Guitar Care & Setup Checklist (Printable)
One page to keep in your case. Tick it off as you go; each line links to the full guide. Free, no signup needed.
Quick answer
After every session, wipe the strings and body with a dry cloth. Every string change, check the hardware. Every month, look over the guitar. Every season, check humidity. Most guitar problems are caught early this way.
After every session (1 minute)
- ☐ Wipe the strings and the back of the neck with a dry microfiber cloth (cleaning guide).
- ☐ Wipe sweat off the bridge and saddles.
- ☐ Put it back on its stand, hanger or in its case - not leaning on a wall or lying on a chair.
- ☐ Acoustic in a dry season? Back in the case with its humidifier (care & humidifiers). See our pick: MusicNomad Humitar.
Every string change
- ☐ Change one string at a time if your guitar has a floating saddle or trem (acoustic - electric - classical).
- ☐ With strings off: clean an unfinished fretboard and oil it sparingly if dry (fretboard guide; skip oil on maple boards with a finish).
- ☐ Check tuner nuts/screws are snug - gently, not cranked (loose pegs).
- ☐ Check strap buttons are tight (strap guide).
- ☐ Picks slipping or worn? (pick keeps slipping).
- ☐ Stretch new strings and retune several times.
Every month (5 minutes)
- ☐ Tuning holds? If not, work through won't stay in tune.
- ☐ New buzz or higher action? See fret buzz and high action.
- ☐ 12th-fret check: does the fretted note match the 12th-fret harmonic? (intonation).
- ☐ Crackles when you move the cable? (crackling jack).
- ☐ Sharp fret ends sticking out of the neck edge? (fret sprout).
Every season
- ☐ Check room humidity with a hygrometer; for acoustics aim around 45-55% relative humidity (storage guide).
- ☐ Winter heating on? Humidify the case or room. Summer humid? Don't over-humidify.
- ☐ Never leave the guitar in a hot or freezing car. After cold travel, let it warm up in its case before opening.
- ☐ Wall-hung guitar? Check the hanger screws are still tight (wall hangers).
Stop and see a tech if you find
- ☐ A crack in the wood, or a bridge lifting at its back edge (crack guide) - slacken the strings first.
- ☐ A truss rod nut that won't turn easily.
- ☐ A neck that keeps moving, or frets worn into grooves.
Built from our individual care guides (each lists its maker sources). Not hands-on testing. Safety: no household cleaners on finishes; slacken strings if you find a crack.