Ask the Experts | May 28, 2025
Claire Murphy: Touring Guitar Tech
These questions aim to delve into various aspects of acoustic guitar care and maintenance, travel tips, unique situations, and funny stories from the road. We hope to offer insights and inspiration for both beginners and experienced players alike.
What is your official title?
Touring guitar tech.
What artists have you worked with?
Vance Joy, Brandi Carlile, Sleater-Kinney, and Courtney Barnett to name a few.
Can you share some insights into your daily responsibilities when working with high-profile artists and their acoustic guitars?
My day usually starts when backline loads in. Depending on the size of the tour, the guitars are usually kept inside a guitar vault which travels on a truck from one gig to the next. Sometimes there is one truck, sometimes there are multiple trucks. We load in all the gear, and it is my responsibility to set it up on stage and make sure the guitars are ready for a line check before the band comes to the stage for a soundcheck. Sometimes I have to re-string guitars every show, sometimes it's every couple of shows. I also usually measure things like action and neck relief to make sure the guitars are consistent for the artist from show to show. During the line check we will make sure everything is working correctly and sounds good for the monitor and front of house engineers and during soundcheck I make sure the artist is happy with how the guitars sound and feel. The rest of the day is preparing for the show, usually putting guitars backstage for the artist to play at their leisure (usually this is not a show guitar because conditions in a dressing room are different to that on stage – temperature, etc. – which is why artists end up carrying so many guitars on tour!). During the show I am tuning guitars, putting capos on, re-tuning, making sure the artist is happy on stage, switching guitars out for different songs, etc. Once the show is over, we pack all the gear down and put it back in the truck, ready for the next show.
What are one or two essential tips you would give to beginner guitar players regarding acoustic guitar care and maintenance?
I would recommend keeping your guitar in a stable environment, one that's not too hot or too cold. Out of direct sunlight, etc. It's worse when instruments are taken from one extreme to another. I realize that's not always possible when living in places with extreme weather. Also changing strings often will fix a lot of potential issues. You don't need to change them every day, and it depends on the player, but fresh strings are nice for tuning and playability.
Could you elaborate on the common issues or challenges you encounter with acoustic guitars while on tour, and how you address them?
I think it's probably the changing climates that pose the most issues. One day you can be playing a festival outside where it's 100°F and the next you're inside an arena and it's freezing! There are some lengths you can go to to control humidity. There are packs you can buy, or you can make your own DIY "sponge in a container" that will release/absorb water in the air. They work pretty well. I sometimes will still have to adjust the truss rod to compensate but hopefully it helps with any cracking on the finishes on the guitars.
Can you share any memorable anecdotes or experiences you've had while working with touring musicians and their acoustic guitars?
There was one time we had to take a private jet to a show somewhere in Europe. It was the only way to get there in time. However, the plane was so small (or maybe we just had so many guitars!) that we ended up having to put all the guitars in the bathroom, so no one could use the bathroom on the flight! Luckily the flight wasn't too long!
How do you approach troubleshooting and resolving technical issues with acoustic guitars during live performances or recording sessions?
Just like any other technical issue, have a backup plan in place and remain calm! Usually during a live show, the most common issue will be a broken string. Always have a spare guitar on hand in case this happens, tuned and ready to go, and always be paying attention to the artist. Be prepared and have your tools and a set of strings at hand in case you need to change a string fast.
What advice would you give to aspiring guitar techs on how to get started in the role?
A touring guitar tech is different from being a luthier or shop repair person. If you want to be a guitar tech on tour, I would suggest reaching out to local venues to see if you can lend them a hand or working at rehearsal studios where touring acts come through. It's great to have the skills from a course or knowing how to build a guitar, but a lot of what makes a touring guitar tech successful is managing personalities and skills, such as time keeping and being organized. A lot of these things can't be taught in a classroom, and a lot of touring skills can only be learned on the job. The quicker you can get on tour, the quicker you will learn. I wrote a book about my experiences and steps for getting on tour, it's called Girl on the Road and is available on Amazon.
What's the most valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career as a guitar tech, and how can it benefit guitar players of all levels?
Every guitar player is different. Each person has their own set of needs and preferences. Taking advice off the internet and being rigid on one way of doing things will not serve everyone. Just because one person likes a low action so they can play fast doesn't necessarily mean that's the best way to set up a guitar for everyone. Take the time to get to know what your artist wants and likes and do it that way. That goes for yourself as well. If you like a hot pink guitar with a high action, go for it! It's your guitar and playing style!
What's the most unusual or unconventional venue you've had to set up for a performance, and how did you adapt to the unique circumstances?
We once did a radio show with Vance Joy on a beach in Mexico. It wasn't a festival; it was literally playing next to a pool at a hotel! It was an amazing setting, and there was sand everywhere! I had to make sure the guitars were in the shade and they had time to adjust. I'm not sure I even had a guitar rack; I may have just had guitars on guitar stands. Whatever the venue, I try to make sure it's the same as a regular show for the artist. That means setting up on the same side each time, so they don't have to think about which side I'm coming at them with a guitar change, it's second nature and they can focus on the performance. Little things like that can go a long way.
What are some lesser-known factors or techniques that can significantly impact the tone and playability of acoustic guitars?
Temperature can affect tone. Our monitor engineer always says the guitars sound different when it's very cold versus very hot.
Can you recall a funny or lighthearted moment involving a famous musician and their acoustic guitar while on tour that still brings a smile to your face?
We weren't on tour but at rehearsals. It was my first day working for Brandi Carlile. It was the first time I had seen any of the gear and any of the guitars. Between Brandi and Phil (the bass player) there are a lot of guitars and basses! The gear had been in a shipping container for a couple of months coming from Mexico, so it was in a little bit of a state. I started re-stringing Brandi's main guitars as all the strings were rotten and I was going through them pretty fast because there wasn't much time and there were a lot! Well, I obviously missed the fact that a neck on one of the guitars had come loose from the body. It must not have been too bad when I was re-stringing it but by the time I handed it to her during rehearsals it was much worse! It was quite embarrassing to not have noticed it, but anyone who has done this job knows what the first day on the job is like, it's utter chaos with everything being new! Luckily Brandi isn't especially attached to any of her guitars in that way and she laughed it off. We sent it out for repair the same day and I continued working with Brandi for the next two years, so I must have done something right!
What's the most unexpected or unconventional request you've received from a musician regarding their acoustic guitar setup or maintenance?
It actually wasn't from the artist but from our sound engineer at the time. I had to fill every acoustic guitar we had with cotton wool so he had more control over the sound. It made the guitars so heavy, but he was happy!
