Acoustic Guitar Tips
Let’s face 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 takes something else to actually become proficient in it. And it’s not just about the basics of learning. You really need some information about the instrument itself and what you need to do to take care of it.
The vast majority of acoustic guitars are created from wood and are usually hollow. They are sensitive to differences in weather, such as extreme heat or super cold. It’s dead easy for parts of the guitar to warp or otherwise get 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 kept on the back seat of your car on a sunny day.
One of the primary necessities for a guitar is a good guitar enclosure. It really should be water resistant and also give protection from heat. Dark colored cases will absorb heat more than lighter colored cases, so remember that when selecting one for your guitar. There are 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 sensitive to heat and cold as well. Note 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 decide to use a particular gauge of string, it’s probably best, 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 them one at a time, as that will keep the tension on the guitar neck at a constant level.
If at all possible, it’s a great idea to have at least two guitars, one that you use around the house and another that you keep for performances. Your practice guitar doesn’t have to be great, 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 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 the way to let it do this is letting it get used and worn in an everyday fashion.
I’m the co-webmistress of the Easy Songs To Play On Acoustic Guitar website.
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