Guitar Maintenance 101

Basic Tips and Tricks for Keeping Your Instrument in Top Shape

Playing the guitar is always a rewarding experience, but sometimes it requires a little upkeep to keep your instrument in top shape. From changing strings to cleaning and storing your guitar properly, there are many things you can do to ensure that your guitar performs its best and lasts for years to come. In this article, we'll share some very basic tips and tricks for maintaining your guitar, and highlight some handy guitar products that can help you achieve the best results.

Always good to give it a wee spit shine occasionally....

Changing Strings

But of course, I hear you cry. Seriously though, one of the most important things you can do to maintain your guitar is to change your strings regularly. Strings can become worn, dirty, or even rusted over time, which will affect the tone and playability of your instrument and you really don't want rust spreading to the frets from ignored strings. We recommend changing your strings every few months or more often if you play frequently. D'addario, Elixir, Ernie Ball and more all various ranges of high-quality guitar strings. D'addario XL  series is hugely varied and the ubiquitous Slinky's are well worth checking out if you're looking for somewhere to start. Planet Waves XLR8 string lubricant is also excellent for keeping your strings in great condition for longer.

Feels very Slinky.....

Cleaning Your Guitar

Stop screaming the obvious, you say? Well, yeah. But cleaning your guitar regularly can help prevent dirt, grime, and sweat from building up on the body and neck, which can affect the finish and playability of your instrument. We recommend using a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down your guitar after each use. For thorough cleaning, D'addario's Lemon Oil or Deep Cleaning Polish will keep your guitar looking and sounding its best.

So many wonderful options! Rejoice!

Protecting Your Guitar

Protecting your guitar from damage is essential to maintaining its value and playability. We recommend using a guitar stand or wall mount to store your guitar when not in use, and investing in a high-quality guitar case or gig bag for transport. Guitar stands come in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, so find the one that will serve you best. As for cases, find out how much abuse your guitar might potentially get and plan accordingly, ie: if you're gigging regularly a hardcase is definitely a safer option.  You can also get a case humidifier to help prevent your guitar from drying out in dry or hot environments.

Just look at how safe and comfortable it is.

Adjusting Your Guitar's Action

The action of your guitar refers to the height of the strings above the fretboard, which can affect playability and intonation. If your guitar's action is too high or low, it may be necessary to adjust the truss rod or bridge to achieve the best results. We recommend taking your guitar to our Musicmender service for major adjustments, but D'addario's Action Gauge Tool can help you measure the action of your guitar and make minor adjustments as needed.

We would love to help.

So, as you already knew I'm sure, maintaining your favourite instrument important part of being a responsible and conscientious guitarist. By changing your strings regularly, cleaning and protecting your guitar, and making minor adjustments as needed, you can ensure that your instrument performs its best and lasts for years to come. Musicmaker offers a range of high-quality guitar products that can help you achieve the best results, so be sure to check out our full line of guitar strings, cleaning products, and accessories for all your guitar maintenance needs.

Get in touch, we are here.