A guitar is a great instrument to learn. It can be used in many different styles of music, from country to jazz. However, like any instrument, your guitar needs regular care to keep it playing at its best. Here are four tips to take care of your guitar.

Polishing Your Guitar

The body of your guitar can get dull and scratched over time. This not only affects its appearance but can also weaken the wood. Using a wood polish or an official guitar polish on a regular basis will keep your instrument looking like new.

Storing Your Guitar

Wooden instruments are famously responsive to changes in temperature and humidity, so keep in mind the optimal conditions necessary for storing your guitar safely. You want to avoid exposing your guitar to either extreme heat or cold. Extreme temperatures can damage the wood as well as ruin the fittings of other components. A dry climate is best for the instrument. Try to keep it in an air-conditioned room, especially during the humid season.

Cleaning the Frets

The neck and frets are critical parts of your guitar. They are also the part that you touch the most as a performer. This means that oils and dirt from your skin can be transferred onto the fretboard. Wipe down the neck and frets with a dry cloth every time you finish playing. This will minimize buildup on the fretboard. Whenever you change the strings, be sure to wipe and polish the frets. This will allow you to keep your fretboard clean. You will also be able to fret your notes with a little less finger pressure, allowing for faster and more accurate playing.

Keeping Your Guitar in Use

The most important way to keep your guitar in good shape is to keep it in use. Most instruments have problems if they are not played on a regular basis. Tuning pegs can get stuck. The tension between the neck and the body weakens. By playing the instrument every day, you will keep it working as it should. In addition, you will be able to spot small problems before they become a big issue. Taking lessons with a professional can greatly help as they will be able to spot when you’re out of tune. A small adjustment from a professional repair person is much less expensive than a full instrument repair.

Taking care of your instrument is part of being a musician. The small amount of effort will bring great benefits. A well-maintained guitar will keep playing music for years to come.