Category
Guitars, Gear & Maintenance
A guitar that is in tune, plays comfortably and is well maintained makes practicing a lot more fun. In this category you read what to look for when buying an acoustic, electric or semi-hollow guitar and what a good beginner guitar costs. Strings, tuning, amps, effects pedals and accessories such as a capo or pick are covered too. You will also find practical tips for cleaning your guitar, protecting it against humidity and cold, and storing it safely at home.
Going to buy a guitar? Then first read which guitar is best to learn on and what a good beginner guitar costs. Unsure about the type? Read the guides to the acoustic guitar and the electric guitar. Already have a guitar? Start with tuning and changing your strings.
Start here
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Why Choose a Hollow Body Guitar
You choose a hollow body guitar when you want a warm, open and slightly acoustic tone, especially for jazz, blues and rockabilly. Thanks to…
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How Much Does a Good Beginner Guitar Cost?
How much does a good beginner guitar cost? As a rough guide, expect to pay about 100 to 300 euros for a good beginner…
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Playing Guitar With Sound Effects
Playing guitar with sound effects starts with three basic effects: overdrive or distortion for more power, delay for repeats and reverb for space. You…
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How to Clean Your Guitar Fretboard and Frets
The best way to clean your guitar’s fretboard and frets is with the strings off. Wipe away loose dirt with a dry, lint-free cloth,…
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What to Do About Squeaky Guitar Strings
What should you do about squeaky guitar strings? Most of the time, what you hear is your fingers sliding over the wound strings during…
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How to Repair Small Scratches on Your Guitar
How do you repair small scratches on your guitar? Superficial scratches in a gloss finish can be buffed out with a fine polish and…
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How Often Should You Have a Guitar Set Up?
How often should you have a guitar set up? For most guitarists, once a year is enough. If you play a lot or perform,…
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Tips for Taking Care of Your Guitar in Winter
Taking care of your guitar in winter is mostly about dry air and temperature swings. Heating can make indoor humidity drop sharply, sometimes below…
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How to Keep Your Guitar From Going Out of Tune
How do you keep your guitar from going out of tune? Stretch new strings properly, wind them neatly around the tuning pegs, always tune…
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How to Clean Your Guitar Without Damaging It
How do you clean your guitar without damaging it? Use a soft microfiber cloth and only cleaners that suit your guitar’s finish, always apply…
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The Best Ways to Store Your Guitar at Home
The best way to store your guitar at home is on a sturdy stand, on a wall hanger or in a case, in a…
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How to Protect Your Guitar From Moisture
How do you protect your guitar from moisture? Keep the humidity around your guitar steady at roughly 40 to 60 percent, store it in…
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Tips for Changing Guitar Strings
Short answer: You change guitar strings one string at a time: loosen the old string, secure the new one at the bridge, thread it…
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Best Practice Amps for Electric Guitar
The best practice amp for electric guitar is a compact model of roughly 5 to 20 watts that sounds good at low volume and…
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How to Tune a Guitar With a Tuner
With a tuner you can tune your guitar in a few minutes: turn the tuner on, pluck one string at a time and turn…
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How Often Should You Change Guitar Strings?
Short answer: How often should you change guitar strings? As a rule of thumb, every one to three months if you play regularly. If…
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Effects Pedals for Beginners: Best Picks and Tips
Which effects pedals are best for beginners, and how do you use them? Start with one or two simple pedals, such as an overdrive…
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How a Guitar Amp Works: A Beginner’s Guide
Short answer: A guitar amp boosts the weak signal from the pickups in your electric guitar and sends it to a speaker. The preamp…
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How to Choose a Guitar Strap That Fits Well
Short answer: A guitar strap that fits well is adjustable, made of a material that feels good and wide enough for the weight of…
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Which Guitar Strings Are Best for Beginners?
Short answer: Choose guitar strings based on your guitar first: nylon strings for a classical guitar, steel strings made of bronze or phosphor bronze…
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How to Use a Guitar Tuner App
Short answer: With a guitar tuner app, you tune your guitar through your phone’s microphone. Open the app, allow microphone access, choose standard tuning…
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Best Guitar Pick for Beginners
Short answer: A pick is a flat piece of plastic that you use to strike the strings. As a beginner, the best choice is…
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Why Tuning Your Guitar Matters for Beginners
Why is tuning your guitar important for beginners? Because on an out-of-tune guitar, you play sour-sounding chords even when your fingers are in exactly…
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Nylon vs. Steel Guitar Strings: What’s the Difference?
The difference between nylon and steel guitar strings comes down to sound, tension and the type of guitar. Nylon strings sound warm and soft,…