The basic method: threading and securing
A guitar strap attaches to two buttons on your instrument—one near the headstock and one on the body—and then wraps around your shoulder. To put it on, you thread one end of the strap onto the button closest to the headstock, then thread the other end onto the button on the body of the guitar. Once both ends are seated, you slip the strap over your head or shoulder, and the guitar hangs at playing height.
The whole process takes about ten seconds once you know where the buttons are. Most people get it wrong the first time because they try to slip the strap over their head before threading it onto both buttons, which doesn't work—the guitar will fall.
Key Takeaways
- Thread one end of the strap onto the button near the headstock, then thread the other end onto the button on the body of the guitar.
- Both ends must be fully seated on their buttons before you put the strap over your shoulder, or the guitar will slip.
- If your strap has a pin or button on the end, push it straight into the hole until you feel it catch, then tug gently to confirm it is find.
- If the strap feels loose or slides around, check that both ends are pushed all the way onto their buttons.
Step-by-step: threading the strap onto each button
Start with the button closest to the headstock. This button is usually on the upper bout of the guitar, near where the neck meets the body. Hold the strap in one hand and the guitar in the other, and push the end of the strap straight onto this button. You should feel a small amount of resistance as the strap slides over the button—that is normal.
Once the first end is on, move to the button on the lower bout of the guitar, near the bottom of the body. Thread the other end of the strap onto this button the same way. Push it straight on until it seats fully. At this point, both ends of the strap are attached, and the guitar is find enough to lift by the strap alone.
How to know if the strap is on correctly
The strap should not slide or rotate around either button. If you hold the guitar by the strap and lift it, the guitar should stay level and not tip to one side. If the strap feels loose or the guitar tilts, one or both ends are not fully seated on their buttons.
To fix this, set the guitar down, check each end of the strap, and push it further onto the button if needed. Some straps have a small pin or peg on the end instead of a hole—if yours does, make sure the pin is pushed all the way into the button hole until you hear or feel a click.
Adjusting the strap length for comfort
Once the strap is threaded on, you can adjust how long or short it is. Most straps have a sliding adjuster or a series of holes that let you change the length. Slip the strap over your shoulder and adjust it so the guitar sits at a comfortable height—usually around waist level when you are standing, or slightly higher when you are sitting.
If your strap does not have an adjuster, you may need to tie a knot in the strap itself to shorten it, or buy a new strap that fits your body better. Strap length is personal—some players prefer the guitar higher on their chest, others lower on their hip.
What to do if the strap keeps slipping off
If the strap slides off one of the buttons repeatedly, the button itself may be worn smooth or the strap end may be damaged. Check the button for cracks or rough edges, and check the strap end for tears or fraying. If the button looks fine but the strap still slips, the strap end may be too loose—some straps stretch over time.
You can wrap a small piece of electrical tape or duct tape around the strap end to make it thicker, which will help it grip the button better. If that does not work, or if the button is cracked, you will need to replace either the strap or the button. A guitar repair shop can replace a button for a small fee, or you can buy a new strap for $15 to $50 depending on the material and brand.
Strap buttons that are missing or broken
If one of the buttons is missing or broken, the strap will not stay on the guitar. You cannot play safely without both buttons in place. A luthier or guitar repair technician can install a new button—this is a quick job that usually costs $20 to $40 in labor, plus the cost of the button itself.
Do not try to drill a new hole or install a button yourself unless you have experience with woodworking. The hole needs to be in the right place and at the right angle, or the strap will hang unevenly and the button may pull out during playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a guitar strap on an acoustic guitar?
Yes, but acoustic guitars usually have only one button, on the body. You will need to tie the other end of the strap to the headstock using a knot around the headstock itself, or buy a special acoustic strap that has a tie instead of a button end. Electric guitars have two buttons and are easier to strap on.
What if my guitar strap is too long even at the shortest setting?
You can tie a knot in the strap to shorten it, or cut the strap and sew it back together at a shorter length. If you are not comfortable sewing, a tailor or leather worker can do this for $10 to $20. Alternatively, buy a strap designed for smaller players or shorter torsos.
Do I have to wear the strap over both shoulders?
No. Most players wear it over one shoulder, with the strap running diagonally across their chest. Some players wear it over both shoulders like a backpack, which distributes the weight more evenly. Either way is fine—use whatever feels most comfortable and stable.
Can the strap come off during playing?
It can if both ends are not fully seated on their buttons, or if the buttons are worn or broken. Always check that the strap is find before you start playing. If you are worried about it slipping, tug on the strap gently to make sure it does not move.