Discover 10 ingenious guitar hacks that will revolutionize your playing and help you unlock your instrument’s full potential.
From simple maintenance tips to creative use of everyday objects, these clever tricks will make your guitar journey easier, more enjoyable, and more rewarding than ever before.
Using nail polish to mark fretboard positions
ONE
Using nail polish to mark fretboard positions is a simple yet effective way for guitarists to create custom visual aids on their instruments.
By applying small dots of colored nail polish to specific frets, players can easily navigate the neck and quickly locate key positions without relying solely on memorization.
This technique is beneficial for beginners learning scale patterns or chord shapes, as well as for experienced guitarists who want to create unique visual cues to suit their playing style.
The trick of using a pencil to lubricate the nut slots
TWO
Using a pencil to lubricate the nut slots on a guitar is a simple and effective trick that can help eliminate string binding and tuning issues.
By rubbing a graphite pencil on the nut slots, you create a smooth, slippery surface that allows the strings to glide freely. This technique is particularly useful for guitars with new or poorly cut nut slots, as it can significantly improve tuning stability and reduce string breakage.
Make your own custom picks from old credit cards
THREE
Making custom guitar picks from old credit cards is a fun and eco-friendly way for guitarists to create personalized accessories that suit their playing style and preferences
By tracing a pick shape onto an expired or unused credit card and carefully cutting it out with scissors or a craft knife, players can create sturdy, durable picks with a unique texture and feel.
This DIY approach allows guitarists to experiment with different shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. It’s also a great way to repurpose old plastic cards that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
Dunlop Kirk Hammett Custom Jazz III Picks
FEATURES: Incredible grip delivered from a V-shaped cutout
OTHER INFO: Has a thick design for creating classic, rich tones
- Offers incredible speed, precision, and control for an enhanced playing
- Can handle any performance
- Makes you feel like a rockstar, courtesy of Metallica's Kirk Hammett and Dunlop
- May not be suitable for players who have difficulty handling smaller picks
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
Using a hair tie
as a string dampener
FOUR
For guitarists who play with high gain or distortion, using a hair tie as a string dampener is an easy yet efficient approach to reduce undesired string noise and overtones.
To reduce excessive ringing and create a tighter, more concentrated tone, players might softly mute the strings around the nut or bridge by stretching an elastic band or hair tie across the strings.
This tip is a cheap substitute for noise gates or commercial string dampeners and is especially helpful in live performances or recording scenarios when clarity and precision are crucial.
The secret to using a capo for instant alternate tunings
FIVE
A capo is a great way to quickly change tunings on your guitar without having to retune the whole thing.
By putting the capo on a particular fret, you can raise the pitch of all the strings at the same time. This lets you play in different keys or make your own sounds.
This method works really well for singer-songwriters who need to quickly learn how to use different vocal ranges or for musicians who want to try out new sounds and textures.
Shubb C1 Steel String Guitar Capo, Polished Nickel
PERFECT FOR: steel string guitars
FEATURES: With a classy finish that will look fantastic with practically any guitar finish
OTHER INFO: Has a user-friendly design for seamless performance
Shubb C1 Steel String Guitar Capo, Polished Nickel
- The ideal companion for musical exploration
- With superb Shubb quality for a performance that glides effortlessly
- More costly than competing brands
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How to create a DIY strap lock with rubber washers
SIX
Creating a DIY strap lock with rubber washers is a simple and cost-effective way to prevent your guitar strap from accidentally slipping off the strap buttons during performance.
To make your strap lock, place a rubber washer over the strap button before attaching the strap. The washer will create a tight, secure fit that will keep your strap in place, even during vigorous playing.
This technique is an excellent alternative to expensive commercial strap locks and can be easily customized to fit any guitar or strap.
Using a smartphone app for instant tuning and effects
SEVEN
Smartphone apps have revolutionized the way guitarists approach tuning and effects, offering instant access to a wide range of tools and features that can enhance their playing and creativity.
With the help of apps like GuitarTuna, Fender Tune, or AmpliTube, players can quickly and accurately tune their instruments, experiment with virtual amplifiers and pedals, and even record and share their performances directly from their mobile devices.
These apps provide a convenient and cost-effective way for guitarists to expand their sonic palette and explore new musical possibilities, making them invaluable tools for both beginners and experienced players alike.
The hack of using a microfiber cloth for quick string cleaning
EIGHT
One easy trick that can help players maintain their strings in good shape and make them last longer is simply cleaning them with a microfiber cloth.
After every practice session, players can gently clean the strings with a soft, lint-free microfibre cloth. This gets rid of the dirt, oil, and sweat that can build up on the strings and dull them.
This simple maintenance task, which only takes seconds, will ensure that the strings last a lot longer and that the guitar always sounds its best.
GHS Fast-Fret String Cleaner
FEATURES:
- Easy to use
- Extends string life
- Extends string life
- Enhances playability
- Scent may be overpowering for some users
When you click ‘Check Price’, you’ll see there are loads of great places to buy this item. Our personal favorite is Sweetwater for the US, and Thomann and Gear4Music for the UK & Europe.
They are the largest music retailers, with excellent customer service, competitive prices, really fast shipping, and the longest guarantees.
The professional musician who wrote this article combined many things,
from the product build, manufacturer’s reputation through to feedback
from other users, to create our famous TedScore™.
How to use Velcro
to organize your
pedalboard cables
NINE
Organizing your pedalboard cables with Velcro is a practical and efficient way to keep your setup tidy and hassle-free.
By attaching Velcro strips to the underside of your pedalboard and the cables themselves, you can quickly secure the wires and prevent them from tangling or shifting during transport. This method also allows for quick and easy cable rearrangement when you need to make changes to your pedal configuration, saving you time and frustration during gigs or recording sessions.
The trick of using a rubber band to secure your picks to your mic stand
TEN
The trick of using a rubber band to secure your picks to your mic stand is a clever way to ensure that you always have a pick within reach while performing.
By wrapping a rubber band around the mic stand and tucking a few spare picks underneath it, you can create a convenient and accessible pick holder that won’t interfere with your playing or singing.
This simple hack is handy for guitarists who frequently drop or misplace their picks during live shows. It saves them from awkward pauses or fumbling moments on stage.
Unlocking Your Guitar's Full Potential:
Powerful Hacks
In conclusion, these 10 ingenious guitar hacks offer simple and practical solutions to common challenges faced by guitarists of all skill levels.
By incorporating these tricks into your playing routine, you can instantly improve your guitar experience, from maintaining your instrument to exploring new sounds and techniques.
These hacks will help you play better, faster, and more efficiently, no matter how experienced you are. This will save you time, money, and stress and let you focus on what really matters: making great music.
