In between all of the guitar lessons, practice sessions and time spent browsing online sheet music, some guitarists may forget to care for their guitar, or worse yet, others may not even know that guitar care and maintenance is important to begin with, let alone how to properly care for their instrument.
If you fall into any of these categories, have no fear…Scottsdale Music Academy has got you covered. With experienced guitar teachers from Phoenix, AZ (and beyond), we know how to expertly care for a guitar so that it lasts you all the way from your Scottsdale guitar lessons to the stage of a sold-out rock show in front of thousands of screaming fans.
Read on to discover how to care for your guitar like a pro.
Critical Guitar Care and Maintenance Tips
1. Clean Your Strings
This might seem like a basic guitar cleaning tip, but you’d be surprised by how many guitarists overlook this simple need. Ideally, your guitar strings should be cleaned after each and every use to remove any dirt or oil that may have accumulated during your guitar lessons, practice sessions or performances. Too much grime and residue on your strings can actually affect their tone, and not in a good way. To preserve your guitar’s desired tone, simply wipe down the strings with a clean cloth. No need to lather up the strings with soap or any guitar cleaning products. A gentle and thorough wipe of a dry cloth is all that’s needed.
2. Swap Out Old Strings Frequently
Although cleaning and caring for your guitar strings will extend their lifespan, remember that they do have a (rather short) shelf life no matter what. That’s why it’s necessary to replace your old strings on a regular basis, especially the more frequently you play. While metal strings are susceptible to oxidation as soon as they’re opened from the package, all strings, no matter what they’re made of, will corrode and wear down over time. So, changing your strings is a must! We recommend changing them at least once a month or as often as you can afford it. And, in addition to guitar cleaning and string replacement, remember to choose the right guitar strings for your guitar in order to optimize performance and sound.
3. Shield Your Guitar From Extreme Conditions
Perhaps the number one guitar care and maintenance tip to follow above all others is to never leave your guitar exposed to harsh environmental elements. By that, we mean that you should not only safeguard your guitar by placing it in a protective case when not in use, you should also only store it in places with mild temperatures and humidity conditions. Exposure to extreme hot or cold temperatures can cause the material of your guitar to fade, warp, or crack more easily. Although our local Phoenix and Scottsdale customers already know to seek the comfort of the cool indoors during scorching hot Arizona summers, many forget that their guitar needs the same respite from high temperatures as they do. Always remember to bring your guitar indoors with you after you’ve finished your guitar lessons or practice no matter where you live.
Guitar Care Summary
While caring for your guitar requires regular maintenance and maybe even a little elbow grease from time to time, it’s nothing you need to stress over. If you put the same amount of love and care into maintaining your guitar as you do into learning how to actually play the guitar, then you and your instrument are all set. Care for your guitar now and you’ll reap the benefits for years to come!
For more guitar care tips and tricks, talk to one of our highly experienced instructors by calling (602) 751-3537 or visit us in person for guitar lessons at our Scottsdale residence located at 7730 E Redfield Rd #3b.