How to Become a Guitar Technician
Learn how to become a guitar tech. Research the education requirements, training and experience you will need to start a career as a guitar tech.
Guitar Tech Requirements
Guitar technicians specialize in stringed instrument technology, providing support for all issues relating to electric and acoustic guitars. They may be hired by bands to maintain and prepare instruments before, during and after shows, including the set-up, stringing and tuning of guitars, bass guitars, pedals, cables and amplifiers. Additional responsibilities include instrument shipment between shows and maintenance during recording sessions.
Guitar techs also work in music shops repairing, tuning and finishing guitars for customers. The general education requirement to work in the field is a high school diploma, but there are college programs that provide formal training in guitar building and repair technology. The following table describes the general requirements to become a guitar tech.
| Common Requirements | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | High school diploma,* some community colleges offer programs in guitar technology** |
| Key Skills | Hearing acuity for tone and pitch**, ability to play guitar* |
| Technical Skills | Electronic tuning devices***, hand and power tools* |
| Additional Requirements | Woodworking*** |
Sources: *Guitar tech job listings (October 2012), **Guitar technician education programs, ***O*Net Online
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma
While a high school degree is not necessarily required, it does provide an edge for graduates who wish to become guitar technicians. Students should concentrate on classes such as music, band, English, shop class and mathematics. A major part of any education should include guitar lessons. Techs often need to be able to play by ear and must be able to pick up on any nuances in an instrument's sound and tuning.
Step 2: Study the Guitar
Guitar technicians must be proficient in not only playing the guitar, but also in the construction of the instrument. They need to know how to repair and rebuild guitars from scratch as well as stringing and tuning the instruments. They need to understand how all the parts of the guitar interact to produce clear musical notes. This knowledge can be obtained through formal education, experience, working under a knowledgeable guitar tech or with other experienced musicians.
Success Tip:
- Consider an associate's degree. Many community, vocational or technical colleges offer technical and musical programs for those who wish to become guitar technicians; many are instrument construction and/or repair programs. Guitar tech courses include construction, set-up, structural repair, fretwork, structural design and finishing for acoustic and electric guitars. Any courses involving musical theory and music technology may be helpful in advancing a guitar tech's career.
Step 3: Work with Bands
While many individuals who want to become guitar technicians dream of working with big-name bands, it is more realistic to work with smaller bands first to gain experience. Local bands often need extra help with many of the technical aspects of show production. Techs may be asked to perform other tasks besides guitar maintenance, such as stage set-up and breakdown, driving the tour bus and selling merchandise. All of these activities can provide techs with invaluable knowledge regarding staging live performances.
Success Tip:
- Create a network. Guitar technicians usually find jobs with bands through word of mouth. Bands or other techs often recommend guitar techs they know for upcoming gigs. Producers and road managers often maintain lists of guitar techs that they can trust to be reliable and experienced.
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1 Popular School
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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School locations:
- Indiana (1 campus)
Areas of study you may find at Indiana University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Coursework
- Undergraduate: Associate, Bachelor
- Mechanic and Repair Technologies
- Precision Systems Maintenance
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- Precision Systems Maintenance
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Areas of study you may find at Iowa State University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, First Professional Degree, Master
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
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Areas of study you may find at University of Michigan include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
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Areas of study you may find at New England Institute of Technology include:
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- Non-Degree: Coursework
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Areas of study you may find at Golden Gate University include:
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- Graduate: First Professional Degree, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate, Coursework
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
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Areas of study you may find at University of South Florida include:
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Areas of study you may find at Texas Tech University include:
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Areas of study you may find at Grand Valley State University include:
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Areas of study you may find at Northern Arizona University include:
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- Graduate: Doctorate, Master
- Non-Degree: Certificate
- Post Degree Certificate: Postbaccalaureate Certificate
- Undergraduate: Bachelor
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- Medical and Health Professions
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