Musical instruments are more than just tools to create music - they’re an extension of your personality and creativity. Whether you’re strumming a guitar, playing the keys, or rocking out on the drums, adding stickers and decals can make your instrument uniquely yours. From glittering designs to bold logos, the right decoration can transform a plain surface into a stage-ready showpiece.

In this guide, we’ll explore how to decorate different instruments, what types of stickers work best, and fun design ideas using decals from StickerShop.

Why Personalise Your Musical Instrument with Stickers?

Musicians often develop a close bond with their instruments. Personalising them with instrument stickers or decals for musical instruments is a way of showcasing your style while also adding flair to your performance.

By adding stickers, you can express your individuality, promote your band or project with a logo sticker, add colour and creativity to your instrument, and even turn instruments into conversation starters. Plus, with the wide variety of sticker finishes available, the design options are endless.

Can You Put Stickers on a Guitar?

Wondering if you can put stickers on your guitar? The answer is absolutely - but it’s important to keep a few things in mind.

Stickers won’t damage your guitar if you choose the right type and apply them correctly. For acoustic guitars, avoid covering the sound hole or large resonating areas, as this can slightly affect tone. For electric guitars, stickers are purely aesthetic and won’t impact performance.

If you’re wondering how to put stickers on a guitar, the trick is in the preparation. Always clean the surface first, peel carefully, and apply smoothly to avoid any bubbles. Once your sticker is in place, our high-quality stickers will stay put through practice, gigs, and even energetic rehearsal sessions. 

Choosing the Right Sticker Type

Not all stickers are the same, and the type you choose makes a difference to both appearance and durability. Permanent vinyl stickers are ideal if you want your decoration to last for years without peeling. They can handle regular playing and won’t budge easily. Removable stickers, on the other hand, are a great choice if you like to change designs regularly or if you want to avoid any residue when you peel them off.

Clear stickers allow the natural finish of your instrument to show through while still adding your design. For stage performers, holographic and glitter stickers are a dazzling addition; they shimmer beautifully under lights and bring extra energy to your performance. Metallic finishes offer a sleek, bright look and make your design pop, particularly against darker instruments. With StickerShop’s wide range of finishes, it’s easy to match your design to your instrument, personality and aesthetic.

Decorating Different Instruments

Guitars and Basses

Guitars are perhaps the most popular instrument for stickers, with their large flat surface area acting as the perfect canvas. A holographic logo on the front makes a bold statement during a gig, while metallic initials near the pickguard offer a more understated touch. Some players even decorate the back of their guitar with removable stickers, a secret design that only reveals itself when the guitar comes off.

Keyboards and Pianos

The long, flat panels of keyboards and digital pianos make them ideal for decals. You might run a glittering array of stickers across the top for some added stage presence, or use clear stickers to mark learning positions on the keys. Beginners often find these especially useful, and because they can be removed without fuss, they’re a temporary but practical solution.

Drum Kits

Drums already command attention, and stickers can take them to the next level. Many drummers place a custom decal of their band’s logo on the bass drum head. It’s a classic look that doubles as branding during gigs. Smaller metallic or holographic accents on toms or cymbal stands add subtle sparkle, and full wrap-around decals can completely transform the aesthetic of your kit.

Brass and Woodwind

Brass and woodwind players aren’t left out, though surface space is a little more limited. Smaller stickers can add flair without getting in the way of playability. A subtle holographic shape, such as a star or heart on the bell of a trumpet or a removable decal near the keys of a saxophone, offers personality without compromise.

Other Stringed Instruments

Violins, cellos, and ukuleles can all be personalised too. Because of the resonant wood, it’s usually best to stick to small or custom-shaped decals placed away from vibrating surfaces, so as not to disturb or affect the sound. Clear or metallic designs can complement the natural wood finish, adding elegance without overpowering the instrument’s traditional beauty.

Applying Stickers to Your Instrument the Right Way

Applying stickers doesn’t have to be complicated, but doing it carefully makes all the difference. Start by cleaning the instrument with a soft, dry cloth to remove dust and oils. Position the sticker before peeling the backing so you can visualise the placement. When you’re ready, peel from one side and press gently as you go, smoothing out any air bubbles with your fingers.

This method works across guitars, drums, keyboards, and most other instruments, and ensures your instrument stickers look professional rather than rushed.

Picking a Design Style

The finish you choose says a lot about your style as a musician. Holographic stickers reflect light in dazzling colours, making them perfect for modern performers. Glitter brings sparkle and fun, while metallics lean more towards sleek professionalism. Matte finishes are subtle and ideal for acoustic players who prefer a more natural look. With StickerShop’s custom options, you can also have your logo, artwork, or initials cut into precise shapes, turning your decoration into something no one else will have. 

Looking After Your Instrument

Decorating your instrument shouldn’t come at the cost of its quality. Always avoid covering important functional areas, like the sound hole on an acoustic guitar or the moving parts of a woodwind instrument. If you plan to remove your sticker and decals in the future, removable stickers are a safe bet. And when it’s time to peel them off, a little warmth from a cloth helps soften the adhesive so they come away cleanly without leaving any residue behind.

Musical Instrument Stickers at StickerShop

Whether it’s a guitar, drum kit, keyboard, or trumpet, adding stickers is an easy way to make your instrument feel more personal. The trick is to choose the right type of sticker, apply it carefully, and pick a design that matches your style. From glitter to holographic, metallic to matte, at StickerShop we have a wide range of options to help you make your instrument as individual as the music you create.

So, the next time you’re thinking about how to put stickers on a guitar to make it truly yours, or wondering which decals for musical instruments would work best, don’t hold back. With a little creativity and the right stickers, your instrument can be as unique as your sound.