Continuing with our Heart Month theme, this topic is something that’s close to the heart of every musician – taking care of your guitar.
In this episode, Marlene will cover the basics of guitar maintenance—everything from cleaning and storing to protecting your prized instrument. Plus, she'll share a couple of easy hacks that you can do to keep your guitar feeling like new for years to come.
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MarlenesMusic1 YouTube Channel
Marlene's Guitar Courses & Learning Resources YoGuitar Video Library Learn to Play Guitar in a Day! Coaching Sessions Marlene's Tips For Guitar Playing Success book Thursday Tips blog
Marlene talked about these previous episodes: Spring Clean Your Guitar Mastering Humidity Humidity Matters Temperature & Humidity Effects on a Guitar
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Credits: Creator, Host, Producer: Marlene Hutchinson This podcast was made possible in part by: Gator Cases I Create Sound - For help getting your best sound go to www.icreatesound.com
Episode Transcript
I'm Marlene Hutchinson and welcome to Tips for Guitar Plane Success.
(00:09):
As many of you know, I've been sharing my guitar plane tips every Thursday for more than
10 years.
It's been my way to hopefully help you stay motivated, be inspired, and continue expanding
your guitar plane journey.
If you're interested in more learning resources, go to my website, marlene'smusic.com.
(00:33):
And for anyone who's listening and feeling like you're missing out on all the guitar plane
fun, you can easily get started with my super simple, learn to play guitar in a day course.
Now on to today's tip.
This podcast is brought to you in part by Gator.
(00:57):
Whether you just need a bag to gig with on the weekends, or a frequent flyer needing
a flight-friendly TSA series case, or a dedicated road warrior bringing your instruments on tour.
Gator has a solution for you.
For the stuff you love, guard it with Gator.
(01:18):
Today's tip is guitar TLC.
Clean store and protect your instrument.
Continuing with our heart month theme, today we're diving into something that's close to
the heart of every musician, taking care of your guitar.
Just like your own heart, your guitar needs some tender loving care to keep it in top shape.
(01:46):
In this episode, we'll explore the essential basics of guitar maintenance, covering everything
from cleaning and storing to protecting your prized instrument.
Plus I've got some simple hacks that you can put into practice right away to keep your guitar
feeling like new for years to come.
(02:08):
As always, a big shout out this week and thank you to our fellow guitarists joining us from
Nigeria, the Virgin Islands, France, and Japan.
By the way, if you listen on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you listen to your podcasts, please
leave a five-star review so other guitar players can easily find this podcast.
(02:33):
Thank you.
Today, I'm going to talk about three areas where you can show your guitar some love, cleaning,
storing, and protecting it.
Even you and your instrument can share the musical guitar love for years.
I'll start with cleaning your guitar.
I go in depth on this topic in a previous episode, how to spring clean your guitar.
(02:59):
I've put the link in the show description if you'd like to revisit that episode.
Basically, you should give your guitar a thorough cleaning about every six months and the best
time to do that is when you change your strings.
Now it's also a good habit to give your guitar a quick cleaning using a soft cloth to wipe
(03:21):
down the strings after each playing session.
The strings will last longer and less dust will accumulate on your guitar.
So the hack for cleaning your guitar is to always have a soft cloth in your case to wipe
down your strings and make that a habit to wipe them down every time you play.
(03:43):
Hey everyone, be a part of our vibrant guitar tips community and join us for a fun and
exciting jam session.
Whether you're a seasoned musician or just starting out, this is the perfect opportunity
to connect, play, and create music together.
(04:04):
So don't miss out on this fantastic event, become a member today.
The link is in the show notes and let's make some music magic happen.
As far as storing your guitar, well, you probably know by now that I'm a big proponent of having
your guitar out of its case because you'll play it more.
(04:27):
So the best way to store your guitar out of its case is to use a guitar stand.
Place the stand and guitar in a busy area but away from getting knocked over.
The whole idea is if you see it, you'll pick it up and play it more.
But of course, you can certainly store your guitar in its case.
(04:50):
The hack I have for you for storing your guitar is to get a wall-mounted guitar stand.
Then it's safe, handy, and you'll have guitar art.
And for guitar protection, the most important detail for your guitar's long range viability
is humidity and temperature.
(05:12):
As a general rule, if you're comfortable with the temperature and humidity levels, then
your guitar is comfortable too.
But don't guess, use a high-grometer and a humidifier.
I also have a couple of previous episodes about that topic as well.
So look for those links too in the show description.
(05:34):
And a useful tip, think of your guitar as you would a child or pet.
Don't leave it in your car for an extended period of time.
Now I would be remiss if I didn't talk about cases when it comes to guitar protection.
Always use a case when taking your guitar out and about.
Hard cases offer more protection.
(05:56):
Gig bag soft cases are lighter weight.
If you're in the market for a guitar case, gator cases our show sponsor has some amazing
options for both hard and soft cases.
The hack for protecting your guitar is to get and use a high-grometer.
(06:18):
It measures humidity and temperature where your guitar lives.
So here's the heart of the matter.
If you cherish your guitar and want to feel your guitar's love until the end of time, show
it the tender loving carrot deserves.
I hope this episode's tip has helped you to continue expanding your guitar playing skills
(06:42):
and knowledge.
If you'd like to learn more, please check out the many learning resources available at
marlenesmusic.com.
Thank you for joining today's podcast and as I like to say, play on.
(bell dinging)
You
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