Guitar technicians, also known as guitar techs, are skilled professionals responsible for maintaining, repairing, and customizing guitars and other stringed instruments. As a guitar enthusiast, becoming a guitar tech can be a rewarding career, allowing you to work with music, instruments, and musicians. Here are 7 steps to help you become a guitar tech:
Step 1: Acquire the Necessary Skills and Knowledge
To become a guitar tech, you'll need to have a good understanding of guitar mechanics, electronics, and woodworking. You can acquire these skills through online tutorials, workshops, and courses. Some of the key areas to focus on include:
- Guitar setup and adjustment
- Electronics and wiring
- Woodworking and repair
- String installation and maintenance
- Guitar customization and modification
Recommended Resources:
- Online courses: Guitar Tricks, TrueFire, and Coursera
- Workshops: Local music stores, guitar repair shops, and music schools
- Books: "The Guitar Handbook" by Ralph Denyer, "Guitar Repair and Maintenance" by Dan Erlewine
Step 2: Get Hands-on Experience
The best way to learn guitar repair and maintenance is by doing it. Try to get your hands on as many guitars as possible and practice setting up, adjusting, and repairing them. You can:
- Volunteer to work on friends' and family members' guitars
- Offer to help local music stores with guitar repairs
- Join online forums and communities to learn from other guitar techs
Recommended Tools:
- Guitar setup tools: bridge adjusters, truss rod wrenches, and action gauges
- Electronics tools: wire strippers, soldering irons, and multimeters
- Woodworking tools: chisels, sandpaper, and clamps
Step 3: Build a Strong Foundation in Guitar Electronics
Guitar electronics is a critical aspect of guitar repair and maintenance. Understanding how pickups, tone controls, and output jacks work is essential. You can:
- Study guitar electronics online or through books
- Practice soldering and desoldering components
- Build your own guitar electronics projects
Recommended Resources:
- Books: "Guitar Electronics" by Gerald Weber, "The Guitar Handbook" by Ralph Denyer
- Online courses: Guitar Electronics 101, Electronics for Guitar Technicians
Step 4: Learn Guitar Setup and Adjustment
Guitar setup and adjustment are critical for optimal playability and tone. You can:
- Study guitar setup and adjustment online or through books
- Practice setting up and adjusting guitars
- Use guitar setup tools to achieve perfect action and intonation
Recommended Resources:
- Books: "The Guitar Handbook" by Ralph Denyer, "Guitar Setup and Adjustment" by Dan Erlewine
- Online courses: Guitar Setup and Adjustment, Guitar Maintenance and Repair
Step 5: Develop Your Woodworking Skills
Woodworking is an essential aspect of guitar repair and maintenance. You can:
- Study woodworking online or through books
- Practice woodworking techniques: sanding, cutting, and gluing
- Use woodworking tools to repair and customize guitars
Recommended Resources:
- Books: "The Guitar Handbook" by Ralph Denyer, "Woodworking for Guitar Technicians" by Dan Erlewine
- Online courses: Woodworking for Guitar Technicians, Guitar Repair and Maintenance
Step 6: Join Online Communities and Forums
Joining online communities and forums is an excellent way to learn from other guitar techs, ask questions, and share your knowledge. Some popular online communities include:
- Reddit: r/guitartech, r/guitarrepair
- Facebook groups: Guitar Technicians, Guitar Repair and Maintenance
- Online forums: Guitar Tricks, TrueFire
Step 7: Get Certified and Insured
Getting certified and insured can help you establish credibility and protect yourself and your business. You can:
- Get certified by organizations like the Guild of American Luthiers or the National Association of Music Merchants
- Insure your business and equipment against accidents and damage
By following these 7 steps, you can become a skilled guitar tech and start a rewarding career in the music industry. Remember to always keep learning, practicing, and improving your skills to stay ahead in the field.
Gallery of Guitar Tech Resources:
What is the average salary of a guitar tech?
+The average salary of a guitar tech can vary depending on location, experience, and type of employer. However, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for musical instrument repairers and tuners was $43,610 in May 2020.
What are the most common types of guitars that guitar techs work on?
+Guitar techs typically work on a variety of guitars, including acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. However, the most common types of guitars that guitar techs work on are likely to be electric guitars, such as Stratocasters and Les Pauls.
What are some common tools that guitar techs use?
+Guitar techs use a variety of tools, including guitar setup tools, electronics tools, and woodworking tools. Some common tools that guitar techs use include bridge adjusters, truss rod wrenches, wire strippers, and soldering irons.