The two standard ways to attach a strap
Most guitars have two strap buttons — one near the bottom of the body and one on the upper horn or near the neck joint. A guitar strap has a hole at each end. You slip one hole over each button and the strap hangs across your body, supporting the guitar's weight.
Some guitars, especially classical and flamenco models, have only one strap button or none at all. If your guitar has no buttons, you can tie the strap directly to the headstock using the existing string holes, or you can have a luthier install buttons for you.
The process takes less than a minute once you understand which end goes where. Most people get it right the first time, but a few common mistakes can make the strap slip or feel unstable.
Key Takeaways
- Slip one strap hole over the button near the bottom of the guitar body, then slip the other hole over the button on the upper horn or neck area.
- The strap should hang at a comfortable angle — adjust it by sliding the holes up or down the buttons until the guitar sits at the height you want.
- If a strap hole is too tight, you can carefully stretch it by hand or use a strap button with a smaller diameter.
- Guitars without strap buttons can use a tie-on strap, which loops through the existing holes in the headstock.
- Check that both holes are fully seated on the buttons before playing, because a loose strap can slip during performance.
Finding the strap buttons on your guitar
The lower strap button sits on the lower bout of the guitar body — usually on the bottom edge or the side, depending on the guitar's shape. On a Stratocaster or Telecaster, it is on the bottom horn. On a Les Paul or SG, it is on the lower body edge. On an acoustic, it is typically on the lower bout, either on the side or the back edge.
The upper strap button is harder to spot on some guitars. On a Stratocaster or Telecaster, it is on the upper horn. On a Les Paul, it is on the upper bout near the neck. On an acoustic, it is often on the upper bout or sometimes on the headstock. If you cannot find it, run your hand along the upper body and neck area — you will feel a small metal or plastic knob.
If your guitar has no buttons at all, it was likely designed for a tie-on strap. Classical guitars almost never have buttons. Some vintage acoustics and all classical models use this design.
Attaching the strap: step by step
Hold the guitar in your lap or rest it against your body. Take one end of the strap — it does not matter which — and line up the hole with the lower strap button. Push the hole onto the button until it is fully seated. The strap should not slide off when you tug it gently.
Now take the other end of the strap and slip its hole onto the upper strap button. Again, push it fully onto the button. At this point, the strap is attached and the guitar is supported by both buttons.
Slip the guitar over your head and adjust the strap length by sliding the holes up or down the buttons. The guitar should sit at a comfortable height — usually with the body resting against your torso and the neck at a playable angle. Tighten or loosen the strap by moving the holes, not by adjusting any buckle or slider on the strap itself (most straps do not have these).
Fixing a strap hole that is too tight
If the strap hole will not slide onto the button, the hole is too small. This happens with new straps or straps made from stiff material. Do not force it — you can tear the strap or damage the button.
The safest fix is to stretch the hole by hand. Grip the strap on both sides of the hole and gently pull the material apart, working the hole wider. Test it on the button every few seconds. Leather and canvas stretch easily; synthetic materials take longer.
If stretching does not work, you can replace the strap button with a smaller-diameter button. Strap buttons come in different sizes, and a smaller one will fit through a tight hole. You can buy replacement buttons at any music store and install one yourself with a screwdriver in under a minute.
Attaching a strap to a guitar with no buttons
Classical guitars and some vintage acoustics have no strap buttons. Instead, you use a tie-on strap, which has strings or cords at each end rather than holes. These cords loop through the existing holes in the headstock and tie in place.
To attach a tie-on strap, thread one cord through the hole on the left side of the headstock (as you face the guitar) and tie it securely with a knot. Thread the other cord through the hole on the right side and tie it. Make sure both knots are tight — a loose knot can slip during playing and drop the guitar.
Some players use a single-point strap that ties only to the headstock. This works, but it puts all the weight on the neck and can cause neck strain. A two-point tie-on strap is more balanced and safer for the guitar.
Checking that the strap is find before you play
Before you start playing, tug on the strap at both attachment points. The strap should not slide on the buttons or slip through the knots. If it moves, remove the guitar and reseat the strap holes or retie the knots.
Wear the guitar for a minute and move around. The strap should feel stable and the guitar should not shift or rotate. If it does, adjust the strap length or check that both holes are fully seated on the buttons.
Pay special attention to the upper attachment point. This is where most strap slips happen, because the upper button often has a smaller diameter than the lower one. If the upper hole keeps sliding, try the smaller-button replacement mentioned above.
Strap length and comfort
The right strap length depends on your body size and playing style. Sitting down, the guitar should rest against your torso with the neck at a comfortable angle — usually around 45 degrees from horizontal. Standing up, the guitar should sit at roughly the same height, with your fretting hand able to reach the first fret without stretching.
Most straps adjust by sliding the holes along the buttons. Some straps have a buckle or slider that shortens or lengthens the strap itself. If your strap has a slider, adjust it to the length you want, then slide the holes onto the buttons. If it has no slider, you adjust length entirely by moving the holes.
A strap that is too short will pull the guitar up into your chest and make it hard to reach the lower frets. A strap that is too long will let the guitar hang too low and tire your arm. Experiment until you find the height that feels natural.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any strap on any guitar?
Almost any strap works on any guitar with two strap buttons. The only exception is if the strap holes are too small for your buttons — in that case, stretch the holes or replace the buttons. Tie-on straps work only on guitars without buttons, or on any guitar if you tie them to the headstock instead of using the buttons.
What if one of my strap buttons is broken?
You can replace a broken button with a new one from any music store. Unscrew the old button, screw in the new one, and reattach the strap. If the screw hole is stripped and the button spins, move it slightly to one side and drill a new hole, or use a larger-diameter screw.
Should the strap be tight or loose on the buttons?
The strap should be snug enough that it does not slide when you tug it, but loose enough that you can move it up and down the button to adjust length. If it is too tight, stretch the holes. If it is too loose, the strap will slip during playing.
Can I attach a strap to the headstock of a guitar that has buttons?
Yes. Some players tie a strap to the headstock for extra security, even if the guitar has buttons. This is common in live performance. Use a tie-on strap or tie a regular strap to the headstock holes, then attach the lower end to the lower button as usual.
What is the difference between a one-point and two-point strap?
A two-point strap attaches at both the upper and lower buttons, distributing the guitar's weight evenly. A one-point strap attaches only to the lower button or only to the headstock. One-point straps are less stable and put more stress on the neck, so they are not recommended for regular playing.