ve seen a guitar hanging on a wall at some point, chances are it’s being held in place by a Hercules hanger. Like the stands, these are durable and reliable, so you can hang your pride and joy with confidence (there’s always a moment of trepidation when you’re hanging it up for the first time!).
It comes with a nice-looking wooden base and will suit most decors. The front of the hanger has two small arms that move upwards to lock the instrument in place when the weight is rested on it. This helps prevent it from falling off due to accidental bumps or knocks – it’s nice to have a bit more peace of mind.
Type: Stand
Materials: Plastic
+ Soft material
+ Excellent quality
- Pricey
If you’ve got multiple expensive or vintage guitars, then the K&M Guardian might be the best way to have them out on display, ready to use. Like the smaller version, the contact points on this multi-guitar rack contain no dye and are covered in a non-marring material. That means that you won’t get marks or burns on the surface of your instrument.
It’s also very sturdy and boasts superb build quality. We really like the rubber feel to the contact points, as it further reduces the chance of any damage occurring to your guitars. Of course, we take care when placing an instrument down, but if you do so with a little more force than intended, you’re less likely to mark and dent it, thanks to the material used on the stand.
Type: Stand
Materials: Mahogany
+ Looks great
+ Very sturdy
- Not the cheapest
If you don't like the look of boring old black plastic and metal guitar stands, then the Taylor Guitar Stand should provide just the antidote you need. Available in two different shades of Mahogany, this acoustic guitar stand pairs perfectly with the natural color and aesthetic of your guitar and living space.
Rubber pads in each of the cradle rests and at the top of the stand ensure that your finish is safe from any scrapes or scratches, whilst the ultra-sturdy Mahogany construction makes certain it will stand the test of time, regardless of how much you use it. It's pricier than other stands but if you're after something a little different, it's well worth the extra investment.
Type: Stand
Materials: Steel, foam, and rubber
+ Sturdy and durable
+ Locks in place
- Takes up space
If you’re after a single guitar stand that you can completely trust, and you’re not too concerned about it being super portable, then the Hercules GS414B Plus has to be one of, if not the best guitar stands out there. It’s generally fine with nitro finishes too, as long as the finish has cured properly – many Gibson dealers use Hercules hangers or stands without any issues.
The three legs give it great stability, but then the rubber feet on each of them create more friction against the ground. There is then of course the auto-grab feature that Hercules stands are well known for. Simply rest the headstock in the slot and the weight of it will cause the two arms to lock it in place. The body then rests against a padded material on the two front legs.
Type: Stand
Materials: Steel and plastic
+ Sturdy base
+ Collapsible
- Takes up room
If you're looking for a sturdy stand that will easily hold a bass guitar then we'd go for the K&M 17685 Memphis 20. Its solid build quality ensures it can carry heavier instruments and we love its adaptability in fitting a variety of different instrument shapes.
Featuring a hanging system alongside two instrument support arms makes it ultra-solid, and its height is adjustable to accommodate different instrument scale lengths. We love the safety strap that stops your guitar falling out of it and to top it all off, it's also collapsible for easy transportation.
Type: Hanger
Materials: Steel, foam, and plastic
+ Easy to access
+ Doesn't take much room
- Not the most stable
If you need a double guitar stand to take to shows or just use at home, it doesn't get much better than the Hercules GS422B PLUS. Designed to hold two guitars back to back, this sturdy stand offers the rugged build quality and stability we've come to expect from Hercules.
The AGS system which features on most Hercules stands is present here, allowing the hanger to auto-adjust to the size of the headstock for a snug fit. It folds up so you can take it to shows but we have heard of them falling over with only one guitar on the stand, so do be careful with it when playing an energetic live show.
Type: Stand
Materials: Plastic
+ Folds down nicely
+ Great value
- Not the most durable
This is a really useful little stand for gigging guitarists. It folds up really small, so will fit in quite a few cases or a backpack. When you’ve arrived at your venue, simply unfold it, pull out the leg that props the whole thing up and you’re ready for action.
It’s not the sturdiest of stands; you might want to avoid using it at home for your pride and joy, but if you’re regularly on the move with your instrument and space is at a premium, then the Ibanez ST101 is great. It’s much better than propping your guitar up against your amp or the drum riser, and it really doesn’t take up much space at all!
Type: Stand
Materials: Plastic
+ Compact size
+ Nitro finish friendly
- No neck support
This is a very simple stand and, though it doesn’t offer any neck support, it’s good for players who maybe don’t have a lot of space, or want something they can travel with easily. Probably its biggest plus point however is the fact that it’s nitro-friendly.
The contact points of this stand are covered in a translucent non-marring plastic material so that you don’t get any unwanted marks or discoloration on your instrument, regardless of the finishing process it’s gone through. You can get them either for electric guitar or acoustic – they have been designed to accommodate the thicknesses of the bodies especially so that they’re more secure when in place.
Type: Stand
Materials: Walnut
+ Superb looks
+ Moveable
- Takes up room
The Zither G04 Handcrafted Wood Guitar Stand is arguably one of the best-looking stands available and the walnut finish is our personal favorite. If you own a premium guitar, this stand serves as a worthy throne for it to rest upon. Featuring a string swing cradle design, it provides 38 inches of hanging room, making it suitable for most acoustic and electric guitars.
Crafted from premium solid wood, the G04 is not only durable but also showcases a unique wood grain pattern, ensuring that no two stands are exactly alike, which adds to that distinctly luxurious feel. Zither even includes a bottle of lemon oil! However, this level of high-end craftsmanship comes at a cost, and the Zither G04 is a sizable investment.
How to choose
You can trust Guitar Player. Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing guitar products so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.
When your guitar isn’t in your hands or safely stored in its case, the next best place for it is on a reliable stand or hanger. While a high-quality case offers the ultimate protection, keeping your instrument locked away all the time isn’t ideal. Not only does it limit your access, but it also hides your guitar from view – something no guitarist wants, especially in a home setting. A great stand or hanger ensures your guitar stays safe, visible, and always ready to play.
If you’re playing live, don’t take the risk of leaving your guitar resting up against an amp. You might not knock it over, but other people may not be as careful and you could see some serious damage done to your instrument from a fall. We would recommend always having a compact stand to bring with you for any show, and many will fold down to fit inside a case or gig bag.
Hanger vs stands
Hangers and stands may essentially perform the same function, but excel in different circumstances. Hangers are ideal for spaces where you know one or more guitars will always be needed and quick access is preferable. This could be a bedroom wall at home, or a studio environment where floor space is at a premium and having a guitar mounted on the wall is not just convenient, but also the safest location. The downside is that a hanger isn’t really moveable, so you’ll want to be sure you put it up in the right place to begin with.
A stand, on the other hand, can be moved at will, and some compact stands will be perfect for guitarists who are regularly on the move. Stands can either hold your guitar from its base or from its head – much like a hanger. It is worth bearing in mind that some guitars, such as Flying Vs or Explorers may not be suitable for some stands, so bear that in mind when buying a stand. Stands in the style of a hanger are generally suitable for most full-size guitars, though may not be as convenient and portable as other stands.
Nitro finishes
Fans of vintage guitar paint may opt for a nitrocellulose finish on their instruments. While nitro finishes are particularly beautiful, they can be more delicate and prone to marking. Certain stands can aggravate this. Some guitar stand manufacturers are aware of this and have made their stands ‘safe’ for most finishes, including nitro; for example Hercules says that the foam used on its stands is fine to use with nitrocellulose, and K&M makes some stands with dye-free material so there is no bleed.
In any instance, we would always recommend that any nitro finish guitar is fully set/cured before putting it on a stand, and if you are concerned that it could mark, look for a stand that is specifically designed for nitro guitars.
Size considerations
Guitar stands can vary in size drastically, with some being compact enough to fit inside a guitar case, while others will be significantly larger, though the vast majority of stands will fold to make them easier to transport. Any stand that doesn’t fold is probably not meant to be used on the move and is more suitable for a (fairly) permanent position at home or in the studio.
Multi-guitar stands can be much larger and come in their own carry case or can be equipped with wheels to make moving them easier. These are large and cumbersome to transport, but are far more convenient for players using multiple guitars regularly and are the go-to choice for professional guitar technicians.
The test of time
There is no reason that a stand can’t last for many years if it is looked after correctly. Some will be made out of metal that could corrode, particularly if exposed to damp environments regularly, however, this is unlikely if you take care of it.
The construction materials that are likely to fail will be any foam parts, which may degrade over time or lose shape, particularly if your stand is subject to lots of varying temperatures and humidity. This can have a big impact on your instrument, as, without the foam, it may have direct contact with the frame of the stand, which is likely to be hard and could damage the paintwork on your guitar. We would always recommend repairing foam if it is breaking or replacing your stand at this point.
There are many budget-friendly guitar stands on the market and, whilst any stand is better than no stand, some of these will be made from cheap materials that may fail over time. Though it may cost a little more initially, buying from a reputable brand that specializes in stands and hangers will almost certainly mean that your stand lasts longer.
FAQs
Is it better to hang a guitar or use a stand?
Whilst both are good options dependent on your circumstances, where possible I'd always opt for using a stand over a hanger. A stand generally better for the long term health of your guitar as it's not hanging by the headstock, and it's typically more safe as there's not chance of it falling off the wall. That said, sometimes stands aren't convenient as they take up more space.
Is it OK to store your guitar on a stand?
Yes it is. I've had my guitars on a rack-type stand for years now with no ill-effects upon them. It also helps to have them in sight rather than hidden away somewhere. The only time when you might want to keep a guitar in a case permanently is if you have an expensive, vintage guitar, or you're just lacking in space.
Is it OK to leave a guitar on a wall hanger?
Yes absolutely. Many guitarists keep their guitars on hangers with no issues for many years, so although I recommend a stand as my preferred option, if you only have room for a hanger it will do a fine job. Just make sure you follow all the instructions when installing.
Is it bad to lean your guitar against a wall?
For short periods I'd say no. The pressure on the neck from leaning it against the wall is nothing compared to the amount of tension the strings put on the neck. But, you are putting your guitar at risk as it won't take much for it to fall, which can result in potentially huge damage.
How high should I hang my guitar on the wall?
It all depends on your living space, but if you can I'd recommend hanging it so that the nut is around head height for you. This will mean that you can easily grab it off the wall, but it should be high enough to be out of the way of any children or small animals.
Is it bad to leave my guitar by the window?
I'd always advise against doing this, even if you have a regular poly finish. Sunlight can be damaging over time, potentially changing your guitars finish, and placing unwanted temperature on your instrument that can cause warping - albeit only in extreme cases. Where possible store your guitars in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
How we test
When testing a guitar stand there are a few things we need to take into account before they can make it into one of our guides. Despite being a simple device a guitar stand does a very important job, and you're placing a lot of trust in one when you put your guitar on or into it.
First and foremost we'll look at how easy it is to set up. Some a-frame stands just need to be opened but guitar hangers require installation. In this case, we'll look at how easy it is to mount it on the wall, whether you get all the tools you need or not, as well as how clear the instructions are for installation. With floor stands we'll look at how easy they are to put together once out of the box, do you get everything you need in the box to put them together and is everything clearly marked?
Once this is done we'll use the stand with a variety of guitars to see how well it suits different instruments. In the case of a guitar hanger, we'll be looking at how securely it huge the instrument headstock, and whether the wall attachment feels solid enough that we'd trust our own instruments with it.
Floor stands get a similar treatment, but we'll look at how stable they are on the floor and in the case of multi-stands, whether they're still as stable when only partially full. We'll also look at the collapsible aspect of these stands, how easy they are to take down and put up, and whether you'd find it easy to do it on a dark stage.
Read more on how we test gear and services at Guitar Player.
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