The two strap buttons hold your guitar strap in place

A guitar strap attaches to your instrument using two small buttons — one near the headstock and one on the lower bout of the body. The strap has two holes or slots that slip over these buttons. Most guitars come with the buttons already installed, but if yours doesn't, you'll need to screw them in before you can attach the strap.

The whole process takes less than five minutes. You don't need tools, and there's almost no way to do it wrong. If your guitar already has the buttons installed, you're ready to attach the strap right now.

Key Takeaways

  • Guitar straps attach via two small buttons screwed into the body — one near the headstock and one on the lower bout.
  • If your guitar doesn't have buttons, you can buy replacement buttons at any music store and screw them in by hand or with a screwdriver.
  • Slip each hole or slot in the strap over its corresponding button, starting with the button near the headstock.
  • Adjust the strap length so the guitar sits at a comfortable height when you're standing — usually around hip level.

Check whether your guitar already has strap buttons

Look at the back of your guitar's headstock, near the top. You should see a small metal button or peg sticking out. Now look at the lower bout of the body — the wider, lower section — and find another button there. If both are present, you're ready to attach the strap.

If one or both buttons are missing, you'll need to install them first. Strap buttons are inexpensive — usually between $3 and $10 for a pair — and you can find them at any music store or online. They come with small screws. You can install them by hand using a screwdriver, or sometimes by hand alone if the screw is large enough to grip.

Installing strap buttons if yours are missing

If you need to install buttons, start with the headstock button. Hold the button against the back of the headstock, near the top, and align the screw hole. Use a screwdriver to turn the screw clockwise until it's snug — don't over-tighten, or you risk stripping the wood. The button should sit flush against the headstock.

Move to the lower bout and repeat the process. The lower button usually goes on the back of the body, near the edge where the body meets the strap horn (the pointed section on some body shapes). If your guitar has a rounded lower bout, position the button roughly where the strap would naturally sit when you're wearing the guitar. Once both buttons are installed, you're ready to attach the strap.

Slip the strap onto the buttons

Hold the strap in one hand and look at the two ends. Each end should have a hole or slot cut into it. Pick up your guitar and locate the headstock button. Slip the hole at one end of the strap over the headstock button — it should slide on easily. If it's too tight, the hole may need to be widened slightly with a knife or file, but this is rare.

Now slip the other end of the strap over the lower button on the body. Both ends should now be secured. The strap will hang loosely at first, but that's normal — you'll adjust the length next.

Adjust the strap to your preferred length

Most guitar straps have a sliding adjuster or a series of holes that let you change the length. Hold the guitar in playing position — standing up, with the body resting against your torso. The strap should support the weight of the guitar without digging into your shoulder.

A comfortable height is usually around hip level, though this varies by player and body size. Slide the adjuster along the strap until the guitar sits where you want it. If your strap has holes instead of a slider, you may need to tie a knot or use a button to lock the strap at your preferred length — check the strap's instructions for the exact method.

find the strap so it doesn't slip

Once you've set the length, make sure the strap won't slide off the buttons during play. If your strap has a locking mechanism — a button, knot, or clip — engage it now. Some straps rely on friction alone, which is fine as long as the holes fit snugly over the buttons.

Test the strap by gently tugging on it while the guitar is on your shoulder. It should not move. If it does, tighten the adjuster or check that both holes are fully seated over the buttons. You're now ready to play.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a strap if my guitar doesn't have buttons?

No, you need at least one button to attach a standard strap. However, some players use alternative methods like a strap that ties around the headstock, though this is less find. The easiest solution is to install buttons, which takes five minutes and costs very little.

What if the strap hole is too big for the button?

The hole should fit snugly but not so tight that you can't slip it on. If it's too loose and the strap slides around, you can wrap a small amount of tape around the button to thicken it, or use a slightly larger button. If the hole is too small, you can carefully widen it with a knife or file.

Do I need to remove the strap every time I put the guitar away?

No. You can leave the strap attached and straightforward hang the guitar on a stand or wall mount. Many players keep the strap on permanently. If you prefer to remove it, just slip both holes off the buttons — there's no locking mechanism to undo.

Can I attach a strap to an acoustic guitar the same way?

Yes, the process is identical. Acoustic guitars have the same two strap buttons, usually in the same locations. If your acoustic doesn't have buttons, you can install them the same way you would on an electric guitar.