Table of Contents
Introduction
Have you ever wondered how to become a guitar tech and work behind the scenes at concerts or in music shops? If you love guitars, enjoy fixing things, and want a hands-on job in the music world, this might be the perfect path for you.
A guitar tech, short for guitar technician, is someone who maintains, repairs, tunes, and sets up guitars for musicians. They make sure that every guitar sounds great and plays just right. Whether at a concert, in a studio, or at a repair bench, guitar techs are the hidden champions behind every great performance.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to become a guitar tech, what skills you need, how to get experience, and the steps to start your career—even if you’re just getting started now.
What Does a Guitar Tech Do
If you want to learn how to become a guitar tech, it helps to first understand the job. A guitar tech takes care of all kinds of stringed instruments, but mostly guitars and basses. Their job is to make sure each instrument is working well before rehearsals, live shows, or recording sessions.
Some of the main things guitar techs do include tuning, restringing, adjusting the neck and bridge, cleaning, and repairing parts like pickups, knobs, and jacks. Techs also set up pedalboards and amps for musicians.
A great guitar tech is reliable, focused, and quick to fix any music mishaps. They work closely with artists, often knowing their preferences better than anyone else.
Why Learn How to Become a Guitar Tech
There are plenty of reasons to learn how to become a guitar tech. For one, it’s a great job for people who love music but don’t want to be in the spotlight. You get to work with instruments and performers daily. It’s also a flexible job—you can work full-time, part-time, freelance, or even on tour.
Many people also become guitar techs because they’re passionate about repair and guitar setup. Some love collecting and restoring instruments. Others just want to help musicians sound their best.
Whatever your goal, becoming a guitar tech can give you a creative, rewarding path and open doors within the music industry.
The Skills You Need to Become a Guitar Tech
To figure out how to become a guitar tech, identify what skills you already have and what you need to learn. The great news? You don’t need a college degree. Most guitar techs gain knowledge through practice, self-study, and working with real instruments.
Key skills include understanding guitar anatomy, using tools like screwdrivers, string winders, and electronic tuners, and knowing how to set action, intonation, and neck relief. Techs also need excellent listening skills, patience, quick thinking, and customer service know-how.
If you’re willing to learn and love working with both your hands and ears, you’re already halfway there.
Learn How to Become a Guitar Tech at Home
You don’t need to be in a fancy workshop to begin learning how to become a guitar tech. Start by grabbing your own guitar or borrowing one from a friend. Watch free tutorials online that show you how to change strings, clean the fretboard, adjust the bridge, and fix buzzing sounds.
As you build confidence, move on to more advanced lessons like rewiring electronics, setting up truss rods, and understanding pedalboards. Work slowly, take notes, and practice often.
There are also great online classes and books about guitar repair and setup. These can give you structured lessons while you learn at your own pace from home.
Tools Required to Become a Guitar Tech
One thing you’ll need as you learn how to become a guitar tech is the right tool kit. Your tools do the heavy lifting, so invest in good-quality ones when you can.
Start with basics like a string winder, wire cutter, tuner, and screwdrivers. Then add hex key sets, a neck cradle, fret rulers, a soldering iron for electronics, and polish cloths. Having your own kit lets you work on guitars anywhere, from your bedroom to a concert stage.
You don’t need every tool right away. Get the essentials and grow your collection as your skills expand.
Should You Go to School to Become a Guitar Tech
It’s common to ask if formal education is part of how to become a guitar tech. The answer is no—it’s not required—but it can help. Some techs go to classes at luthier schools or take short-term guitar courses available online or in person.
These programs teach you guitar building, deep repair knowledge, and business management skills. Some even offer certificates. While not necessary, having structured guidance may help you get jobs faster or open your own shop confidently.
If you prefer DIY learning, that works too. What matters most in this field is hands-on experience and strong recommendations.
How to Get Experience as a Guitar Tech
Getting real-world experience is a key part of how to become a guitar tech. Start by offering to fix or set up guitars for friends or neighbors. Ask around in school music programs or church bands—they often need help with tuning or simple repairs.
Local guitar shops may offer internships or part-time roles. You can also volunteer with local bands or perform guitar check-ups after open mic events.
Each job you do builds your reputation. Take photos of your work and ask for reviews. Keep a notebook of each guitar you work on and what you did. This helps you grow your knowledge and build confidence.
Becoming a Touring Guitar Tech
If you’re dreaming of going on the road, learning how to become a guitar tech for a touring band is a great goal. Tour techs travel with artists, setting up instruments, tuning guitars before every show, and adjusting everything perfectly for live performances.
Touring is hard work but exciting. You’ll often work long hours, travel far, and solve gear issues quickly. You need to be calm under pressure and support musicians in high-stakes environments.
To get started, connect deeply with local bands. Then try to assist on short regional tours. As you gain trust and knowledge, word of mouth can land you bigger gigs.
Starting Your Own Guitar Tech Side Business
Think about how to become a guitar tech as a business, not just a job. Many people open small side hustles helping local guitar players with maintenance and repair work. You can become the “go-to” person in your city for help with gear.
Start by creating a name and basic social media page for your services. Offer free or low-cost cleanups for your first few clients. Collect reviews and post before-and-after shots. You can also list services at local music stores or bulletin boards.
Build slowly, keep improving, and stay professional. Being your own boss lets you earn on your time, with your passion.
Costs and Income: What to Expect as a Guitar Tech
When you research how to become a guitar tech, it’s smart to understand the costs and potential earnings. Starting out, you’ll invest around $100 to $300 on tools. If you take classes, costs go up.
Paying jobs usually start small. You might earn $20 to $50 for a setup. Guitar shops often pay hourly (about 15–15–30/hour), while touring techs can earn 600–600–1000+ per week, depending on the artist’s level.
As your skills and speed grow, so does your income. A well-known local tech can have a steady stream of custom work and word-of-mouth clients.
Growing Your Career Over Time
Becoming a great tech takes time. Once you’ve learned how to become a guitar tech, think about your next step. You can expand into teaching, building custom guitars, or even designing your own gear.
Many guitar techs also turn into trusted consultants or gear testers for big companies. Others open chains of repair shops or become known for solving rare guitar problems.
Every guitar you work with teaches you something. Stay curious, show care for each instrument, and your journey will only keep growing.
FAQs
Do I need to play guitar to become a guitar tech?
It helps, but it’s not required. Even basic playing skills make understanding guitar setup easier.
How long does it take to become a guitar tech?
Most people can learn the basics in 3–6 months of hands-on work. Full confidence comes with experience.
Are there jobs for beginner guitar techs?
Yes! Local shops, music schools, and bands often need help—even from those just starting out.
Can I make a living as a guitar tech?
Yes. Many techs earn full-time income from local work, touring gigs, or their own repair businesses.
Is it hard to find parts and tools?
Not at all. You can buy beginner tool kits and guitar parts online or at local shops.
Should I take a course or be self-taught?
Either path works. The key is practicing and building a reputation for doing good work.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve made it this far, you’re truly serious about learning how to become a guitar tech. That’s already a huge first step. This career helps you build real skills, supports the music you love, and allows you to solve creative challenges every day.
You don’t need to be rich or famous to start—just curious, willing to work hard, and ready to learn. Start small, learn from every guitar you touch, and say yes to every chance to grow.
The music world is big and always needs caring, skilled people behind the scenes. Now it’s your turn to become one of them.
