Introduction
If you’ve ever watched a live concert and noticed someone handing the guitarist a perfectly tuned instrument or quickly fixing a broken string mid-show, that person is likely the how to become a guitar tech. But what exactly does a guitar tech do?
A guitar tech, also known as a guitar technician, is responsible for maintaining and preparing guitars for musicians. Their job is to make sure every guitar plays great, sounds amazing, and is ready to go before and during live shows or studio recordings.
If you love music, fixing things, working with your hands, and being close to the action, this job could be a perfect fit. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to become a guitar tech—from skills you need to steps to land your first gig.
Let’s take a behind-the-scenes walk into the world of live music, and show you how to start your journey as a guitar tech.
Understand the Role Before You Start
Before learning how to become a guitar tech, it’s important to understand what the job includes. A guitar tech isn’t just someone who tunes guitars. The job is much more.
Key duties include:
- Tuning and intonating guitars before shows
- Restringing and cleaning guitars
- Setting up amplifiers and pedalboards
- Fixing electronics like pickups, knobs, and switches
- Helping with soundcheck and troubleshooting
- Preparing backups for multiple guitars
- Being ready with fast fixes during a live performance
A good guitar tech can save a concert from disaster and keep the show running smoothly. It takes focus, skill, and the ability to stay calm under pressure—especially during live gigs.
Start with Basic Guitar Knowledge
If you’re asking how to become a guitar tech, the first step is simple: learn how guitars work. Whether it’s an acoustic or an electric, you need to know your instruments inside and out.
Start by:
- Learning to string a guitar properly
- Understanding basic tuning
- Studying parts like bridges, pickups, tuners, and necks
- Learning how wood, action, and string gauge affect tone and playability
- Practicing basic repairs on your own instruments
You don’t need to be a top-level luthier—but the more you learn, the better. Read guitar maintenance books, watch YouTube tutorials, and spend plenty of time doing hands-on practice.
Know the Tools Every Guitar Tech Must Use
Just like a carpenter needs a good toolbox, a guitar tech needs the right tools for the job. If you want to know how to become a guitar tech, start building your tool collection now.
Common tools include:
- String winders and cutters
- Tuner and capo
- Screwdrivers (various sizes)
- Allen wrenches (for bridge/truss rod adjustments)
- Contact cleaner for electronics
- Nut files and fret polishing kits
- Multimeter (to test electrical problems)
- Soldering iron (for fixing wires and pickups)
Keep your tools clean, organized, and ready to go. A well-prepared guitar tech can fix things fast and build trust with musicians.
Practice on Multiple Guitar Types
No two guitars are exactly the same. If you’re serious about how to become a guitar tech, you need experience with different models and setups.
Try to get hands-on time with:
- Acoustic guitars
- Electric guitars (Strat, Les Paul, Telecaster styles)
- 12-string guitars
- Bass guitars
Practice setups with fixed and floating bridges, active and passive pickups, single-coils and humbuckers. Each type will teach you something new.
You’ll become a better tech by understanding how each guitar plays, sounds, and reacts under pressure.
Learn About Pedals, Amps, and Signal Chains
Most modern guitar players use effects pedals, racks, and complex amp setups. If you want to become great at this job, you must know more than just guitars.
Take time to learn:
- How common pedals work (overdrive, delay, reverb, etc.)
- How to build efficient pedalboard setups
- How to connect signal chains and power supplies
- How to patch different amp heads and cabinets
- How to avoid line noise and ground hum
- Basic troubleshooting techniques on the fly
The signal path is critical. Every part—from the guitar to the amp—must work perfectly. Learn it like a pro.
Take a Guitar Tech Course or Certification
You don’t need a college degree to be a guitar tech, but taking a course can help.
There are great programs like:
- Guitar Tech certification courses (online and in-person)
- Luthier schools for deeper repair skills
- Audio tech or music production programs (optional but helpful)
- Workshops from gear companies like Fender or Gibson
Courses teach setup techniques, electronics, and work safety. It also shows potential employers you’re serious about learning how to become a guitar tech and want to do things right.
Get Real Experience – Start Local
To grow your skills, start helping others. You don’t need to tour with Metallica on day one. Your local scene is the best starting point.
Here’s how:
- Offer to tune or maintain gear for musician friends
- Work with local bands at venues or club gigs
- Intern or volunteer at recording studios
- Help bands during rehearsals or shows for experience
- Set up booths at guitar shows or music shops
Don’t worry about pay at first. Just get your hands dirty. Every guitar you work on improves your confidence and resume.
This practical experience is the secret behind figuring out how to become a guitar tech fast.
Build a Resume and Online Portfolio
Even techs need a resume. As you gain hands-on time, make a solid resume and online profile. Here’s what to list:
- Bands and artists you’ve worked with
- Types of gear you’ve serviced
- Photos or videos of pedalboard builds or hardware restorations
- Reviews from musicians
- Certifications you’ve completed
- A short bio about your skills and goals
Post your profile on:
- Your own website
- Instagram or TikTok (many techs do short repair videos)
- Gig hiring sites like Backstage or Upwork (for remote repair support)
If people can see your work and trust your skills, they’ll hire you. This is a big step in learning how to become a guitar tech professionally.
Network with Musicians and Tour Crews
In the music world, many jobs come from word of mouth. Meeting people can open doors fast.
Tips to grow your network:
- Go to local shows and talk with the bands
- Visit guitar shops and offer to assist with setups
- Join music Facebook groups or Reddit threads
- Attend live music tech expos
- Be friendly, reliable, and don’t overpromise
One local gig could lead to a 5-city mini-tour. Being nice, skilled, and dependable matters. That’s the unspoken rule behind careers in music—and a core part of how to become a guitar tech full-time.
Be Ready to Work Hard (and Some Weird Hours)
Being a guitar tech sounds cool—and it is. But it’s real work. You’ll lift gear, change strings in the dark, catch little sleep, and do late-night loads on tour.
Expect tasks like:
- Carrying guitars, amps, and cases
- Fixing problems between songs
- Traveling in vans … a lot
- Waiting long hours just to play a short role
- Keeping calm when a cord fails live on stage
Still, many techs say there’s nothing like it. If you’re passionate about music and enjoy solving problems, the rewards are worth every late night.
FAQs
1. Do I need to be able to play guitar well to become a guitar tech?
No! Basic guitar knowledge helps, but you don’t need to be a skilled musician. Focus on how things work.
2. Can I become a guitar tech without going to school?
Yes. Hands-on experience, self-learning, and working with local bands are the best starting points.
3. How do I get hired for my first guitar tech job?
Start small. Help local musicians, build your portfolio, and apply for gigs at events or with touring crews.
4. What’s the average salary for a guitar tech?
Entry-level techs may earn $15–$25 an hour. Touring techs can make $40K–$70K+, depending on experience and travel.
5. What challenges do guitar techs face?
Long hours, travel, fast problem-solving, and dealing with constant gear changes are all part of the job.
6. Are there jobs for guitar techs outside of touring?
Yes. You can work at music stores, guitar factories, recording studios, or even run your own repair business.
Conclusion
Now you know exactly how to become a guitar tech—step by step. It starts with learning how guitars work, building your skills, gaining hands-on experience, and being there for musicians when it counts.
It’s not a job for the lazy or faint-hearted. But if you love guitars and enjoy fixing things, it can be one of the most rewarding paths in the music world.
Many guitar techs go on to become tour managers, recording engineers, or even start their own tech schools. Your journey might just begin with a set of strings and a screwdriver.
So go ahead—start practicing, reach out to bands, and build your name. The next great guitar tech could be you.
