Temperature:

If there's any one thing you should know about taking care of your guitar, its to keep it in a place that has a relatively stable temperature, and humidity. Extreme temperature changes will start tweaking with your guitar without warning.

Over a period of time, these changes in temperatures can make your guitar unplayable.

Even bringing a guitar upstairs from a cool basement will cause expansion of the materials that your guitar is made of. Never remove your guitar from one temperature area to another, and start changing strings, or trying to tune your guitar right away. Wait until the guitar has reached room temperature before you start whatever it is that you are going to do.

When changing strings, it is best to do one string at a time so that there is constant tension on the neck.

The Finish:

When it comes to caring for the finish of your guitar, be sure to use something that is designed for use with guitars. Windex, 409, anything that contains alchohol or degreaser is definetly to be avoided.

Using such types of products will dull finishes, dry out wood, and in the long run, make your guitar look quite a bit older than it should.

Storage:

Keep your guitar in one of three places...hanging from a wall hanger, sitting on a guitar stand, or in a guitar case that is designed for your type of guitar.

Never leave your guitar leaning up against a wall, or laying on a chair... unless you want to be replacing a warped or cracked neck. Leave your guitar in a chair or lying on the couch, or on a bed is just asking for someone to sit on it. (guitars aren't meant for sitting on).

Allowing you guitar to rest against a wall is equally perilious. A cat or dog or family member, or somebody will accidentally knock it over.

I know that some peoples attitude is that a guitar is just a guitar...others think that a guitar is something that should be considered sacred...whatever you thinking is on the subject, don't forget how much it will cost you if you need to have a repair done, or need to replace the guitar that you own now.

Final Notes:

Remember, one of the best things you can do for your guitar is to wipe it down when you're finished playing, so that you wipe off whatever oils, sweat, or dirt that has come from your hands.

That goes for the strings as well. the oils from your hands will get into the grooves of the strings, attract dirt, and make them go dead faster.

Lastly, pay attention to the area in which you are playing. If you don't allow yourself, and your guitar enough room, you might end up smacking the neck against a wall, an amp, a desk or dresser, and cracking the neck...from experience, I can tell that it really sucks when you're in the middle of jamming, and all of a sudden, WHACK...your axe is screwed up.... Don't whack your axe!