How to Care for Your Guitar So It Lasts a Lifetime
I was about 10 years old when I got my first real guitar. My dad handed it to me and said,
“If you take care of this, it’ll last your entire life.”
He was right. That guitar has followed me across the country, onto stages, and into songwriting sessions. It’s still my go-to.
But I had to learn how to take care of it—because like many new guitar players, I didn’t know the basics. I was just excited to play.
We all know to change our car’s oil every 3,000 miles, but guitar maintenance? There’s no universal knowledge. And yet, basic care makes all the difference in keeping your instrument sounding and looking its best.
So here’s a simple, beginner-friendly guide to guitar care and maintenance. These are easy habits that make your guitar last—and they fit naturally into your playing routine.
🧼 1. Wash Your Hands Before You Play
One of the easiest ways to protect your guitar? Clean hands.
Dirt, oil, and sweat from your fingers can gunk up your strings, wear down the fretboard, and dull the finish over time. Washing your hands before you play helps:
Extend string life
Keep the fretboard clean
Maintain a smooth playing feel
It’s the first (and easiest) step in long-term guitar care.
🧽 2. Wipe Down Your Guitar After Playing
Even clean hands sweat—especially during long practice sessions or live sets.
After you play, take a soft, dry cloth and gently wipe down the:
Neck and fretboard
Strings
Body and back
This helps remove moisture, oils, and dust buildup that can lead to corrosion or wear over time.
Bonus tip: Keep a microfiber cloth in your case so you never forget.
🪵 3. Condition the Fretboard (When You Change Strings)
Every few months (or whenever you change strings), take a minute to clean and condition your fretboard, especially if it’s rosewood or ebony.
Use a specialized fretboard oil or conditioner to:
Prevent drying and cracking
Clean grime buildup
Keep the wood healthy and hydrated
It’s quick, inexpensive, and keeps your guitar neck feeling fast and smooth.
🌡️ 4. Avoid Extreme Temperatures
Your guitar is made of wood, and like all wood, it expands and contracts with temperature. Sudden or extreme heat and cold can warp your neck, loosen glue joints, or crack the finish.
Avoid:
Leaving your guitar in a hot or cold car
Storing it near heaters, vents, or windows
Letting it go from cold to warm too quickly
Room temperature is best. If your hands are cold, chances are your guitar doesn’t want to be there either.
💧 5. Control the Humidity
Low humidity can cause wood to shrink and crack. High humidity can make it swell and throw off your setup.
To protect your acoustic or solid wood guitar:
Use a guitar humidifier in dry months
Store your guitar in a case (especially during winter)
Avoid damp or muggy storage spaces like basements or garages
A basic in-case humidifier can make a huge difference in tone, tuning stability, and longevity.
🎒 6. Store It Safely (Especially When You’re Not Playing)
When not in use, store your guitar in a case or padded gig bag. This protects it from:
Accidental bumps
Falls
Spills
Pets and small children
Even if you like to keep your guitar out on a stand (we get it—it’s inspiring), putting it away when you’re gone for the weekend is always a safe bet.
Need a case? Check these out!
🛠️ 7. Get a Pro Setup Once in a While
You don’t need to be a luthier to keep your guitar in good shape—but it is smart to bring it in for a checkup every so often.
A professional setup includes:
Neck and truss rod adjustment
Action and intonation tuning
Fret check (and polish if needed)
Bridge, nut, and electronics inspection
Your local music store or guitar tech can keep your guitar playing its best—and let you know if there’s any maintenance you’ve missed.
🎶 Your Guitar Should Sound Great for Years
If you:
Wash your hands
Wipe down your guitar
Condition your fretboard
Avoid extreme temps
Control the humidity
Store it safely
And get an occasional checkup...
You’ll be well on your way to owning a guitar that not only lasts a lifetime—but sounds better with age.
🛒 Looking for a Guitar That’s Built to Last?
At Morris Guitar Company, we sell high-quality used and refurbished guitars—each one inspected, cleaned, and set up to play its best.
Whether you’re:
A beginner shopping for your first guitar
A student or teacher
A worship leader or working musician
Or just picking it up again after a few years...
We’ll help you find the perfect guitar for your playing style, budget, and goals.