How Do I Become a Guitar Technician?

Two general paths to become a guitar technician exist: you can enroll in a college course or training course at a lutherie school in order to become trained as a tech, or you can learn how to work on guitars and other peripheral devices on your own and build your reputation within the industry. In both cases, it is usually necessary to complete a high school education before you can become a guitar technician, and it helps to focus on math and science courses when in school. You can also take a job as an apprentice to a guitar tech or luthier in order to learn the necessary skills.

A lutherie school is one that focuses on building, repairing, and maintaining guitars and guitar-related devices. You can become a guitar technician by applying to such a school and completing the guitar tech program; this will give you solid credentials for obtaining a job with touring bands or with other musical acts. The length of the education may vary, and the tuition costs for such a school can vary as well. If you prefer a more structured path to become a guitar technician, this is perhaps the best option for you.

If, however, you have developed significant playing skills and repair skills on your own, or if you are confident that you can do so in the future, you may become a guitar technician by either learning the skills on your own or becoming an apprentice or assistant to an experienced guitar tech who can teach you tips and tricks of the trade. Once you have mastered the necessary skills to become a guitar technician, you will have to build your reputation within the industry, which usually means starting out working for smaller, less known bands. You may or may not get paid for your work, but you will be able to build your resumé fairly quickly, which will prepare you for a paying job with a more well-known band.

You should be prepared to travel a fair amount of the time as well. Many bands tour a particular region, country, or even the world, which means you will need to travel with the band in order to fix guitars and equipment on the road. You will also be responsible for setting up equipment on stage and testing it before a show begins to ensure no problems exist; if any problems arise, you must address them immediately before the show starts.