Oiling a Guitar Neck

Oil can help you achieve a smoother feel on your guitar's neck.

Many guitarists desire the smooth feeling achieved by oiling the guitar neck, and it may make the wood more able to withstand humidity than a guitar with a typical paint-finished neck. If your guitar neck is not lacquered, you may choose to oil yours with one of the many types of oil available. Peruse the selection at your local guitar store and, with a quick application, you’ll increase the ease of playing your instrument.

Things You'll Need

• Oil
• 2 cloths

Instructions

1. Select and purchase your choice of oil, such as lemon oil or tung oil. Ask employees at your guitar shop for recommendations for your particular guitar and type of wood.

2. Remove the strings from your guitar. Follow the guitar manufacturer’s instructions, as the removal process may differ from one guitar to another.

3. Pour a small amount of oil on a section of clean, dry cloth until damp. Perform a test before treating your entire guitar neck. Choose an inconspicuous section of the neck and use the damp cloth to apply oil to it. Let it dry and examine the results to ensure they are to your liking.

4. Coat the entire neck lightly in this manner, once you are certain of your oil choice. Brush the oil-dampened cloth on your guitar’s neck until all areas are covered. Use a second cloth to wipe off any oil accidentally applied to your frets.

5. Let the guitar dry overnight. Examine the oiled neck for its feel and appearance. Repeat if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Take your guitar to a specialist or your local guitar shop for guidance regarding your particular model. Certain models may demand different methods of oil treatment to avoid harming the guitar.

References

• Guitar Resource: Guitar Setup & Maintenance
• Ed Roman Guitars: Guitar Neck Construction