GUITAR
ELECTRIC GUITAR MAINTENANCE 101: TIPS AND TRICKS | Chris Rocha
As the years have gone by, I’ ve become increasingly aware of the condition of my guitars and I’ ve come to appreciate how important it is to keep them studio ready. Your guitar is an extension of yourself and keeping it in top condition is necessary to have great performances and longevity. Whether you’ re a seasoned pro or a beginner, guitar maintenance is crucial to ensure your instrument sounds its best and lasts for years to come. In this article, we’ ll cover the basics of guitar setup, string changing, and troubleshooting common issues, providing you with the knowledge and skills to keep your guitar in top shape.
SETUP: GETTING YOUR GUITAR JUST RIGHT A proper setup is more important than you realize. Here are a few key areas to focus on:
• Action: The action refers to the distance between the strings and the fretboard. If the action is too high, playing can be difficult and uncomfortable. To adjust the action, you’ ll need to adjust the bridge or the nut. A good starting point is to set the action to around 4 / 64”( 1.5mm) on the high E string and 5 / 64”( 2mm) on the low E string.
• Intonation: Intonation refers to the guitar’ s ability to play in tune up and down the neck. To adjust intonation, you’ ll need to adjust the bridge saddles. A good rule of thumb is to tune your guitar to standard tuning and then check the intonation at the 12th fret. This is especially important for me when I’ m in the studio recording.
• Neck Relief: Neck relief refers to the curvature of the neck. A small amount of neck relief is necessary to prevent buzzing and rattling. To adjust neck relief, you’ ll need to adjust the truss rod.
STRING CHANGING: A NECESSARY EVIL Changing strings is fundamental to guitar maintenance. Here are a few tips to make the process easier:
• Use the right strings: Different types of strings can greatly affect the sound and playability of your guitar. I always use Elixer Strings because they have the best longevity by far and sound great. Using Elixer is a no brainer for me.
• Change strings regularly: Old strings can sound dull and flat and can also cause tuning issues. Try to change your strings every 3-4 months or sooner if you play frequently. If you use Elixer Strings then you can wait longer because they last longer.
• Use a string winder: A string winder can make the process of changing strings much faster and easier.
• Stretch your strings: After changing strings, it’ s essential to stretch them to prevent tuning issues. Simply pull on each string gently but firmly and then tune your guitar back up.
TROUBLESHOOTING COMMON ISSUES Even with proper maintenance, issues still happen. Here are a few common problems and how to troubleshoot them:
• Buzzing or rattling: Buzzing or rattling can be caused by a number of things, including low action, a warped neck, or loose hardware. Check the action and neck relief, and make sure all hardware is tightened securely.
• Tuning issues: Tuning issues can be caused by old strings, a poorly set up guitar, or environmental changes. Try changing your strings, adjusting the setup, or using a humidifier to stabilize the environment.
• Fret buzz: Fret buzz can be caused by worn-out frets or a poorly set up guitar. If the buzzing persists after adjusting the setup, it may be time to consider having your frets replaced.
TIPS AND TRICKS Here are a few additional tips and tricks to keep your guitar in top condition:
• Keep your guitar clean: Regularly wipe down your guitar with a soft cloth to prevent dirt and grime from building up.
• Use a humidifier: Changes in humidity can cause your guitar’ s wood to shrink or expand, leading to tuning issues and other problems. Consider using a humidifier to keep the environment stable. I typically have more problems in the wintertime with this.
• Store your guitar properly: When not in use, store your guitar in a hardcase or gig bag to protect it from damage.
• Experiment with different setups: Don’ t be afraid to experiment with different setups and string configurations to find what works best for you.
Don’ t be too cool to take your guitar to a guitar tech for a proper setup. I’ ve gotten into this habit and it’ s a game changer.
CONCLUSION Guitar maintenance is an essential part of being a guitar player. By following the tips and tricks I’ ve talked about in this article, you can keep your instrument in top condition and ensure tip top performance and longevity. Remember to regularly check and adjust your setup, change your strings regularly, and troubleshoot common issues. With a little practice and patience, you’ ll be well on your way to becoming a guitar maintenance pro. Guitars are very expensive and are worth the effort to be maintained regularly
Chris Rocha Chris Rocha is an American Christian producer, guitarist, business owner and pioneer in the Spanish Christian music industry. He is a two time Dove Award winner, has worked on two Grammy award winning records and has produced or recorded guitars on 5 Grammy nominated albums.
58 August 2025 Subscribe for Free...