How to Lubricate the Nut With Graphite on an Acoustic Guitar

There is nothing more magical then hearing a performer play "unplugged." There is a raw visceral feel that overtakes the room as the musician strums their guitar and serenades the room. However, if your guitar sounds as if the strings are squeaking or slipping, then you must lubricate the nut. Here's how.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Graphite pencil
• Guitar without strings
• Towel (optional)

1. Lay the acoustic guitar on a flat surface. Your lap should work fine, but if you are more comfortable, you can lay it on a table. Just make sure that you place a cloth underneath the acoustic guitar so it doesn't get scratched from your belt or the table's hard surface.
2. Roll the tip of your graphite pencil in the nut of your guitar. There are 6 nuts at the top of your acoustic guitar just below the keys and above the bridge. It's the final piece of track where the string rests before being fastened into those keys. Spread the graphite in that crevice.
3. Repeat the process and lubricate the other five nuts on your graphite guitar. A little graphite goes a long way and will also last a significant amount of playing time.
4. String your acoustic guitar with your strings and you'll be ready to entertain the most discerning of crowds.

Tips & Warnings

• Lubricate the nuts on your acoustic guitar every time you change the strings. This will save you from needing to de-string your guitar before the strings need to be changed, merely to lubricate it.
• This is the frugal version of how to lubricate your guitar. There are also liquid graphite drips you can buy at your local music store.