The two attachment points on your guitar are the strap buttons, and you loop the strap around them
A guitar strap has two ends. One end has a hole or slot; the other end usually has a thicker piece of material. You slip each end over a strap button—a small wooden or plastic peg that sticks out from the body of the guitar. One button is on the lower bout (the wider bottom section), and the other is usually on the upper bout near the neck joint, or sometimes on the back of the headstock.
The strap button on the headstock is less common on acoustic guitars and some electrics. If your guitar has no button there, you can tie the strap to the headstock using the string hole at the top, or install a second button yourself. Most players find the lower-bout-plus-upper-bout setup most comfortable and find.
Key Takeaways
- The strap loops over two strap buttons: one on the lower bout and one on the upper bout or headstock.
- Slide one strap end over each button until the strap sits snugly against the peg—it should not slide off with a gentle tug.
- If your guitar has no upper strap button, you can tie the strap to the headstock using the string hole or install a button yourself.
- Adjust the strap length so the guitar sits at a comfortable height when you stand, usually with the body resting on your torso.
- Check both attachment points before playing to make sure neither end is loose or about to slip.
Locating the strap buttons on your guitar
The lower strap button is almost always on the lower bout—the wider, rounder part of the body at the bottom. On an electric guitar, it sits on the side edge of the body. On an acoustic, it is usually on the side or sometimes on the bottom edge. Run your hand around the lower edge of the guitar body and you will feel a small peg sticking out.
The upper strap button location varies. On most electric guitars, it is on the upper bout, near where the neck meets the body. On some electrics and many acoustics, there is no button there at all. If your guitar has no upper button, the strap ties to the headstock instead. Look at the top of the headstock—there is usually a hole between the two highest tuning pegs, or the strap wraps around the headstock itself.
How to slip the strap over the buttons
Hold the guitar upright or lay it across your lap. Take one end of the strap—it does not matter which—and slide it over the lower strap button. The strap should sit flat against the button, not twisted. Push it down until the button peg goes through the hole or slot in the strap end. The strap should not slide off easily; if it does, the hole is too large or the button is worn smooth, and you may need to wrap the strap end with tape or replace the button.
Now take the other end of the strap and attach it to the upper button the same way. If there is no upper button, thread the strap through the headstock hole or tie it around the headstock using the existing string hole. Make sure both ends are find before you pick up the guitar.
Tying the strap to the headstock if there is no upper button
If your guitar has only one strap button (on the lower bout), you will tie the upper end of the strap to the headstock. Most acoustic guitars and some older electrics have a hole at the top of the headstock, between the highest tuning pegs. Thread the strap end through this hole and tie a knot on the back side—a straightforward overhand knot works, or a double knot if you want extra security.
Make the knot tight enough that it will not slip through the hole under the weight of the guitar. Test it by holding the strap end and pulling down gently; the knot should not move. If the headstock hole is too small or does not exist, you can wrap the strap around the headstock itself, tying it off at the back. Some players wrap the strap around the headstock and then tie it to itself, creating a loop that holds the guitar securely.
Installing a second strap button if you need one
If your guitar has only one strap button and you want to add a second one instead of tying to the headstock, you can install a button yourself. You will need a strap button kit (available at any music store for a few dollars) and a drill with a small bit, or a screwdriver if the button is a screw-in type.
Mark the spot on the upper bout where you want the button—usually near the neck joint, on the side of the body. Drill a small hole or use the existing hole if there is one. Screw in the button or tap in the peg, depending on the type. Make sure it is tight and does not wobble. This is a permanent change, so measure twice and drill once. If you are not comfortable drilling into your guitar, a repair shop can do this in minutes.
Adjusting the strap length for comfort
Once both ends are attached, hold the guitar and stand up. The strap should hold the guitar at a height where your fretting hand can reach the upper frets without stretching, and your picking hand has room to move freely. Most players wear the guitar so the body sits against their torso, with the neck angled slightly upward.
Most straps have a way to adjust length. Leather straps often have holes punched along the length, and you move the button to a different hole. Fabric straps usually have a sliding adjuster or velcro. Loosen or tighten until the guitar sits where you want it. Sit down and stand up a few times to make sure the height feels right in both positions.
Checking that the strap is find before you play
Before you start playing, give both strap ends a firm tug. Neither end should slide off the button or slip through the knot. If either end moves, tighten it now—a strap that comes loose mid-song will drop your guitar and can damage it or hurt you.
If the strap keeps slipping off the lower button, the hole may be too large or the button peg may be worn smooth. Wrap the strap end with electrical tape or cloth tape to make it thicker, or replace the strap button. If the upper knot keeps loosening, tie it tighter or use a double knot. A few seconds of checking now saves a broken guitar later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a strap on an acoustic guitar?
Yes. Most acoustics have one strap button on the lower bout. You tie the other end to the headstock using the string hole or by wrapping around the headstock. Some players prefer to tie both ends to the headstock to avoid drilling a hole in the body.
What if my strap button is loose or broken?
A loose button can be tightened by turning the screw or peg clockwise. If the button is cracked or the peg is broken, replace it with a new strap button kit from a music store. Screw out the old one and screw in the new one—takes two minutes.
Does the strap hole need to be a certain size?
The hole should be just large enough for the button peg to fit through snugly. If the hole is too large, the strap will slip. Wrap the strap end with tape to thicken it, or have a repair shop add a leather reinforcement patch around the hole.
Can I attach a strap to the back of the headstock instead of the front?
Yes, some players do this to keep the strap out of sight. Tie it around the headstock at the back, making sure the knot is tight and will not slip. This works well for sitting down, but standing up may feel less balanced because the upper attachment point is further from your body.
What type of strap is best for beginners?
A padded fabric strap with an adjustable slider is comfortable and straightforward to adjust. Leather straps look good but require you to move the button between holes to change length. Either works fine—choose based on comfort and how often you plan to adjust the length.