Tips for Acoustic Guitar Players

Let's face it. It's a basic thing to learn the acoustic guitar. That's why there's so many guitars sold each and every year. But remember, it's takes something else to actually become good at it. And it's not just about learning to play. You also need some information about the instrument itself and what you need to do to take care of it.

Most acoustic guitars are made of wood and are usually hollow. They are sensitive to differences in climate, such as extreme heat or super cold. It's very easy for parts of the guitar to warp or otherwise get damaged depending on how you house it and what it has to deal with on a daily basis. Think about 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 necessities for a guitar is a good guitar case. It should be water resistant but also provide protection from heat. Black cases will absorb the sun's rays more than lighter colored cases, so remember that when shopping for one for your guitar. You'll have the choice of soft shell cases and hard shell cases. In most situations, I would recommend the hard shell case unless your budget prohibits it.

Guitar strings are sensitive to heat and cold as well. Have you experienced 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 best, as the shock of going from one type of string to another isn't good for your guitar. Also, never take all the strings off your guitar at once, as that might cause warping of the neck. Change them one at a time, as that will keep the tension on the guitar neck constant.

If at all possible, it's a nice idea to have at a minimum two guitars, a beater you use for practice and another that you keep for performances. Your practice guitar doesn't have to be wonderful, something in the $100 range. You won't have to replace the strings on it as much as the guitar you use for performances.

When cleaning your guitar, never use water or furniture polish. Just use a clean 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 have its own natural character, and part of this is letting it get used and worn in a normal fashion.

About the Author

I'm the co-webmistress of the Easy Songs To Play On Acoustic Guitar website.