One embodiment provides an adjustable guide (10a) to steer the end (90) of a pipe string (88) into position to be engaged and supported by a pipe gripping apparatus such as, for example, an externally gripping elevator assembly (10). The adjustable guide (10a) may comprise a plurality of distributed guide inserts (30), each having a sloped surface (3OA) to engage a pipe end (90). Another embodiment provides an adjustable guide (60a) to steer a pipe connection into position to pass through a spider (60). The guide inserts (30, 80) of an adjustable guide may be controllably positionable to together form a guide that is concentric with the bore of the tapered bowl of an elevator assembly or a spider. One embodiment comprises a guide insert retainer (11) having a plurality of channels (28), each slidably receiving a guide insert (30) and positionable by rotation of a threaded shaft (40).