Guitar Repair Technician 101 (GRT101): Basic Guitar Repair & Maintenance
Guitar Repair Technician 101 is part of our Guitar Repair Technician mentorship program designed specifically for those interested and dedicated to working in the industry as musical instrument repair professionals.
Offered only once or twice a year at select locations, GRT101 is your gateway into the world of professional guitar repair. This foundational, two-day (15-hour) course provides intensive, hands-on training in essential maintenance, precision (measurable) setups for both electric and acoustic guitars, and the skills needed to handle the most common, light repairs. You’ll learn to address loose or broken parts, tackle minor finish issues like chips and dings, and gain a solid introduction to basic electronic repairs—key proficiencies for anyone aiming to build or refine a career in guitar maintenance.
Much like a cornerstone supports a larger structure, GRT101 sets the stage for future growth. Day One focuses on core maintenance and achieving top-notch precision setups, ensuring each instrument you touch plays and feels its best. Day Two shifts focus to electronics, helping you confidently navigate basic wiring tasks and troubleshoot common issues. With small class sizes and dedicated mentorship from an industry expert, you’ll gain practical skills and real-world insights to carry you forward in this rewarding field.
Upon completion, you’ll earn a Certificate of Completion, ready to advance to GRT201 and beyond.
With GRT101 completed, you’ll have a strong, practical foundation to build upon as you move into more specialized repair and custom techniques in GRT201 and GRT301.
- Mastering precision guitar setups (electric & acoustic) for optimal performance
- Identifying and addressing common loose or broken hardware issues
- Correcting minor finish imperfections such as chips and dings
- Building confidence in basic electronic repairs and troubleshooting
- Developing an understanding of practical maintenance practices, including store and showroom environments
- Laying the groundwork for more advanced repair and custom work skills
- Your guitars (arrive with strings on)
- A new set of strings (for re-stringing practice)
- Pen/pencil & calculator
- Guitar mat, towel, or rag (for use on tables)
- A stable neck rest
- Electronic chromatic tuner (plug-in style)
- Crescent wrench/nut driver set for hardware adjustments
- *String winder
- *Capo
- *Side cutters/wire cutters
- *32 Blade (minimum) automotive feeler gauge set (.001″ increments)
- *6″ Steel ruler measuring in 64ths of an inch
- *Multi-head screwdriver
- Appropriate truss rod & saddle height adjustment wrenches for your guitar
- Class textbook: “Complete Guitar Care and Maintenance“
- Basic soldering equipment and supplies for electronic tasks (**recommended on Day 2 but not mandatory**)
- A full nut filing set (**recommended but not mandatory**)
*Tools marked with an asterisk can often be found in bundled guitar tech kits. Some supplies may be available for purchase—please contact us for details or a class supplies shopping list.
