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 bout near the neck. A few guitars have only one button, usually at the bottom. Your strap has two holes or slots at each end that slip over these buttons. The process takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

If your guitar has two buttons, slip one strap end over the bottom button, then reach around the neck and slip the other end over the upper button. If your guitar has only one button, you'll tie the strap to the headstock instead of using a button at the top — most single-button guitars come with a small cord or leather loop attached to the headstock for this purpose.

Some players prefer to remove the strap entirely when sitting down to play, while others leave it on. Either way, the attachment is the same.

Key Takeaways

  • Most guitars have two strap buttons: one at the bottom of the body and one on the upper bout, and your strap straightforward slips over both.
  • Single-button guitars require you to tie the strap to a cord or loop on the headstock using the hole at the top of the strap.
  • Strap buttons can loosen over time, so check that yours are tight before playing to avoid the strap slipping during use.
  • If a strap button is missing or broken, a replacement button costs a few dollars and screws in with a single screw.

Checking your strap buttons before you attach

Before you slip the strap on, look at each button on your guitar. A strap button is a small metal or plastic peg, usually about the size of a pencil eraser, that sticks out from the body. Press on it gently with your thumb — it should not move or wiggle. If it does, use a screwdriver (usually Phillips head) to tighten the screw underneath the button by turning clockwise.

A loose button can cause your strap to slip during playing, which is dangerous if you're standing. Tightening takes ten seconds and prevents the problem entirely.

Attaching the strap to a two-button guitar

Hold the guitar in playing position. Take the strap in both hands and position one end near the bottom button. The strap end has a hole or slot — slip this hole over the button and push until the button sits inside the hole. The strap should not slide off when you tug gently.

Now reach around the neck with the other end of the strap and slip its hole over the upper button in the same way. Once both ends are seated on the buttons, the strap is attached. You can now wear the guitar across your body with the strap supporting the weight.

To remove the strap, straightforward pull each end away from its button. No unclipping or unbuckling is needed.

Attaching the strap to a single-button guitar

Single-button guitars — common among classical and some acoustic models — have a button only at the bottom of the body. The top of the strap must tie to the headstock instead. Look for a small cord, leather loop, or fabric tie already attached to the headstock near where the neck meets the head.

Thread the hole at the top of the strap through this loop or cord, then tie a knot to find it. A straightforward overhand knot works fine. Make sure the knot is tight enough that the strap cannot slip through the loop during playing. Some players double-knot for extra security.

Once the top is tied, slip the bottom end of the strap over the single button at the bottom of the body, just as you would with a two-button guitar.

What to do if a strap button is missing or broken

If a button is cracked, stripped, or missing entirely, you can replace it without taking the guitar to a repair shop. Replacement buttons cost between two and eight dollars and come in metal or plastic. You'll need a Phillips head screwdriver that fits the screw.

If the button is still there but broken, unscrew it by turning counterclockwise. If the button is missing, you'll see a small hole where it was. In either case, insert the screw from the new button into that hole and turn clockwise until snug — do not overtighten, as this can strip the wood inside the guitar body.

Test the new button by pressing on it and tugging the strap. It should not move. If it does, tighten the screw a quarter turn more.

Strap length and comfort

Once the strap is attached, adjust its length so the guitar sits at a comfortable height when you're standing. Most players position the guitar so the body sits at waist level and the neck angles slightly upward. If the strap is too short, the guitar will sit too high and strain your shoulder. If it's too long, the guitar will hang too low and make it harder to reach the frets.

Most straps have a series of holes or a sliding adjuster that lets you change the length. Loosen or tighten as needed, then play for a few minutes to confirm the height feels right. You may need to adjust again after the first few sessions as you find your preference.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a strap on a classical guitar?

Yes, but classical guitars typically have only one strap button at the bottom. You'll need to tie the strap to the headstock using the cord or loop provided. Some classical players prefer not to use a strap and instead support the guitar on their leg while sitting, which is the traditional method.

What if the strap holes are too big or too small for the buttons?

If the holes are too small, you can carefully stretch them by hand or use a leather punch to enlarge them slightly. If they're too large and the strap slips off, wrap a small piece of electrical tape around the button to thicken it, then try again. A new strap costs ten to thirty dollars if stretching doesn't work.

Do I need to remove the strap when I'm not playing?

No. Leaving the strap on does not damage the guitar or the buttons. Many players keep the strap attached all the time for convenience. Remove it only if you prefer to store the guitar without it or if you're sitting down to play and want less bulk around your body.

Why does my strap keep slipping off one button?

The button is probably loose. Check that the screw underneath is tight by pressing on the button — it should not wiggle. If it moves, use a screwdriver to tighten the screw clockwise. If the button is tight but the strap still slips, the hole in the strap may be stretched. Wrap a thin piece of tape around the button to thicken it slightly.