6 Essential Guitar Care And Maintenance Tips

 

A guitar is a cherished instrument. We often buy a guitar to use it for years to come, create new songs and melodies, and perform gigs with our pals. A guitar requires regular maintenance in the same way your car does. Regular maintenance will not only extend its longevity but also preserve its sound. Learning to play the guitar at guitar classes in Dwarka will only benefit you if you have a proper guitar to play with. Go through the following tips for maintaining your guitar in top condition. 

1.     Wash your hands to preserve guitar strings

 

Our hands have dirt, grease, and grime on them. Therefore, you need to wash your hands before playing the guitar. Otherwise, that whole lot of dirt is going straight for your strings and damaging them. 

 

You can either wash your hands or use hand sanitiser to clean them. This will ensure your hands are free of bacteria and dirt. Avoid touching your strings with dirty hands at all costs. 

2.     Wipe down your strings and change them regularly

 

Wiping your strings is important after you are done playing. Even if you clean your hands well before playing, your strings are still going to get dirty. Use a dish towel to gently clean your strings. In case you have missed this essential task, use a string cleaner to remove all the dirt and grime that has built up.

 

Strings need to be changed every couple of months as they lose their sound quality over time. How frequently you need to change your guitar’s strings depends on how often you play it. If you play the guitar daily or perform gigs, then you need to change them every 4-6 weeks.

3.     Clean your fretboard

 

Oil, dust, and grime often build up on the guitar. Remember to clean your fretboard every time you change your strings. When you have removed all the strings, scrape your fretboard to remove the dirt and grime. Once done, take a toothbrush and go all over again.

 

Lastly, take a soft cloth, dip it in warm water, squeeze it properly, and gently clean the fretboard. Do not go for any chemical cleaner, as it will only deteriorate your guitar’s finish.

4.     Store your guitar properly

 

Storing your guitar is as important as cleaning it regularly. Storing it properly will help prevent wear and tear. Before you put away your guitar for the day, tighten any loose screws and bolts. The vibrations and movements of the guitar while playing tend to loosen the screws. If left untreated, they tend to change the sound of your guitar.

 

Keep your guitar in a place that is not moist and humid. A guitar is made of wood and, if left in a humid place, can be ruined. If you live in a humid area, keep your guitar in a place with a dehumidifier. Also, check the temperature and light conditions, as sudden and extreme changes can cause your finish to crack.

5.     Polish your guitar

 

To keep your guitar immaculate and unblemished, polish it every two weeks. Use a polish that has been specifically made to clean the guitar body. A guitar polish, although a little expensive, will keep the wood shining. Make sure to spray the polish on your cleaning cloth first and then wipe down your guitar. Do not ever spray any wet material directly on your guitar.

6.     Buy a guitar case

 

After attending your guitar class in Dwarka and wiping your guitar clean, storing your guitar in a guitar case is the most robust way of keeping it safe from the elements. Your guitar can still be damaged if you hang it on a wall or place it on a stand. You can either purchase a hard case or go for a gig case, both will be just fine. 

 

The above-mentioned tips are simple and easy to keep up with. Regular cleaning and proper storage will ensure your guitar stays with you for a long time. Remember these simple tips when you play the guitar next time. You can learn more about such tips at a guitar school in Dwarka. Rouble’s Guitar School is one such reputed school that is changing the way music education is taught in India. You can simply search “guitar classes near me”, and enroll yourself to start your musical journey.