Most guitars players do not pay enough attention to the care and maintenance of their instrument. It is essential to take good care of the guitar’s main parts and the frets/strings need to be maintained regularly. Here are some of my personal tips on how to take care of your axe.

1. Polish and clean the fingerboard of the guitar at least every six months. Always handle the guitar with care when cleaning it.

2. Store your guitar in its case away from any heat, especially in winter.

3. It is important to adjust the truss rod if you change the string gauge of the guitar. You might also need to adjust it if there is a constant change of the climate. The tension tends to tighten if the weather is cold and if the climate is humid, the strings tend to loosen.

4. During periods when the humidity is extremely high, keep your guitar in a room where there is an air-conditioning system as it dries out the air.

5. When the guitar is transported, it is important that the strings be loosened. It is essential to pack the peg-head portion of the case with towel or a piece of clothing to protect the body of the guitar. Remove any cloth or lint (from packing materials) remaining on the frets before playing.

6. Make sure to snug the tuners twice a year. Tuners tend to loosen automatically because they are made of wood or metal that creates contraction at different rates. You must be careful not to over tighten the knot to avoid any cracking on the peg-head.

7. When air traveling, remember not to place the guitar with the check-in luggage. There are airlines that allow a person to carry a guitar along with them on the plane. You should not forget to call before going to the airport to confirm that they will allow a “carry on” guitar.

Taking good care of the instrument is essential to maintain its features. A person must always realize that he should not only know how to play the instrument but should also know how to take good care of his guitar as well. Just keep in mind that a good quality guitar is also an investment worth your trouble.