KEEP YOUR GUITAR IN GREAT SHAPE
Hawaii MusicWorks
Owning a guitar brings a lot of joy, but it’s also important to take care of it. Learning to play the guitar is a big step in becoming a musician, and keeping your guitar in good shape is just as important. Think of your guitar as a tool that needs to be maintained, like a car. If you take care of it, it will perform better and last longer.
General Care
It’s best to keep your guitar on a stand where you can see it and easily pick it up to practice. If it's out of its case, it will also get used to the room’s temperature, which helps with tuning stability. Just avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as heat can damage the wood and glue, and cause fading.
Keeping your guitar in good condition through regular care will ensure it plays well and lasts a lifetime. Regular maintenance also makes the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.
It’s best to keep your guitar on a stand where you can see it and easily pick it up to practice. If it's out of its case, it will also get used to the room’s temperature, which helps with tuning stability. Just avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as heat can damage the wood and glue, and cause fading.
Strings
Your strings are key to how well your guitar plays, so it’s important to take care of them. How often you should change strings on your guitar depends on how often you play, but a general recommendation is every 3-6 months or after 100 hours of playing. As strings age, important aspects to playability diminishes. Here are some things to watch for:- They start to sound dull or muted with less sustain
- The guitar frequently goes out of tune, even with a little playing
- There is visible corrosion, discoloration, or grime build up
- Roughness when sliding your fingers along the strings
Fretboard Care
Many guitars have fretboards made from rosewood or ebony, which need occasional oiling to prevent them from drying out. Applying lemon oil or a conditioner when you change strings is a good way to keep your fretboard in top shape. Just be careful not to get the oil on other parts of the guitar, as it can damage the finish.Intonation and Tuning
Stable tuning is crucial. New strings can stretch, so it’s important to make sure they’re wound properly and seated correctly in the nut and saddle. If your guitar keeps going out of tune, it might be time to check the neck relief or take it to a professional for adjustments.Cleaning
Regularly cleaning your guitar’s finish keeps it looking great and helps you stay on top of any maintenance needs. The best way to clean your guitar is to use a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth to wipe down the body and neck, removing dust and grime, and then use a dry microfiber cloth to buff it dry. For stubborn dirt, you can use a small amount of guitar-specific cleaner, but always avoid using harsh chemicals.Keeping your guitar in good condition through regular care will ensure it plays well and lasts a lifetime. Regular maintenance also makes the learning process smoother and more enjoyable.