If you’re looking to get into the guitar business, you might be curious what a guitar technician does. And you’re not alone!
A guitar technician (or ‘guitar tech’) is a member of a music ensemble’s road crew who maintains and sets up the musical equipment for one or more guitarists during a concert tour.
Depending on the type and size of band, the guitar tech may be responsible for stringing, tuning, and adjusting electric guitars and acoustic guitars, and maintaining and setting up guitar amplifiers and other related electronic equipment such as effect pedals.
Once the guitar equipment has been set up onstage, the guitar tech does a soundcheck to ensure that the equipment is working well. If there are any problems, the guitar tech will replace or repair the faulty components or equipment.
Since guitar techs need to soundcheck the instruments and amplifiers, they must have basic guitar-playing skills, a musical “ear” for tuning, and a familiarity with the way guitars, amplifiers, and effect pedals are supposed to sound in the style of music of their band.
Guitar techs learn their craft either “on the job”, by working in a range of music, sound engineering, and instrument repair jobs; by completing a guitar repair program at a college or lutherie school; or from a combination of these two routes.
The salaries and conditions of work for guitar techs vary widely, depending on whether a guitar tech is working for a minor or regional touring bar band or a major international touring act.
In this article, I’ll explain what a guitar technician does, the duties and responsibilities, and the qualifications needed.
What Goes into Being a Guitar Repair Technician?
As a guitar repair technician, you are responsible for adjusting, maintaining, and repairing all types of guitars, including acoustic and electric. Your duties may include:
- Restringing guitars
- Tuning guitars according to the type of music the customer wants to play
- Setting up guitars to suit the specific needs of the customer
- Modifying guitars to suit the tastes of the customer
- Troubleshooting issues with guitars
- Performing maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and oiling
- Repairing broken or damaged guitars
- Building guitars from scratch, depending on your level of expertise
Skills and Qualifications Required
To become a guitar repair technician, you need to have a wide range of skills and qualifications. These include:
- A good knowledge of music and musical instruments
- The ability to work with your hands and use tools effectively
- A degree or certification in guitar repair or a related field
- The ability to research and learn new techniques and technologies
- A wide range of equipment and tools for repairing and maintaining guitars
- The ability to communicate effectively with customers and understand their needs
- A high level of attention to detail and the ability to complete tasks completely and accurately
- Great time management skills, as you may have to work on multiple guitars at once
- The ability to work hard and take on physically demanding tasks, such as lifting heavy amps and traveling with equipment
Salary and Career Outlook
The average annual salary for guitar repair technicians in the United States is around $40,000, but this can vary depending on your level of expertise and the demand for your services. Some technicians specialize in specific types of guitars or equipment, such as amplifiers or electronic effects, and can earn higher salaries. The highest earners in this field are luthiers, who are responsible for building guitars from scratch and can command prices of thousands of dollars per instrument.
There is a high demand for guitar repair technicians, as many people want to learn to play the guitar or buy expensive instruments that need maintenance and repair over time. As a result, there are many opportunities for people interested in this career, and salaries and job opportunities are expected to continue to grow in the coming years.
What Does a Guitar Tech Do on a Daily Basis?
As a guitar tech, it’s important to have a good understanding of the different types of guitars and their unique needs. This means knowing the difference between acoustic and electric guitars, as well as understanding the different types of strings and gear that are typically used with each type of instrument.
Preparing and Tuning Instruments
One of the main tasks of a guitar tech is to prepare and tune instruments for performances. This typically involves:
- Checking the neck and bridge of the guitar to ensure that they are properly aligned
- Tuning the strings to the correct pitch
- Making any necessary adjustments to the tone or sound of the guitar
- Checking the overall condition of the instrument to ensure that it is in good working order
Performing Routine Maintenance and Repairs
In addition to preparing instruments for performances, guitar techs are also responsible for performing routine maintenance and repairs on guitars. This may include:
- Cleaning and polishing the guitar to keep it looking and sounding its best
- Changing strings and other parts as needed
- Making adjustments to the guitar’s setup to ensure that it is playing at its best
- Preventing and addressing any issues that may arise due to changes in temperature or humidity
Handling Complex Repairs and Modifications
While routine maintenance and repairs are a big part of a guitar tech’s job, they may also be called upon to handle more complex repairs and modifications. This could include:
- Installing new pickups or other electronic components
- Replacing or repairing damaged parts of the guitar
- Making significant changes to the guitar’s tone or sound
Staying Prepared for Anything
As a guitar tech, you never know what kind of situation you may be called upon to handle. This means being prepared for anything that may come your way, including:
- Knowing how to handle different types of guitars and gear
- Being able to quickly diagnose and address any issues that arise
- Having a good understanding of music theory and how it relates to the guitar
Overall, being a guitar tech requires a strong understanding of the instrument and its needs, as well as the ability to handle a wide range of tasks and situations. With the right experience and knowledge, however, it can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling career.
Steps to Becoming a Guitar Repair Technician
Step 1: Learn the Basics
To become a guitar repair technician, you need to have a solid understanding of the instrument itself. This includes the construction, parts, and how to properly maintain and tune guitars. You should also be able to play the guitar, both acoustic and electric, to have a better understanding of how it should sound and feel.
Step 2: Gain Technical Skills
To be a great guitar repair technician, you need to have technical skills. This includes being able to set up guitars, perform fret work, and know how to properly adjust the guitar’s intonation. You should also be able to build and repair guitars from scratch, including stringed instruments like bass guitars.
Step 3: Get Certified
While not necessarily required, getting certified can be helpful in establishing yourself as an experienced and knowledgeable guitar repair technician. There are courses and certifications available that offer additional training and education in guitar repair and maintenance.
Step 4: Gain Experience
To master the craft of guitar repair, you need to spend plenty of time working on guitars. Consider working at a local music store or guitar shop to gain experience in providing customer service, setting up guitars, and performing maintenance and repairs. You can also offer your services to friends and family or perform on-stage guitar tech work for bands.
Step 5: Build Your Own Shop
If you want to take your guitar repair career to the next level, consider building your own shop. This will require additional skills, such as understanding proper storage and preparing guitars for storage. You’ll also need to carry additional pieces and parts to substitute or send out for custom work.
Step 6: Keep Up with Current Trends
The guitar industry is constantly changing, so it’s important to stay up-to-date with current trends and technology. This includes understanding effects pedals and how they can be used to create new sounds, as well as being able to perform recording and stage setup work.
Mastering the Art of Guitar Maintenance: Essential Skills for Guitar Technicians
As a guitar technician, you need to have a good understanding of music and how it relates to the instrument. Some of the musical skills required for the job include:
- Ability to play the guitar at a basic level to test and tune instruments appropriately
- Knowledge of different musical styles and how they affect guitar setup and maintenance
- Understanding of the sound needs of different musicians and how to set up instruments to meet those needs
Customer Service Skills
A guitar technician needs to be able to communicate effectively with customers and provide excellent customer service. Some of the customer service skills required for the job include:
- Ability to listen to customers and understand their needs
- Patience and willingness to explain technical information to customers in a way they can understand
- Strong interpersonal skills to build relationships with customers and keep them coming back
Preparation and Education
Becoming a guitar technician requires a lot of preparation and education. Some of the steps you can take to become a guitar technician include:
- Completing a degree or certification program in guitar repair and maintenance
- Attending a specialized guitar repair school or program
- Gaining experience through an apprenticeship or working as an assistant to an experienced guitar technician
- Keeping up with new guitar models and technology by attending workshops and seminars
Guitar Repair Certification: Taking Your Skills to the Next Level
Guitar Repair Certification is a program that allows guitar technicians to receive a certification that proves they have the necessary skills and knowledge to properly maintain and repair guitars. This certification is given by various organizations and schools, depending on the area and state you are in.
Why Should You Get Certified?
Getting certified as a guitar repair technician has a variety of benefits, including:
- It allows you to offer a higher level of service to your clients
- It proves to potential clients that you have the necessary skills and understanding to properly maintain and repair their instruments
- It can result in a higher salary or more job opportunities
- It helps you stay current with the latest guitar repair techniques and information
- It allows you to master your craft and become an expert in your field
What Does Certification Cover?
Certification programs vary depending on the organization or school offering them, but they typically cover the following topics:
- Understanding guitar design and features
- Learning how to properly maintain and repair different types of guitars (acoustic, electric, bass, etc.)
- Understanding the signal flow and electronics of electric guitars
- Learning how to properly set up and adjust a guitar’s action, intonation, and frets
- Understanding the fingerboard and scale length of guitars
- Learning how to build and repair guitar parts
- Understanding the proper way to maintain and repair guitar finishes
How Long Does It Take to Get Certified?
The time it takes to receive certification depends on the program you choose and your level of dedication. Some programs can be completed in as little as a year, while others may take longer.
What Skills Are Required to Get Certified?
To receive certification, you will need to have a strong understanding of guitar repair and maintenance, as well as the ability to physically complete the necessary tasks. Some skills that may be required include:
- Strong understanding of guitar design and features
- Steady hand and finger dexterity for working with small parts
- Ability to properly maintain and repair different types of guitars
- Understanding of electronics and signal flow for electric guitars
- Ability to properly set up and adjust a guitar’s action, intonation, and frets
- Understanding of the fingerboard and scale length of guitars
- Ability to build and repair guitar parts
- Understanding of the proper way to maintain and repair guitar finishes
Is Certification the Right Choice for You?
Getting certified as a guitar repair technician is a significant commitment that requires dedication and a strong understanding of guitar repair and maintenance. However, if you want to take your skills to the highest level and have the best chance of meeting the needs of your clients, certification may be the ideal choice for you.
Guitar Technician Salary: How Much Can You Make?
The salary of a guitar technician in America depends on various factors, including:
- Years of experience: The more years of experience a guitar tech has, the higher their salary is likely to be.
- Technical expertise: A guitar tech who is an expert in their field and can work on a variety of guitars, including acoustic and electric, will likely earn a higher salary.
- Size of the music-related company: Guitar techs working for larger music-related companies may earn a higher salary than those working for smaller companies.
- Type of setting: A guitar tech working in a live setting, such as on tour, may earn more than one working in a studio or repair shop.
- Related skills: A guitar tech who can also work on amplifiers, electronic equipment, and sound effects may earn a higher salary than one who only works on guitars.
Education and Certification
While a high school diploma or equivalent is typically required to become a guitar tech, some employers may prefer candidates with a certificate or degree in music technology or a related field. Additionally, obtaining a guitar repair certification can demonstrate expertise and potentially lead to a higher salary.
The Difference Between a Guitar Repair Technician and a Tour Guitar Technician
The primary job duties of a guitar repair technician and a tour guitar technician may seem similar, but they differ in a few key ways. A guitar repair technician works in a music center or retail shop and is responsible for repairing and maintaining a variety of stringed instruments, including guitars, basses, and other instruments. On the other hand, a tour guitar technician works for a particular band or artist and travels with them to ensure that their instruments are in top condition for performances.
Workplace Setting
The workplace setting for a guitar repair technician is typically a shop or music center, while a tour guitar technician travels with a band or artist to different venues. The workplace for a tour guitar technician can vary from large arenas to small clubs, depending on the size of the band and the type of tour.
Job Requirements
The job requirements for a guitar repair technician and a tour guitar technician are different as well. A guitar repair technician needs to have excellent knowledge of guitar construction, repair techniques, and tuning. They also need to have experience working with a variety of instruments and be able to read and interpret technical manuals. A tour guitar technician, on the other hand, needs to be experienced in conducting emergency repairs, breaking down and packing equipment, and unloading and setting up equipment.
Salary and Hours
The salary and hours for a guitar repair technician and a tour guitar technician can vary depending on the employer and the level of experience. A guitar repair technician typically earns an hourly wage, while a tour guitar technician may receive a salary or a percentage of the band’s earnings. A guitar repair technician typically works regular hours during the day, while a tour guitar technician may work long hours, evenings, and weekends, and may need to travel extensively.
Tips for Those Interested in the Field
If you’re interested in becoming a guitar repair technician or a tour guitar technician, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Start by learning how to play the guitar and other instruments to gain a better understanding of how they work.
- Build up your knowledge of guitar construction, repair techniques, and tuning by reading technical manuals and studying under experienced technicians.
- Gain experience working with a variety of instruments and equipment by working in a music center or retail shop.
- If you’re interested in becoming a tour guitar technician, start by working with local bands and gradually work your way up to larger tours.
- Be prepared to work long hours, evenings, and weekends, and to travel extensively.
- Always conduct emergency repairs and be prepared for any last-minute equipment needs.
- Maintain a positive attitude and excellent work ethic to continue receiving job offers year after year.
Conclusion
So there you have it- everything you need to know about being a guitar technician. It’s a challenging job, but you get to work with some of the most amazing instruments and musicians.
You can’t go wrong with a career as a guitar technician, so don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams!
I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Neaera and a content marketer, dad, and love trying out new equipment with guitar at the heart of my passion, and together with my team, I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2020 to help loyal readers with recording and guitar tips.
