Thinking of performing some mods on your Guitar Hero guitar controller? That’s awesome! But first you’ll have to disassemble it. It’s not too difficult. Here’s how.

Before we begin, make sure you have the right screwdriver. All modern Guitar Hero guitars use Torx T-10 screws to secure the outside shell. Some earlier models use philips head screwdrivers– so grab a flashlight and check the back of yours to be sure. Here’s what a Torx screw looks like, along with the Torx driver.

I bought a set of fold-out Torx drivers at my local hardware store. Make sure the T-10 size is included, as pictured.

In a pinch, I have found that very small hex drivers work as well, but it’s better to have the right tool so you don’t strip the screws. You may also need a small philips screwdriver for the internals, if you’re planning to remove those, too.

I’m using the Les Paul wireless guitar for the Xbox 360 as an example, but the process is nearly the same for all modern fake plastic guitars, particularly wireless ones. The Les is by far my favorite of all the fake plastic guitars on the market, and I use it exclusively, even in Rock Band. It’s awesome.

First, we have to remove the neck. There’s a small lever on the back that releases the neck. Depress that lever.

With the lever depressed, slide the neck up and out of the guitar body.

Go ahead and remove the guitar strap by sliding it off the two strap attachment pegs. This isn’t required but it’s a bit easier if you go ahead and remove the strap.

Now that the neck is out of the way we can remove the faceplate. Press the faceplate release button on the back of the guitar body. The faceplate will “pop” loose a bit.

Gently unsnap the faceplate from the front of the guitar.

Pull the batteries out, along with the battery cover.

We’re now (finally) ready to begin taking the guitar body shell apart. Use the Torx T-10 driver to remove all the screws.

Note that one of the screws is under the “warranty void” sticker. This process obviously voids your warranty, but you knew that.. right? :)

Turn the body over and shake– make sure all 10 screws come out. If they don’t, double-check and loosen them some more until they do. (You’ll remove the strap pegs later)

Pull gently to separate the shell. Don’t pull too hard as it is attached in two places to the other side! The first attachment point is a ribbon cable to the neck pins. Peek in the shell and slide the pin circuit board down out of the plastic slot they are in.

Once the pins are detached, you can pull the shell apart. Here’s the top and bottom of the Les Paul:

Note that the shell halves are still connected via the power / battery cable. You can remove this using a philips screwdriver if you want the two parts of the shell fully separated– for example, if you were going to paint them. That also goes for the rest of the internal parts; they’re all secured via small philips screws.

Reassembling is pretty easy. A few tips, though. Don’t forget to put the two strap pegs back in before you close it up, or you’ll belatedly realize you built a strapless guitar you have to hold in your hands! I’ve done this before, and it’s no fun!

Also, make sure you slot the neck pin connector back in before fully closing the clamshell.

After the neck connector and strap pegs are in place (as well as any other internals you’ve removed), just snap it back together, and perform the above steps in the reverse order. Easy!