Musicouch > Instruments > String > Guitar

Three Tips for Maintaining Your Guitar

by Felipe Sun, Feb 3, 2008

Three quick, simple tips to keep your guitar looking and playing its best.

A well-maintained axe is a must for every guitar player; poorly maintained guitars can potentially make learning harder for the inexperienced guitarist, and makes playing less fun for those who know their way around a fretboard. Here are three tips to keep that guitar - and hopefully your playing - in tip-top shape.

An important note: I use these methods regularly on my guitars, an Epiphone Les Paul Standard and a Paul Reed Smith Standard 24. Both are poly-finished guitars, and these methods do not harm the instruments in any way. However, I have NOT tried these things on nitrocellulose finished guitars or acoustics of any kind. Make sure you know what kind of finish you have on your guitar!

WD-40
This is a great little spray which will keep your strings in excellent condition, even with regular playing. It seems to prevent the plain strings from corrosion, and it definitely helps keep all of the strings clean. Have you ever seen the gunk that collects on strings after regular use? Get a small can of WD-40 and a non-abrasive cloth (I use a microfiber cloth). Spray a small spot (an inch in diameter, perhaps) onto the cloth, and pinch one of the plain strings with that spot of WD-40. While pinching, slide the cloth up and down the length of the string. Dirty strings will leave behind dark trails of crud (for lack of a better term) in the WD-40 spot on the cloth. This keeps your strings feeling new and slippery (which I personally like).
Pencils
I have applied this solution several times to guitars which friends of mine own. Many guitars I have played suffer from this problem (my Epiphone as well); strings get caught at the nut, causing issues with tuning stability. This problem distinguishes itself clearly with a ping-ing noise while tuning up. Even though you may be able to tune the open string to the proper pitch, the string may go out of tune when struck. I use a pencil of some sort - mechanical or wood, it doesn't matter - and rub the lead in the string slots on the nut. If you are not aware, the nut is the piece of material (it can be various materials) which has slots to hold each string at the headstock. The graphite in the pencil lead acts as a lubricant, and allows the strings to slide easier.
Meguiar's
Their name has become synonymous with automotive care products, but they work so well on guitars (see the important note above) that Fender has released polishes and such made by Meguiar's. I use two products that I've found in the automotive section on my PRS: Scratch-X and the Deep Crystal System Carnauba Wax. The Scratch-X helps to minimize the surface scratches in your finish; don't expect miracles, but it sure helps. The Carnauba Wax gives the finish a deep, mirror-like shine. If you have a good looking finish, this really helps bring it out. For both products, apply with a non-abrasive cloth (again, microfiber is great), let it dry, then wipe off; I apply the Scratch-X first then the Carnauba Wax.

These methods help keep my guitar playing its best, and make it feel its best in my hands. Rock on!

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#1 by D3adKl0wn, Feb 3, 2008

nice tips, I've been using wd-40 for a while now and I've found that they've released a WD-40 "pen".. the tip is quite hard and makes it so you can cut a small notch in it and simply run it down the strings to give them an even coating... plus you can keep the "pen" in your guitar case..

#2 by Jazzpurr, Feb 3, 2008

Great tips. I have always wondered what the ping was when I tuned my Les Paul. Thanks

#3 by Jazzpurr, Feb 3, 2008

Great tips. I have always wondered what the ping was when I tuned my Les Paul. Thanks

#4 by Nelson Doyle, Feb 6, 2008

Great tips and nicely written.

Nelson Doyle

#5 by DreadHead, Feb 25, 2008

WD-40 is a bad, bad idea. yes it lubs your strings. but, it can also ruin your fret board. it will make rosewood swell and if you have ebony it will discolor it. it can also discolor you inlays as well. so instead of messing up your guitar, just go to your local guitar store and buy some string lub. it comes in liquid. and wow, imagine this, sting lub costs about the same as a small can of WD-40.

#6 by DeadHead, Feb 26, 2008

I would firmly agree with DreadHead. Using a petroleum product on a unfinished wooden surface, such as a fret board is a bad idea. The oil will penetrate into the grain and alter the appearance as well as the integrity of the wood. As a well intentioned alternative, wiping down the strings with a microfiber cloth will remove sweat and hand grease from the strings. The removal of sweat and hand grime will help keep your strings in good condition. Most guitar owner's manuals have a statement about projected string life and how to maximize life. I caution you again to stay away from WD-40!

#7 by keyboardologist, Feb 26, 2008

What about "Fast Fret"? I have played in many bands, and a lot of guitar players swear by it. How abut this when you're out in the middle of nowhere, and there is no music store for more than 150 miles: (This is primarily for bass strings). If your strings go dead, remove them and place them in a vinegar anwater solution at a boil for about a minute. Dry thoroughly. Replace. I guess that's why I play keyboards. As far as the nut goes, try a round (or flat ) toothpick under the strings. Also for some Strats, file the "dead zone" of the nut itself. (It was in Wayne's World, but some guys really do this). Also, when flying for prolonged time periods, loosen the strings before you go. Once ab band I was in flew to Alaska from Chicago, and my guitar player opened his case to find a crcked neck. Probably from the pressure and temperature extremes.
Good article. Keep on "keepin' on"

#8 by alfred mcgee, Feb 26, 2008

WD40 will also destroy electronics, very bad idea

#9 by headydood, Feb 26, 2008

dont boil your strings just get new ones jeez

#10 by pwillis, Feb 26, 2008

Call me suspicious but, seems to me that if one were to spray anything on your guitar strings it's my opinion that the extra weight of an oil would hamper the natural sound of the strings somewhat. To be specific . . . less sparkle. Belly up, buy new strings or, make sure you're wiping ur axe down as often as possible to rid urself of those gross bodily fluids.

#11 by Shredder420, Feb 26, 2008

Great tips that I didn't know that I will use! Thanks!

#12 by Dr Axe, Feb 26, 2008

Can't be said enough- Do NOT use WD-40 anywhere on your guitar. It will do very bad things to it- see above

#13 by Luthier, Feb 27, 2008

WD-40 is a bad idea unless you like greasy strings and smudges on your lacquer. And at the end of your advice, you say these tips help keep your guitar "playing its best" but I see little connection between finish scratches/polishing and playability. Oh yeah, and graphite in your nut slot looks unprofessional, cheap, and is the least you could do to solve nut problems.

#14 by NCHarleyHardtail, Mar 14, 2008

A better all around solution for cleaning the strings and guitar body as well is to use Flitz Metal Polish and Fiberglass cleaner. A small tube will fit in your guitar case or gig bag. Flitz is non abrasive,non toxic and is safe even on the most specialized paints. It will remove oxidation from the strings and leaves a protection. Place a little in your cleaning cloth and clean your guitar from top to bottom. And also Flitz contains no acids. Flitz is alos usually at the NAM SHOW if you attend.

#15 by Borys, Mar 20, 2008

WD-40 i do not recommend...it could/will damage your guitar...if u get some on your guitar body or neck...well it will like "eat" your guitar...and depends on what strings you use...if you use cheap strings...then go ahead grease your strings but don't get any on your NECK..if u use expensive strings/professional..then do not use WD-40 it could damage them.

AND: WD-40 increases the chance of riping/breaking.

#16 by Bri, Jun 9, 2008

That WD stands for Water Displacement. What do you think that stuff does to your body when it gets into your system?

#17 by Seth, Oct 30, 2008

I've always used Meguiar's on my guitars. It really does do wonders for the finish. I do have a question for everyone though, regarding the finish on my faded SG special. It's faded, so it's not a laquer finish. I believe it's just stain. Does anyone know what kind of oil I should use to protect the body and neck? Also, can I use this same oil on the fretboard? Thanks!

#18 by dirtyminded, Dec 27, 2008

The Main ingredient in WD40 is fish oil... I dont see how that can be so hazardous to your guitar, also many top players swear by it. And i think they would know.

#19 by Morley, Mar 31, 2009

I agree to not use WD-40 on your strings, but even though it's bad for your instrument it's not a grease or an oil. WD-40 displaces water then evaporates to get rid of it. Plus, any guitarist who knows anything about his instrument knows that rosewood and ebony fretboards are sealed with either tung oil, lemon oil or linseed oil and that this should be re-applied to the wood every few months. This keeps dirt from building up on the fretboard and prevents other liquids like sweat (or WD-40) from penetrating the wood. If you want to clean your strings, use a flannel or microfiber cloth after every use of the guitar. Simply pinch the string and run the cloth back and forth from bridge to nut. Believe me, you don't need WD-40 to get the black dirt to come off.

#20 by bomar, Apr 21, 2009

If Eric Johnson uses pencil lead on his guitar then I don't think there is anything wrong with that. I mean he's not an accomplished guitar player or anything. He does however recommend it in many of his articles. another idea to tuning with the strings binding at the nut would be to always tune down first then tune up. doing that the string will not get bound up past the nut. as far as graphite not LOOKING professional, you can't even see it. It is in the notch under the string. nobody knows but you.

#21 by bomar , Apr 21, 2009

one more thing. ever heard of marketing ploys? get some fast fret from....where ever you want, then get some WD-40. put them next to eachother and see if you can smell the differnce. I bet you can't. If are going to knock one product you may as well knock them both. I do use WD-40 on my strings. I like the feel of the strings when I play them that way and it gets rid of a lot of the buzz. I do however not get it on the fretboard. strings only. and a light swipe on the back of the neck. my guitar is finished and not open wood there. It will not hurt the clear coat contrary to what everyone else is saying here. As far as smudges on the finish from playing the strings that way. I play the guitar, I don't sit and stare at it. it is going to get smudged anyway.

#22 by bomar, Apr 22, 2009

AND: WD-40 increases the chance of riping/breaking.

How????

#23 by Dave, Apr 24, 2009

For my acoustics, fretboard or unfinished necks, I have been using extra virgin olive oil for 18yrs. It works great and keeps the wood in good condition. I actually learned the trick from my pop who has used it on his clarinets for over 30yrs.

#24 by Mike, Apr 27, 2009

I used a cleaner that a friend turned me on to for getting a brighter tone. After using the WD40 take a can of Sheila Shine and spray the same size spot on a clean part of the cloth then rub it on the strings where they hang above the pickups and rub down the pickups too. Sheila Shine is used in kitchens for degreasing exhaust hoods and other stainless appliances. It made my old T60 scream like a damned soul