How to Store A Guitar

Editor and Guitarist

Don East

When it comes to storing a guitar, it’s important to take certain precautions. This will ensure its longevity and maintain sound quality.

The last thing you want is a damaged instrument due to improper storage. Especially when it’s so easy to learn how to store a guitar!

Hard and soft guitar cases, stands and wall hangers are the most conventional methods. These guitar storage options are effective and affordable. But using them properly and in the right environment is also key. 

First, use this tool to make sure your guitar is safe in the area it is being stored. This tool will let you know if your instrument is in danger of cracking. Next, read the rest of this article to know what to look for and how to prepare.

Is Proper Storage Important?

Proper guitar storage techniques will protect your instrument. But you might be wondering what you are protecting it from? Here is a list of things that can happen if the guitar is not stored correctly.

• Physical damage.
• Lifted bridge or saddle.
• Incorrect action.
• Fret buzz.
• Sharp frets.
• Shrunken wood.
• Cracks and bulges.
• Warped neck.
• Tuning issues.
• Rusted hardware.
• Damaged Finishes.

As you can see, the benefits are numerous! Considering proper storage now will also prevent any expensive repairs later!

How to Store a Guitar

Proper storage of a guitar is crucial for maintaining its condition and longevity. Leaning your guitar against a table or wall is not a safe storage method.

Even when using one of the recommended methods, certain precautions should be taken. Here are some of the safest and most effective ways to store your guitar.

Hard Shell Case

Storing your guitar in a hard case is the best storage option. Not only does it protect from impact, but it can also keep the environment conditioned and the sunlight off of the finish.

A hard case must be used correctly, however. For long term storage, always make sure to keep the case on its side or straight up.

If you store it laying down, gravity will put force on the neck. This can have a bad effect on the guitar. Especially if you have a thinner neck on your instrument. It could eventually lead to warping. So always try and keep the case on it’s side when a guitar is inside.

A hard case is also a better option when traveling or gigging. This will prevent any damage from knocks, drops or bumps. So if the guitar will need to go in the back of a truck, get yourself a hard case!

Related: What are the symptoms of a dry guitar?

Soft Case

If you choose to store your guitar in a soft case, there are a few additional precautions to take.

First, it’s important to store the guitar in a room with a stable temperature and humidity level. Rapid changes in temperature and humidity can cause damage to the instrument.

Second, make sure to store the guitar in a place where it won’t be bumped or knocked over. Even in a soft case, damage can result in a nasty fall. Again, you also want to make sure that the case is stored on it’s side.

Guitar Stands

Using a guitar stand is also a great way to store your instrument. Especially if you want it within reaching distance and easily accessible.

But there are a few things to keep in mind when using one. First, make sure the stand is the right size. If it’s not, the guitar can fall over. All it takes is a simple bump in some cases.

Another important consideration is the environment. Store it in proper humidity levels and in a location that is safe from bumps and knocks. Also, keep it out of direct sunlight to protect the finish.

Just make sure that the foam or rubber that is used to hold the guitar won’t damage the finish! Not all finishes are equal, some are pretty sensitive.

Wall Hangers

Using wall hangers is also a great storage device. Some people believe that guitar hangers hurt the neck, but this isn’t true.

Because they hang from the headstock, the neck can keep its bow just fine. Gravity won’t be able to pull down on the neck either, so this method is a good choice.

Wall hangers are the best bet if you are storing guitars in a small room. This way, you can hang them vertical and prevent floor space from being used just for storage.

Related: Can guitars get wet?

Preparing a Guitar For Storage

Once you have decided on a guitar storage solution, you must also consider preparation. Here are a few things to do before putting it away for a long period.

Clean It Thoroughly

Before storing your guitar, it’s helpful to give it a thorough cleaning. Wipe down the entire guitar, including the strings and fretboard. Use a clean and dry microfiber cloth.

If there are any fingerprints, smudges, or dust on the surface, use a guitar cleaner. But one that is designed specifically for the finish.

Applying a light coat of guitar polish can also help protect the finish during storage. And a good oil for the fretboard can help with additional protection against rust.

Choose the Right Location

The final step in proper guitar storage is selecting an appropriate location. The ideal storage area should have moderate humidity. But also an ideal temperature, and minimal exposure to direct sunlight.

An area that is not frequently used, such as a spare room or a closet, would be an excellent choice. Away from outside walls if possible.

The Great Debate – Should You Loosen the Strings?

One of the most common questions we get at Killer Rig is: “Should I detune my guitar before storing it?”

The answer depends entirely on the calendar.

The Physics of Neck Tension Your guitar neck is under a constant tug-of-war. The strings pull forward (creating a bow), and the Truss Rod pulls backward to counteract them.

• If you leave strings at full pitch for years: The tension can eventually pull the bridge up (belly bulge on acoustics) or warp the neck if the environment fluctuates.
• If you make strings floppy: The truss rod has no resistance to pull against. Over time, it can pull the neck into a “Back Bow,” which is a nightmare to fix.

The Golden Rule:

1. For Short Term (Less than 1 month): Keep it tuned to pitch. Modern necks are built to handle the tension. Constant detuning and retuning wears out strings and unsettles the neck wood.
2. For Long Term (1 month+): Tune down one to two whole steps (e.g., Tune E down to D or C). This relieves the peak tension on the bridge glue but keeps enough tension on the neck to keep the truss rod engaged. Never store a guitar with floppy strings.

The Master Storage Checklist (Short vs. Long Term)

Storing a guitar for the weekend is very different from storing it while you go on a 6-month tour. Use this cheat sheet to ensure you are taking the right precautions for the right timeframe.

⚠️ Critical Warning: The “Vinyl Burn” If you have a guitar with a Nitrocellulose Finish (mostly Gibsons and high-end Fenders), you must remove the strap before putting it in the case. Many straps use vinyl or cheap leather dyes that react chemically with Nitro finishes.

If left in a closed case for months, the strap will literally melt into the guitar’s body, leaving a permanent “burn” mark. Always store the strap in the accessory compartment, never touching the guitar.

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