Guitar Care tips?

The guitar is one of the most popular and versatile musical instruments out there. With it, you can play anything from rock to flamenco, blues, jazz, pop, and many other styles. But in order for your guitar to sound good and last longer, it's important to take care of it and keep it in optimal conditions. In this article, we will give you some practical tips to ensure that your guitar is always in the best condition.

5 tips to take care of your guitar

Discover how to keep your beloved instrument in optimal conditions to preserve its sound and prolong its lifespan. These tips will help you maintain your guitar in excellent condition and ready to inspire you with every chord.

Clean your guitar after each use

 Every time you play the guitar, your hands and strings come into contact with sweat, grease, dust, and other substances that can dirty and damage your instrument. That's why it's recommended to clean your guitar after each use with a soft, dry cloth. This will prevent dirt from accumulating and prevent rust or wear on the material of the strings, neck, body, and electrical components (if your guitar is electric or electro-acoustic).

Change the strings regularly

The strings are an essential part of your guitar as they are responsible for producing the sound. However, over time and use, the strings deteriorate and lose their brightness, tuning, and sound quality. That's why it's important to change the strings regularly, at least every two or three months, depending on how often you play and the type of strings you use. Additionally, when changing the strings, you can take the opportunity to clean the fretboard and bridge with a specific wood product.

Adjust the string action

The string action is the distance between the strings and the fretboard along the neck. This distance influences the comfort and ease of playing the guitar, as well as the intonation and resonance of the instrument. If the action is too high, the strings will be too far away from the fretboard, and you'll have to exert more force to press them, which can cause finger fatigue and pain. If the action is too low, the strings will be too close to the fretboard and may produce buzzing or fret buzzing when vibrating against the frets. Therefore, it's advisable to adjust the string action according to your preferences and playing style. To do this, you can use a gauge or ruler to measure the string height at the first and last fret and then make adjustments using the truss rod (a metal bar inside the neck) or the bridge (the piece where the strings are anchored on the body).

Protect your guitar from heat, humidity, and impacts

The guitar is a delicate instrument that can be damaged if not stored or transported properly. Heat, humidity, and impacts can affect the wood, varnish, strings, and electrical components of your guitar, causing deformations, cracks, detuning, or technical failures. That's why it's important to protect your guitar from heat, humidity, and impacts with a suitable case or gig bag that fits its size and shape. Additionally, avoid leaving your guitar exposed to direct sunlight or near sources of heat or humidity (such as radiators or windows), and make sure not to lean or hang it in an unstable or insecure manner.

Use quality accessories for your guitar

The accessories for guitars can also influence the performance and durability of your instrument. For example, the type of pick you use can affect the sound and wear of the strings, the type of strap you use can affect the comfort and stability of the guitar, and the type of cable you use can affect the quality and intensity of the electrical signal. That's why it's recommended to use quality accessories for your guitar that are suited to your needs and playing style.

If you've made it this far, we'd like to remind you that at Right On! Straps, you can find a wide variety of straps, picks, cables, and other accessories for your guitar, all made with high-quality materials and featuring original and attractive designs.

 

We hope these tips have been helpful in keeping your guitar impeccable and in good condition. Remember that a well-cared-for guitar is a guitar that will bring you many joys and accompany you for a long time. See you soon!