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How To String An Acoustic Guitar

For more information, check out How To String An Acoustic Guitar

Let's face it. It's fairly easy to learn the acoustic guitar. That's one of the reasons there's so many of them sold each and every year. However, it's takes something else to actually become good at it. And it's not just about learning to play. You also need some knowledge regarding the instrument itself and how to take care of it.

Most acoustic guitars are made of wood and are usually hollow. They are sensitive to differences in weather, such as extreme heat or super cold. It's very easy for parts of the guitar to warp or otherwise become damaged depending on how you store it and what it is exposed to daily. Remember the old cassette tape and how it would melt into an useless mess if left on the back seat of your car on a hot day.

One of the primary needs for a guitar is a good guitar enclosure. It really should be water resistant but also provide protection from heat. Black cases will absorb the sun's rays more than lighter colored cases, so keep that in mind when shopping for one for your guitar. There are soft shell cases and hard shell cases. In most situations, I would endorse the hard shell case unless you can't afford it.

Guitar strings are susceptible to heat and cold as well. Note how quickly guitars go out of tune, especially with a new set of strings? The neck of your guitar will give and let go depending on the type of strings you use, and if you decide to use a particular gauge of string, it's probably the best thing you can do, as the shock of going from one gauge of string to another isn't good for your guitar. Also, don't take all the strings off your guitar at once, as that might cause warping of the neck. Change your strings one at a time, as that will keep the tension on the guitar neck constant.

If you can, it's a great idea to have at least two guitars, one that you use for practice and another that you use for performances. Your practice guitar doesn't have to be expensive, something in the $100 range. You won't have to change the strings on it as much as the guitar you use for performances.

When it is time to clean your guitar, don't use water or furniture polish. Just use a soft cloth and wipe the dust. Try to not wipe so hard that you affect the finish of your guitar. And don't go nuts. Your guitar should develop its own natural character, and part of this is letting it get used and worn in a normal fashion.

Last updated 20120517

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