For most electric guitars, basses, and keyboards, you’ll want a 1/4‑inch (6.35 mm) TS instrument cable—often called a guitar cable. It’s a shielded, mono cable that connects your instrument to pedals, an amp, or an audio interface’s instrument input.

• Length: 10–20 ft is common; keep it as short as practical to help reduce noise.
• Plugs: Straight or right‑angle ends both work—choose what clears your instrument jack and pedalboard best.
• Use case: Instrument cables are for guitars; don’t use them to connect an amp to a speaker cabinet.
• Extras: Patch cables (short 1/4” TS) link pedals; USB instrument cables/interfaces connect to computers.

Checking specs like shielding and flexibility can help you pick a reliable guitar cable.

The standard cable is called an instrument cable (also “guitar cable”). Technically, it’s a 1/4‑inch (6.35 mm) TS plug on each end carrying an unbalanced, mono signal.

• TS vs TRS: TS (tip‑sleeve) is typical for guitars. TRS (tip‑ring‑sleeve) is used for balanced lines, stereo signals, or certain controllers—not a tonal upgrade for a standard guitar output.
• Related terms: “Patch cable” usually means a short 1/4” TS for pedals. “Speaker cable” is unshielded and not interchangeable with an instrument cable.
• Connector styles: Straight or right‑angle plugs are common; choose based on jack clearance.

Product pages may list it as “1/4‑inch TS instrument cable.”

Guitar cables can influence what you hear, especially with passive pickups and longer runs.

• Capacitance: Higher capacitance per foot—and longer cables—can gently roll off high frequencies, making the tone a bit darker.
• Shielding: Better shielding (braided or multi‑layer designs) can help reduce hum and interference in noisy environments.
• Connectors: Solid plugs with good strain relief may reduce crackles from loose connections.
• Cable style: Coiled cables often have more capacitance than straight ones, which some players find slightly warmer.
• Setup tips: Keep instrument leads as short as practical and avoid running them parallel to power cords when possible.

Audible impact varies by pickups, pedals, and amp settings, so results can differ.

“Best” depends on your setup and goals, so focus on build and specs:

• Shielding: Look for robust shielding (braided or multi‑layer) to help block interference.
• Capacitance: If listed, lower capacitance per foot can help preserve high end on longer runs.
• Connectors: Sturdy metal plugs with secure strain relief; straight or right‑angle to suit your jacks.
• Cable feel: Flexible jacket that resists kinks; braided or rubberized outer jacket based on preference.
• Length: Choose the shortest length that’s comfortable for your space.
• Materials: Oxygen‑free copper conductors are common and can offer consistent performance.

Comparing specs and customer reviews on Walmart’s product pages can help you pick a guitar cable that fits your needs.

Good care can extend a guitar cable’s life and reliability.

• Coil correctly: Use the “over‑under” method to prevent twists and kinks.
• Avoid sharp bends: Don’t kink the cable near connectors; leave gentle loops.
• Disconnect safely: Pull from the plug, not the cable.
• Secure and store: Use a soft strap or Velcro tie; hang or lay flat in a dry, cool spot.
• Keep it clean: Wipe the jacket and plugs with a dry cloth; let wet cables air‑dry before storing.
• Protect in use: Route away from foot traffic and power strips to reduce strain and noise.

These habits can help maintain performance over time, though conditions and usage vary.