Acoustic Guitar Considerations
You've got to admit it. It's fairly easy to learn how to play acoustic guitar. That's one of the reasons there's so many guitars sold each and every year. However, it's another thing to actually become good at it. And it's not just about the basics of learning. You really need some knowledge regarding the instrument itself and how to take care of it.
Most acoustic guitars are created from wood and are usually hollow. They are sensitive to changes in climate, such as super heat or extreme cold. It's dead easy for parts of the guitar to warp or otherwise become damaged depending on how you house it and what it is exposed to on a daily basis. Think about the old cassette tape and how it would warp into an useless mess if left on the dashboard of your car on a sunny day.
One of the major needs for a guitar is a good guitar enclosure. It really should be water resistant and also provide protection from heat. Dark colored cases will absorb the sun's rays more than lighter colored enclosures, so keep that in mind when shopping for one for your guitar. You'll have the choice of soft shell cases and hard shell cases. In almost all situations, I would endorse the hard shell case unless you can't afford it.
Guitar strings are susceptible to environmental changes as well. Have you experienced how quickly guitars go out of tune, especially if you put on 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 settle on 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 wouldn't be good for your instrument. 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 good idea to have at a minimum two guitars, a beater you use for practice and another that you use for performances. Your practice guitar doesn't have to be expensive, something in the $100 price 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 crazy. Your guitar should develop its own natural character, and the way to let it do this is letting it get used and worn in an everyday fashion.
About the Author
I'm the co-webmistress of the Easy Songs To Play On Acoustic Guitar website.