Using this Dean guitar is a breeze. First, make sure the guitar is properly tuned using the Mini Grover 18:1 tuners. Adjust the single volume control to get the right sound level. The Fishman Fluence Modern pickup can give you different tones, so play around with it to find your favorite. When playing, the smooth 3-piece maple neck and ebony fretboard make it easy to move your fingers. For low-light performances, the glow-in-the-dark side markers will help you see where you're playing. As for maintenance, keep the guitar in a dry place to avoid damage to the Eastern Mahogany body. Wipe the strings after each use to keep them clean and in good condition. You can also use a soft cloth to clean the body and fretboard. If you need to adjust the truss rod, it's a dual action one, but it's best to have a professional do it if you're not sure. And always use the right strings, like the D'Addario EXL120 (.009-.042) that come with it.