Blog

How to Improve Playing Speed: A Complete Guide for Musicians

Improving your playing speed as a guitarist can be frustrating at times, but rewarding in the end. It is a journey that combines practice, technique, and smart self-analysis. Whatever instrument you play,  becoming faster and cleaner takes commitment and the...

How to Know Your Guitar Frets Are Dying

Playing guitar should feel natural, with every note ringing clearly and smoothly. But sometimes, an unwanted buzz, muted note, or sudden loss of sustain interrupts the music. For many players, this points to one of the most frustrating problems: dying frets. These...

How to Clean an Acoustic Guitar

Cleaning your acoustic guitar helps preserve its sound and beauty for years to come. A clean, well-maintained instrument is easier to play and has a richer, more consistent tone. While consistent maintenance is important, the key to a beautiful instrument is using the...

The Science of Sound: How Does a Guitar Work?

The guitar is one of the most popular and versatile instruments in the world, found in nearly every genre of music from country and blues to rock and classical. But have you ever wondered how this six-stringed instrument actually produces sound? Whether you're a...

Why Do Guitars Lose Their Tune?

Your guitar is an intricately designed instrument that will provide the desired chords and tone when properly tuned. Unfortunately, as any musician knows all too well, there are times when even the most cherished instrument will fail to hold its tune properly. This can be the result of all sorts of issues. Here are some common reasons to consider that will cause your guitar to slip out of tune more often than it should.

Tools Needed to Build Your Own Guitar

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build your own guitar? Crafting an instrument from scratch is a blend of artistry, precision, and passion. Whether you’re a musician seeking a custom instrument or a beginner exploring the world of luthiery, the process starts...
Luthiery Student Profile: Minghao Zhu

If you're trying to learn guitar repair, lessons on the internet can only get you so far. For Minghao Zhu, 32, the desire to deepen his understanding of luthiery led him all the way from his hometown of Guangzhou, China, to Nashville to attend Guitar Craft Academy....

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Tech Tip: How to Keep Your Guitar Humidified
Tech Tip: How to Keep Your Guitar Humidified

(Marty Lanham is an instructor at Guitar Craft Academy Nashville.) As the summer ends and we prepare for cooler weather, it's important to pay attention to the effect that heat in our homes can have on acoustic instruments, including guitars. Low humidity can...

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Student Spotlight: Nicholas Worch
Student Spotlight: Nicholas Worch

After picking up the drums at age 9, Nicholas Worch quickly realized that drum kits aren’t the most portable instruments. Yet, when he switched to guitar a few years later, his drum style became an influence on his chugging, beat-driven guitar playing,...

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Playing Tip from Ryan Madora: Know Your Instrument
Playing Tip from Ryan Madora: Know Your Instrument

Ryan Madora is a bass performance instructor at Guitar Craft Academy Nashville. Each instrument has character — the tonal possibilities, setup and overall feel of the instrument will inspire you to play a certain way. I enjoy knowing what each instrument in...

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