The guitar is a sensitive instrument and it is necessary to maintain its condition correctly
. Part of the learning process of guitar playing is learning how to maintain it in tip top shape. Taking care of the instrument which gives such great satisfaction to the player is a must and a value that must be instilled in every one. Unfortunately, this is one value that is not really taught that often anymore and it is sad that bad examples are set by rock guitar players who smash their guitars onstage to ante the mood and reaction of the fans watching.
It is quite simple to maintain a guitar, it is not as tedious as maintaining a piano for instance. The first thing to remember is to always keep the guitar in its case. This would protect the strings and the body from the elements of which it is sensitive to. The second is to keep it clean, always. Some great musicians could be seen just relaxing off to the side and wiping down their guitars as if they are caressing it. Those who do not understand think it is a funny sight, actually, that is part of the technique in making sure that the guitar keeps playing good, to wipe off the sweat and the acids accumulated from the skin when it was being played. Next is to change the strings, do not allow it to become too fragile.
A bad string could just snap and cause injury. This could happen when playing or when tuning the guitar, the stretching of the string can cause the snapping and it has been known to take out an eye or two. Learn how to tune the guitar yourself. Make sure that either you do it using a tuning machine or have someone else do it if you don't know how. A perfectly tuned guitar makes fine music when played and does not disappoint. Music also sounds dull when played on ugly frayed old strings.
Make sure that the guitar itself is protected from any physical deformities. It may be old and has a value that only the player can appreciate, but if it is deformed the quality of sound coming out of it will sound as lousy as it looks.
It would also be great to have the guitar checked out by a professional once in a while. They know if there are things that need to be changed or simply to maintain. Having a guitar that is in good condition is essential in playing good music. Don't let laziness ruin the mood.