How to Put on a Guitar Strap: A Step-by-Step Guide

Putting on a guitar strap is really simple but really important - especially if you're playing guitar standing up! No one wants their guitar to fall mid-concert and no one wants their guitar to fall and get damaged because of a silly mistake.

Five Second Explanation: Guitar strap setup.

Most guitars have two strap buttons AKA "strap pins" located on either side of the guitar body. Take a strap and attach either end of it to these two strap buttons. Give it a good tug and make sure it's secure before playing.

Put the strap around the back of your neck with the strap going in front of your left shoulder and behind your right shoulder (opposite if you're playing a left-handed guitar).

Play your guitar.

Five Minute Explanation: A detailed guide to putting on a guitar strap.

Ok let's slow down and walk through a step-by-step guide to put on a guitar strap securely, impress your guitar teacher, keep your guitar safe, and enjoy playing with confidence. We'll also share the different types of guitar straps for electric guitars, acoustic guitars, and classical guitars.

Before we begin, let's get familiar with our guitar's anatomy and the three main parts of a guitar that you'll need to know in order to put a guitar strap on. The three main parts of guitar:

1. Guitar body - the biggest part of the guitar that includes a sound hole on an acoustic guitar or has the pickups on an electric guitar.
2. Guitar neck - the long and thin piece of the guitar where all the fun happens. Where the neck meets the body of your guitar is called the neck joint. A guitar neck has a rounded back to allow your hand to go up and down easily along with a fretboard and various fret markings where you're fingers will actually press down on the strings to creates notes and chords.
3. Guitar headstock - the end of the guitar located at the top of the guitar neck where the strings are tied and adjusted via a tuning peg.

Because no two guitars are alike there are many guitar straps on the market. Your guitar's anatomy will dictate what kind of guitar strap you need! But more on that soon - let's get started!

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Materials

Before you begin, gather the following materials:

1. Your guitar
2. A guitar strap
3. Strap buttons (usually installed or provided with the guitar)

Optional materials:

1. Strap locks
2. Strap lace (shoe-lace type string)

Step 2: Locate your guitar strap buttons

Now that we have what we need and know the three main parts of a guitar it's time to locate our strap buttons (AKA strap pins).

Most modern guitars, whether an electric guitar or acoustic guitar, have two strap buttons. These two strap buttons (aka two strap pins) are usually circular or cylindrical and are located on either side of the guitar body. One strap button is on the lower part of the guitar body and another on the opposite end of the guitar body either near the neck joint or the top horn of the guitar.

Step 3: Attach the strap to the lower strap button

Start by holding your guitar in playing position. Take one end of the strap and locate the hole or slit designed to fit over the lower strap button. Most often the side of the strap that has the adjustable buckle is the side attached to the lower strap button. Insert the hole over the guitar strap button and ensure a tight fit. Give it a tug to confirm it's securely attached.

Step 4: Connect the Strap to the Neck Strap Button

Now, take the opposite end of the strap and locate the hole or slit designed to fit over the neck strap button. Carefully slide the button into the hole or slit, making sure it fits snugly. Again, give it a gentle tug to ensure it is securely attached.

Most electric guitars have two strap pins so you're almost done - feel free to skip to step 5.

Step 4: ALTERNATE - Connect the strap to the guitar headstock

Most acoustic guitars today have two strap pins. However, if you have an acoustic guitar or classical guitar that has only one strap pin do not fret! Ha!

For guitars with only a bottom strap button the strap is tied with its strap lace to the headstock of the guitar.

You'll want to take the lace that came with your guitar strap and put it through the remaining strap hole. If your guitar strap didn't come with its own strap lace feel free to use a shoe lace.

Now take the strap lace and put one end under the strings on the headstock of the guitar and right after the nut. There's no particular way to tie the knot of the strap lace but make sure it's very secure to both the strap and the guitar itself!

Step 5: Adjust the strap to your desired length

Once both ends of the strap are attached, you can adjust the length to your preference. Hold the guitar in playing position and experiment with different lengths until you find a comfortable height. Ensure that the guitar hangs at a height that allows you to reach all the frets comfortably.

The length of a guitar strap is a subjective decision. Guitar straps give you lots of flexibility and how high or low it sits on your body is a matter of personal preference and every guitar player has a different style.

The Beatles and other 60s musicians used to keep their straps very high with their strumming arm coming around the bottom of the guitar. Heavy metal musicians play the guitar insanely low on their body with their strumming arm almost at full extension when playing. Practice standing and playing your guitar at a few lengths and you'll ultimately arrive at a length that makes sense to you.  

Step 6: Test the Strap's Security

After adjusting the strap length, it's crucial to check its security. Give the strap a few gentle tugs to ensure that the strap attached to the guitar is fastened to both strap pins. Make sure there's no fraying on the strap ends around the strap holes and that the strap can handle the guitar's weight so that it doesn't easily slip off.

Do the bed test where you practice standing and playing while standing over your bed just incase!

Acoustic guitars - attaching a guitar strap to a one strap pin (button) guitar.

The Importance Of Practicing Standing Up

Learning to play the guitar is often done while sitting. The first time you stand up and play the guitar will feel foreign and uncomfortable. Notes and chords won't be played clearly and you might even lose rhythm.
But, with practice, you'll find that whether playing guitar sitting down or standing up is equally enjoyable. That's why it's so important to attach a guitar strap and get playing as quickly as possible.

How To Attach A Guitar Strap Without Button

Unfortunately, there isn't an easy way to attach a guitar strap to a guitar without a button. Instead we recommend purchasing strap buttons or what are known as eyeholes and having them attached to your guitar. You want to be very careful when doing this so as to not damage or devalue the guitar - it's always  worth having a qualified guitar technician do this if you're unsure.

Choosing the Right Guitar Strap

Let's be real - looks are everything when choosing a guitar strap. Most guitar straps look like they're made for a motorcycle gang in the 70s with flames and embroidered logos all over. Some are more subtle and simple. Guitar straps also come in various materials from leather straps to cotton straps.

More recently, you'll find guitar straps on the market that have put safety and security first. These come with built in strap locks on either end. You can also add a strap lock for further safety.

Material

When choosing a guitar strap, the material is an important factor to consider. The most common materials used for guitar straps are leather, nylon, and cotton. Leather straps are durable, comfortable, and stylish, but they can be more expensive than other options. Nylon straps are lightweight and affordable, but they may not be as comfortable as leather straps. Cotton straps are soft and comfortable, but they may not be as durable as other materials.

Width

The width of a guitar strap can affect both comfort and style. A wider strap can distribute the weight of the guitar more evenly across the shoulder, which can help reduce fatigue during long playing sessions. However, wider straps can also be less flexible and may not work well for players who like to move around a lot on stage. Generally, most guitar straps range from 2 to 3 inches in width.

Length

The length of a guitar strap is also important to consider. A strap that is too short can be uncomfortable and restrict movement, while a strap that is too long can cause the guitar to hang too low and be difficult to play. Most guitar straps are adjustable, but it's important to make sure the strap can be adjusted to the right length for the player's body type and playing style.

Caring for Your Guitar Strap

Cleaning

Keeping your guitar strap clean is essential to ensure its longevity. Regular cleaning can help remove dirt, dust, and sweat that can accumulate on the strap over time. To clean your guitar strap, follow these steps:

1. Remove any hardware or attachments from the strap, such as buckles or hooks.
2. Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the strap, paying particular attention to any areas with stains or grime.
3. For tougher stains, use a mild soap solution and a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the affected area.
4. Rinse the strap thoroughly with clean water and allow it to air dry completely before reattaching any hardware.

Storage

Proper storage of your guitar strap is also important to maintain its quality and prevent damage. Here are a few tips for storing your guitar strap:

1. Store your strap in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight or heat sources.
2. Avoid storing your strap in a tightly coiled or twisted position, as this can cause creases or kinks in the material.
3. If you need to store your strap for an extended period, consider using a padded storage bag to protect it from dust, moisture, and other potential hazards.

By following these simple care and maintenance tips, you can ensure that your guitar strap remains in excellent condition for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I attach a guitar strap to a single button on my guitar?

Attaching a guitar strap to a single button on a guitar can be challenging. One way to do it is to loop the strap around the button and then thread it through the buckle. Another way is to use a string or shoelace to tie the strap to the button.

How do I adjust the length of my guitar strap?

To adjust the length of a guitar strap, locate the buckle or adjustment mechanism on the strap. Loosen the buckle or slide the adjustment mechanism to the desired length. Once you have the desired length, tighten the buckle or lock the adjustment mechanism in place.

What is the proper way to tie a guitar strap to the headstock?

To tie a guitar strap to the headstock, first, loop the strap over the headstock. Then, tie a knot in the strap so that it is secure. Make sure the knot is not too tight, as this can cause the guitar to go out of tune.

How do I install a guitar strap button on my guitar?

To install a guitar strap button on a guitar, you will need to drill a small hole in the body of the guitar. The button can then be screwed into the hole using a screwdriver. It is recommended that you have a professional install the button to avoid damaging the guitar.

Why won't my guitar strap fit over the button on my guitar?

If your guitar strap won't fit over the button on your guitar, it may be too narrow or too thick. You can try using a different strap or adjusting the strap to fit better. If the problem persists, you may need to have a professional install a larger button on your guitar.

Can I use a shoelace to tie my guitar strap?

While it is possible to use a shoelace to tie a guitar strap, it is not recommended. Shoelaces are not designed for this purpose and may not be strong enough to hold the weight of the guitar. It is best to use a proper guitar strap to avoid damaging your instrument.

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