Guitar stands give your instrument a safe place to rest while keeping it ready to go. And with your favorite guitar, you want solid stability and protection, that only the best guitar stands can provide.
Floor / A-Frame | Floor / A-Frame Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 96 | 59700+ | |||
 | 97 | 1600+ | |||
 | 97 | 1000+ | |||
 | 96 | 825+ |
Author's Pick | Author's Pick Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 90 | 525+ |
Tripod / Tower | Tripod / Tower Product Image | Product Title | *GEARANK | **Sources | Check Prices |
 | 96 | 1425+ | |||
 | 96 | 1975+ | |||
 | 98 | 400+ |
*Gearank = Rating score out of 100.
**Sources = Number of gear owner and user opinions analyzed for these product Gearank Ratings.
Research Process: How Gearank Works
The convenience and quick access that guitar stands provide have made them indispensable, especially when performing on stage or organizing your home studio.
Whether you’re in need of a floor-based guitar stand or a hanging guitar stand, these options ensure your instruments are secured and always ready to go.
Here, we look at the top-rated guitar stands based on actual user feedback, including the most recent ratings and reviews, to help you find the best fit for your needs. If you’re searching for the best bass guitar stand or the best folding guitar stand, our guide has you covered.
Together with reasonably careful handling, these stands offer good protection and stability, protecting your guitar from unwanted dings, dents, and other damages.
We have only included floor-based guitar stands capable of holding one to two instruments in this list. Guitar hangers or guitar racks that can accommodate three to seven guitars are not part of this list.
However, if you’re in need of a solution for the best multi guitar stand, you might consider a guitar stand rack or explore other options that suit your collection.
Best Floor / A Frame Guitar Stands
AmazonBasics A Frame Guitar Stand
The AmazonBasics A frame guitar stand offers a practical and affordable solution for guitarists who need something portable and functional.
Pros:
- Very cheap
- No assembly required
- Adjustable width
- Portable and easy to use
- Not compatible with big and heavy guitars
- Risk of toppling off
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The AmazonBasics A frame guitar stand is made from lightweight metal. It has foam-covered arms and a backrest, requiring no assembly—just unfold and use.
This stand is compact and folds up for easy storage and transport. It features adjustable width to fit different guitar sizes, which can be handy if you play both acoustic and electric instruments.
That said, there are a few drawbacks to consider. For example, the rubber piece intended to protect your guitar’s back is not high quality and tends to fall off easily.
The stand doesn’t provide neck support either, so there’s a risk of your guitar toppling over. The design can catch cords and create clutter, especially in smaller spaces.
Guitars with unusual shapes and heavier basses are also better off with more expensive guitar stands, which can accommodate their specific body type.
Overall, for its price, the AmazonBasics A frame guitar stand is still a good choice. However, it may not be ideal for your more expensive or uniquely shaped guitars.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 3.53 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Not Specified
K&M 17580 Heli 2
The K&M Heli 2 is a unique looking guitar stand with practical features as well as some added cool ones.
At publication time, this was the Highest Rated A Frame Guitar Stand, same as the Gator Rok-It.
Pros:
- Solid build
- Good quality rubber
- Adjustable width
- Quick folding guitar stand design
- Narrow top support
- Not for all guitar shapes
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The K&M Heli 2 is a standout in the best guitar stand category, featuring a unique design that sets it apart from generic A frame guitar stands.
This stylish and compact guitar stand is a top choice among those searching for a reliable standing guitar or folding guitar stand.
With adjustable width, it can accommodate various guitar sizes and styles, including acoustic and electric guitars.
Aside from guitars, this stand is also designed to hold other instruments, such as cellos and French horns.
Another handy bonus is the built-in pick holders, perfect for keeping picks, whenever you lose one. It is built with high-quality rubber grips, ensuring that your guitar remains secure and stable.
However, the possibility of the guitar falling is present due to its top being a bit narrow, so extra care is needed.
Additionally, this stand includes a transport lock to avoid accidental unfolding. It’s well-suited for both acoustic and electric guitars, though making electrics lean more towards the back yields the best results.
Overall, the K&M Heli 2 offers excellent quality and functionality at a reasonable price, making it a top choice among budget-friendly guitar stands.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 2.2 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes – non-marring plastic
Gator Rok-It RI-GTRAU2X
The Gator Rok-It RI-GTRAU2X guitar stand is designed to hold up to two guitars with its stable, padded design and compact, collapsible frame.
At publication time this was the Highest Rated A Frame Guitar Stand same as the K&M 17580.
Pros:
- Holds up to two electric or acoustic guitars
- Fits thicker acoustic guitars
- Great design: stable double A-frame
- Not ideal for larger collections
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It’s amazing how many guitars one can acquire in a lifetime. If you’re on the road to collecting many, it’s better to progress gradually rather than abruptly.
The Gator Rok-It RI-GTRAU2X is a good starter for creating your guitar collection. Often highlighted as a 2-in-1 guitar stand, this guitar stand is perfect if you need to hold both electric and acoustic guitars.
Its wider arms can also accommodate thicker acoustic guitars, providing flexibility.
Because it’s basically 2 guitar stands joined together, the design provides good stability and reliability.
It has padded arms that slide and lock into place, helping to keep your instruments secure and preventing accidental falls.
The stand’s steel frame and rubber grip feet ensure it stays in place without slipping. Additionally, the finish-friendly padded arms protect your guitars from scratches and dents.
One of the RI-GTRAU2X’s best features is its compact and collapsible design. It folds flat, making it easy to store and transport, which is particularly useful if you’re short on space or need the best portable guitar stand.
However, it’s worth noting that this stand only accommodates two guitars, which might be a limitation if you have a larger set of guitars. In that case, it’s better to opt for a guitar rack instead.
Despite this, the Rok-It RI-GTRAU2X remains a practical and reliable option to support your growing guitar collection.
If you need to hold up to two guitars, whether electric or acoustic, the Gator Rok-It RI-GTRAU2X Double A is the best A Frame Guitar Stand, from the choice available.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: Medium
- Weight: 5.4 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Not Specified
K&M 17540
Built from Swiss Steel, the K&M 17540 stand offers sturdy support with curved, rubber-coated arms, making it the best electric guitar stand.
Pros:
- Secure U-shaped arms
- Made from Swiss steel
- Solid and durable
- Adjustable frame
- Safe for nitrocellulose finish
- Can’t hold guitars with thick bodies
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Made from Swiss steel, courtesy of Schomlz & Bikenbach, the K&M 17540 stand offers a sturdy build that helps avoid structural issues over time.
While it may be a bit heavier than some other options, the trade-off is a solid, wobble-free design.
The stand features curved arms that cradle your guitar more securely than the flatter arms often found on other stands.
The rubber compound on its arms protects your guitar’s finish at all contact points. One thing to note is that the K&M 17540 holds guitars in a more upright position compared to others.
This adds to its stability, as A frame guitar stands are naturally shorter compared to other guitar stands and don’t usually include a neck support.
Another plus is its adjustable A-frame. This feature allows you to spread the arms wider, making it easier to accommodate guitars with broader bodies, like the Epiphone Casino.
However, the U-shaped arms might limit the thickness of the guitars you can use. Even with the adjustable angle, it might not handle thicker-bodied guitars or bigger acoustics very well.
Overall, this guitar stand is a solid choice, especially for electrics and thinner acoustic guitars.
If you’re on the hunt for a sturdy, and secure stand with a simple design for your guitar, the K&M 17540 might be worth a look.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric and Bass Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 3.6 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Misc: Two Locking Settings
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes – nonmarring plastic
Hercules Stands GS301B
The Hercules GS301B TravLite is the best acoustic guitar stand on this list. With the right mix of durability and portability, this guitar stand is ideal for both stage and home use.
Pros:
- Heavy duty without sacrificing portability
- Convenient to set up and carry around
- Simple yet effective folding guitar stand mechanism
- Not as stable as some other designs
- Better suited as an “out and about stand”
- Not shaped for modular packing
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The GS301B TravLite by Hercules Stands is one of the best guitar stands for acoustic guitar designed to be portable yet durable, featuring a steel construction and rubber foam to protect the parts of your guitar that touch the stand.
It also folds flat for convenient storage. It has served me well on many occasions and shows no signs of breaking down anytime soon.
Around the house, the TravLite is great to have. I can play multiple instruments in a single session while manning my computer with an acoustic guitar within my reach, and because of that, I fumble less switching back and forth between instruments.
But having a child in the house, I can confidently say that this stand is not childproof and can be knocked down quite easily by curious kids trying to play with your 6-string.
The TravLite shines best on stage. The acoustic guitar is more of a supplementary instrument for the shows I’m currently playing, so the acoustic guitar lives on this stand for 80% of the set. It does the job perfectly.
It’s more than presentable on stage; being low profile ensures that it is never a visual distraction. Also, it doesn’t take much effort to chuck this in the trunk.
If you’re not too clumsy, or not seriously knocking it over, it should keep the guitar standing. Stability has been sufficient so far, and I don’t see the guitar falling over, no matter how wobbly the stage is.
Although light enough for most situations, the packed shape of the stand is a bit awkward, not fitting into either my guitar case or pedal case.
A backpack works, though, so I usually cram it in along with my change of clothes and other personal effects.
When it comes to utility pieces like this, my main 2 concerns are build quality (how long will this last) and intuitiveness (how easily and conveniently it does the job).
The TravLite Acoustic Guitar Stand by Hercules scores high on both fronts. It’s neither the lightest nor the most secure, but it’s the right amount of both to be an excellent travel stand for my needs and use cases on the road and around the house.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: A-Frame
- Portability: High
- Weight: 2 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
Tripod / Tower
Hercules GS402BB
The Hercules GS402BB Mini Guitar Stand is a compact and sturdy option that’s easy to use, very portable, and offers reliable protection for your guitar.
At publication time, this was the Highest Rated Tower or Tripod Guitar Stand same as the Zither G03.
Pros:
- Easy to fold and carry
- Compact and Sturdy
- Strong locking mechanism
- Foam padding protects finishes
- Narrow base
- Less robust than pricier stands
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The Hercules GS402BB Mini Guitar Stand is the top choice if you’re in need of a compact and reliable tripod style stand for your electric or bass guitar.
Its all-in-one design makes it easy to fold up and pack away. It even comes with a carrying bag—perfect for transporting to gigs or rehearsals.
It features a straightforward locking mechanism that’s simple yet strong. This ensures that it will stay put and won’t collapse under the weight of your instrument.
Despite its small size, the GS402BB is surprisingly sturdy, providing a secure and stable base.
The foam padding is specially formulated to protect your guitar without damaging nitro finishes. So, you can rest easy knowing your instrument is safe from scratches or dents.
But keep in mind that the base might be a bit narrow for some guitars, which could slightly affect stability.
Overall, the GS402BB is still a practical and protective tripod-style stand choice. It may be the cheapest and smallest in this particular stand category, but it doesn’t compromise your instrument’s safety.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric and Bass Guitars
- Stand Base: Tripod
- Portability: High
- Weight: 2 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
Hercules Stands GS414B
If you’re looking for a stand that grips your guitar by the neck rather than the bottom, the GS414B Plus from Hercules might be worth considering.
Pros:
- Convenient auto-grip system
- Secure gripping mechanism
- Works with different guitar shapes
- Durable and reliable
- Not for those who prefer bottom catchers
- Weight of the guitar is not spread evenly
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This stand uses an auto-grip system that automatically closes around your guitar when you place it on the stand. It’s a significant security improvement compared to the usual rubber locks found on cheaper stands.
One of its standout features is its locking mechanism at the yoke. It keeps your guitar securely in place, preventing it from twisting and potentially hitting the floor or stage.
The GS414B stand also comes with larger bushings for the neck clamp, which is particularly handy for narrower-necked guitars like a Martin.
Additionally, the adjustable legs allow you to set a wide stance for increased stability. When the guitar is correctly placed, two Auto-Lock levers engage with the guitar’s weight, adding an extra layer of security.
However, it’s worth noting that this stand isn’t ideal for guitars with non-symmetrical peg heads, as the weight distribution can cause some alignment issues with the pivoting arms.
While the rubber contact points are designed to protect your guitar’s finish, it’s advisable not to leave expensive vintage guitars on this stand for too long.
Overall, the GS414B Plus maintains Hercules’ reputation for durability and stability. If you need a reliable stand that’s easy to use, this is a solid choice.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: Tripod
- Portability: Medium
- Weight: 4 lb.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity and Neck Clip
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
Zither G03
The Zither G03 stands out with its elegant wood design and functions like a guitar hanger rather than a typical guitar stand.
At publication time, this was the Highest Rated Tower or Tripod Guitar Stand same as the Hercules GS402BB.
Pros:
- Premium furniture looking stand
- Great for displaying guitars
- High quality stand materials and craftsmanship
- Surprisingly stable and functional
- Not portable
- No bottom arm support
- Premium price tag
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This Zither guitar stand is highly rated for its unique design, featuring a furniture-like build. It is crafted from solid wood, giving it a distinctive grain pattern and a premium appearance.
This guitar stand offers good stability, which helps prevent it from tipping over compared to more traditional stands.
It’s easy to place your guitar in and out, and it securely holds both acoustic and electric guitars.
However, while this stand’s specs mention it can accommodate classical guitars, you might need to adjust the fork width with pliers to make it fit properly.
Additionally, it lacks bottom and back support. So, it functions more like a guitar hanger rather than a typical stand.
It’s a perfect choice if you’re looking for the best guitar wall hanger that can also double as a great statement piece.
Overall, this stand is a premium choice if you’re looking to store your guitar elegantly at home or in a studio.
It might be less portable due to its size, and a bit pricy, but its design and quality make it a good investment if you want an elegant guitar stand.
- Compatible Guitar Types: Electric Guitar, Electric Bass, Acoustic Guitars
- Stand Base: Solid Wooden Plank
- Portability: Low
- Weight: 6.49 lbs.
- How it Holds Your Guitar: Gravity and Neck Support
- Nitrocellulose Safe: Yes
Things to Consider When Buying The Best Guitar Stands
Make Sure Your Stand Works For Your Guitar
The length of a stand’s cradle controls the angle at which your guitar is going to rest. A guitar stand meant for an acoustic guitar is going to be wider to accommodate an acoustic guitar’s body. Because of this, when you set an electric guitar or electric bass on a stand meant for an acoustic, it’s going to lean back farther than it should. This is going to make the stand take up way more room than it should, and it can potentially also cause stability issues.
The inverse is also true, because stands meant for electric guitars may be too small to properly seat an acoustic guitar. Having said all that, many of the top rated stands are marketed as universal stands, designed to accommodate different types and sizes, some with adjustable heights and cradles. Have a look at our guitar part diagram for a better understanding.
A-Frame vs. Tripod Stand
Most musicians are going to run into two different types of stands, A frame guitar stands, and Tripods. Both of these stands have their strengths and weaknesses, and it’s important that you get the one that’s going to work best for your situation.
A Frame guitar stands sits low to the ground and lacks a neck cradle. Because of this, they’re very portable. They’re a great option if you’re looking for a stand that you can fold up and throw in a gig bag or backpack. With that being said, they aren’t as stable as tripod style guitar stands, which have a neck cradle. A small bump to your guitar can send it falling down to the floor, so it’s not a good fit if you’re looking for a stand to put in a crowded area.
Tripod stands, while more stable, are harder to transport than A frame guitar stands. Note that some manufacturers add more legs to their stands for more stability.
Portability
In many situations, portability is a prime concern when looking for a Guitar Accessory like a guitar stand. If this is the case for you, your best bet is definitely going to be an A frame guitar stand. Because you can fold them up so easily, they can be stored just about anywhere. You can also find models that are made from thin pieces of metal, and fold up almost completely flat.
Buying a Guitar Stand for Guitars with a Nitrocellulose Finish
If you have a nitrocellulose finished guitar (which is the finish that comes on most Gibsons), you need to be more careful about which stand you use. Nitrocellulose can react with the plastic and rubber found on many guitar stands, which will essentially damage the finish in the affected area.
Because of this, you have a couple of different options. The first, and cheapest, is to simply drape a clean cloth (like an old t-shirt) on the points where your stand will contact your guitar. However, if it happens to slip off of the points where it needs to be (like at the bottom, where you won’t easily see it), you could still end up with a damaged instrument.
To be on the safe side, where your stand won’t damage your nitrocellulose finished guitar, you’re better off buying a stand that’s clearly denoted as being nitrocellulose safe.
Best Guitar Stands Selection Methodology
The first edition was published in 2017.
We looked at all the guitar stands available from major American music equipment retailers and selected 37 of the most promising to put on our shortlist, which you can see in our music gear database. We then collected and analyzed feedback from musicians about each stand from their user ratings, forum discussions, video reviews, and guitar gear review websites.
For this edition, we gathered the data from over 127,900 sources, all of which were fed to the Gearank Algorithm to produce rating scores of out 100 for each one. After selecting the highest-rated options to recommend, we then contacted the manufacturers to find out which ones were definitely nitrocellulose safe and only labeled them as such if we had positive confirmation. For more information about our methods, see How Gearank Works.
About the Author and Contributors
Here are the key people and sources involved in this guide’s production – click on linked names for information about their music industry backgrounds.
Lead Author & Researcher
Contributors
Jerome Arcon: Research, Supplemental Writing
Alden Acosta: Hercules Stands GS301B TravLite Review
Mason Hoberg: Supplemental writing.
Jason Horton: Editing and Illustrating.
Media / Image Credit
Main/Top Image: Produced by Gearank.com using photographs of the Zither G03, K&M 17540, Hercules Stands GS302B, and Hercules Stands GS414B Plus.
The individual product images were sourced from websites, promotional materials or supporting documentation provided by their respective manufacturers, except for the extra Hercules Stands GS301B TravLite with Guitar photographs taken by Alden Acosta.
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Comments:
9 responses
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The Fender Adjustable Guitar Stand came off the recommended list above as a result of the publication of our July 2022 Edition.
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Publication of our December 2021 Edition resulted in the following stands coming off the recommended list above, but you can still see our analysis of them:
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The following stand came off the recommended list above when we published our January 2021 edition:
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As a result of our January 2020 update the following came off our recommended list above but you can still read what we have to say about them:
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They didn’t have high enough ratings at the time we published this guide, but they will be considered again when we next review this category.
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