Is your guitar sitting in the corner of your room, collecting dust? You'd be shocked by what a fresh look can do to draw your eyes back to your instrument. From decorations to custom parts to artsy designs, there are so many ways to personalize your guitar until it's as unique as you are. For all the best ways to customize your guitar, make it your own, and bring your passion for playing back to life, read on.

1

Add stickers to the body.

  1. Stickers are an easy and affordable way to customize your guitar. Pick out some memorable, unique stickers and plan out the design you’d like to see on your instrument. Just know that adding too many heavy stickers could alter the sound of your instrument. Stick to one or two of your favorites to avoid accidental changes.[1]
    • Try sticking on some lettering. Does your instrument have a name? That’d be perfect!
    • Or, try using a sticker from your hometown. This will give your guitar a sentimental appeal.
    • Have a sticker idea in mind but you can't find it anywhere? Learn how to make your own.
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4

Give your guitar a fresh paint job.

  1. A new color completely alters the look of your guitar. For this process, you'll need to remove the strings, apply a couple coats of paint, and eventually sand down the instrument. It's a bit of a longer process, but totally worth it for a refreshed lavender, hot pink, or jet black guitar. Go for a lacquer paint for best results. Painting can affect your guitar's sound, so read up on your instrument before trying out this customization.[4]
    • Paint an underwater scene on your guitar's body.
    • Go for a complex, colorful pattern.
    • After covering all of your hardware, you could even create a splatter-paint design.
5

Install a new pickguard.

  1. New pickguards are a reversible way to refresh your guitar's look. You can stick on new colors for a fresh accent, new shapes, or even one with a funky design. On acoustic guitars, removing an old pickguard can definitely be done—but may be a bit risky if you're not careful. [5]
    • Don't use force if there's significant tension when you pull. Applying a heat source (like a hairdryer) can help, but avoiding damage to the body should be your first priority.
    • Try out an intense, red pickguard on your black guitar.
    • Place a leopard print pickguard on your white guitar.
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7

Add custom tuning pegs.

  1. Altering your tuning pegs' colors can give your guitar a fresh style. The removal process is really simple, just requiring a screwdriver and five minutes. Make sure that whatever set you go with, it definitely fits your guitar; for the most part, tuning pegs will fit across the board, but some specialty instruments may need unique sizing.[7]
    • Add gold accents to a white guitar for a retro look.
    • Try heart-shaped tuning pegs.
    • Consider multi-color pegs with a black guitar.
    • Even though the installation process is easy, this is still an integral part of your instrument. This isn't an area to try and save money. Go for a high-quality pick!
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9

Swap in new bridge pins.

  1. New bridge pins can serve as a unique accent on your guitar's body. They'll likely come in white or black on your guitar. But, if you look online, there are actually tons of textures and colors to choose from. Once you find a set that fits your guitar's bridge holes, you can insert your new pins.[9]
    • Try mixing up textures for a unique look, like blue, metallic pins with a wooden guitar.
    • Or, go with bone bridge pins with your white guitar for a monochromatic look.
    • You can even get pins in specific shapes, like little gray skulls.
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12

Give your case a cool look.

  1. Your case is an eye-catching, customizable part of your guitar’s overall look. Though, it’s definitely one of the more expensive options available. There are also tons of ways to spice up the case you already have, like with stickers, painting, Sharpies, and embroidery.[12]
    • Cover your case with stickers from all of the places your guitar has been.
    • Use Sharpies and a stencil to write your favorite quote on the case’s body: “If music be the food of love, play on…”
    • Or, if you have a canvas case, try embroidering or ironing on an exciting patch.

Community Q&A

  • Question
    What kind of markers do I need to customize my acoustic guitar permanently?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Sharpies, the permanent kind. Then use clear top-coat nail polish to make it permanent. You can buy top coat at any local drugstore.
  • Question
    If I was to paint a design around the hole on an acoustic guitar, would acrylic paint work?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Yes, however, you will want to put a varnish on top and possibly a base as well to make sure that it doesn't come off.
  • Question
    Where do I buy colored knobs and strings?
    TIckley Pickle Wiggle
    TIckley Pickle Wiggle
    Community Answer
    Both Amazon and Guitar Center have tuners and strings. Metal strings most likely won't have color (besides their natural brassy color), and acrylic strings aren't the best quality when found in different colors.
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About This Article

Aaron Asghari
Co-authored by:
Professional Guitar Player
This article was co-authored by Aaron Asghari and by wikiHow staff writer, Caroline Heiderscheit. Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Technology program in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he is the founder and primary guitar instructor of Asghari Guitar Lessons. This article has been viewed 181,630 times.
6 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 12
Updated: December 30, 2022
Views: 181,630
Categories: Guitar Accessories | Guitar
Article SummaryX

If you want to customize your guitar, disassemble the guitar completely and paint the body with spray paint. You could also decorate the body with stickers or decals, then cover them with a sprayed-on coat of lacquer so the shine will match the rest of the guitar. You can also apply fretboard inlay stickers that go under the strings on the neck of the guitar for even more customization. Finish the look with a neck strap that goes with your new design! For even more custom guitar parts, like a new pickguard or colorful strings, keep reading!

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