Guitars are tougher than they look, but they're not indestructible. A little basic care goes a long way — especially for new guitar owners (or parents of kids who just got their first guitar). Here's what actually matters.
Environment: the biggest thing most people ignore
Wood is sensitive to humidity and temperature. If a guitar dries out, the wood can crack or warp. Here's what to watch for:
- Ideal humidity: 45–55% relative humidity. If you live somewhere with dry winters, a $20 guitar humidifier that sits in the sound hole is worth it.
- Keep it away from heating vents and radiators. Dry heat is the enemy of acoustic guitars in particular.
- Don't leave it in the car. Temperatures in a parked car can swing wildly — enough to warp a neck or pop the bridge off an acoustic.
- Don't leave it in direct sunlight. Finishes fade and heat buildup is bad.
Electric guitars are somewhat more resilient (they don't have a hollow body to crack), but the same general rules apply.
String care: when to change them
Strings don't last forever. Old strings sound dull, feel rough under your fingers, and are harder to keep in tune. As a rule of thumb:
- Active players (30+ min/day): Change strings every 4–6 weeks.
- Casual players: Every 3–4 months.
- Kids who practice infrequently: Every 6 months or when they start feeling rough/sound dead.
Wash your hands before you play. The oils and sweat from your fingers are what corrode strings fastest.
Cleaning: what's safe, what's not
After playing, wipe down the strings and neck with a clean, dry cloth. This removes finger oil and extends string life. For the body, a slightly damp cloth works for fingerprints, but avoid soaking the wood.
- Do use: A soft, dry microfiber cloth. Guitar-specific polish on the body (for glossy finishes).
- Don't use: Household furniture polish, silicone-based products, water on the neck, anything abrasive.
- Fretboard: Unfinished rosewood and ebony fretboards can be conditioned with lemon oil (food-grade) once or twice a year. Maple fretboards have a finish — just wipe them clean.
When to get a professional setup
A "setup" is when a guitar tech adjusts the action (string height), intonation, and neck relief so the guitar plays as well as possible. If your guitar is hard to play — strings feel really high off the fretboard, buzzes on certain frets, or won't stay in tune even with new strings — a setup is likely the answer.
A setup costs $40–$80 at most guitar shops. New guitars often need one straight out of the box (they're set up for average conditions, not your specific hands). Strongly recommended for any beginner whose guitar "doesn't feel right."
Common beginner mistakes that damage guitars
- Over-tightening strings when tuning. Slow and steady — you can snap a string or damage the nut.
- Storing it without a case or stand. Guitars that lean against walls fall. Guitars in cases are safe.
- Skipping the case in humidity extremes. Even a gig bag adds protection from temperature swings.
- Using WD-40 on anything guitar-related. It's not a guitar lubricant.
- Ignoring a crack. Small cracks can grow. If you see one, take it to a shop.
The bottom line
Keep it humidified, change the strings regularly, wipe it down after playing, and get a setup if it's not playing well. That's really it. A well-maintained guitar is a joy to play — a neglected one is a frustration.
A good guitar teacher will also teach you to care for your instrument. Find one near you on ProPulse. Start your search here.