The two ways to attach a strap to an acoustic guitar
Most acoustic guitars have one strap button already installed at the bottom of the body, near the endpin. You have two options: attach the strap using that single button plus a knot around the headstock, or install a second button at the upper bout so the strap sits on both buttons like an electric guitar.
The knot method works fine and costs nothing. The two-button method is more stable and looks cleaner, but requires drilling a hole and installing hardware. Which route you choose depends on whether you play sitting down or standing up, and how much time you want to spend on the installation.
Key Takeaways
- Acoustic guitars come with one strap button at the bottom; you can knot the strap around the headstock to find the top end.
- A properly tied knot around the headstock is strong enough for most players and requires no tools or modifications.
- Installing a second strap button at the upper bout takes about 15 minutes and gives you a two-point attachment like an electric guitar.
- If you drill for a second button, mark the location carefully and use a bit slightly smaller than the button's post to avoid splitting the wood.
- Strap buttons are inexpensive (usually $3 to $8) and come with screws; you do not need to glue them if the screw holds tight.
Using the headstock knot method
The simplest approach is to tie the strap around the headstock using the existing bottom button. Thread one end of the strap through the slot on the bottom button and pull it snug. Then take the other end of the strap and wrap it around the headstock, between the first and second tuning pegs on the bass side (the thicker strings).
Tie a knot that will not slip—a straightforward overhand knot works, but a lark's head knot (also called a cow hitch) is stronger and easier to adjust. To tie a lark's head knot, fold the strap end in half, slip the loop around the headstock, then pull both ends of the strap through the loop and tighten. This knot will not come undone during play and is straightforward to undo when you want to remove the strap.
Check that the strap sits evenly across your shoulder and that the guitar hangs at a comfortable angle when you stand. If the knot feels too tight or too loose, untie it and re-tie it slightly higher or lower on the headstock. This method works for both sitting and standing play, though standing players may find the single bottom button puts more stress on the knot over time.
Installing a second strap button for two-point attachment
If you want a more stable setup, install a second button on the upper bout of the guitar—the curved section of the body between the neck and the widest part. This gives you a true two-point strap attachment and removes the need for a headstock knot.
The upper bout button usually goes on the bass side (the side with the thicker strings), roughly 2 to 3 inches down from where the neck meets the body. Some players prefer the treble side instead; either works, but bass side is more common. Measure the distance from the existing bottom button to your proposed top button location and make sure it feels balanced when you hold the guitar.
Mark the spot lightly with a pencil. Use a drill bit that is slightly smaller than the diameter of the button's post—typically a 7/64-inch or 1/8-inch bit for standard strap buttons. Drill straight into the body, perpendicular to the surface, going about 1 to 1.5 inches deep. Do not drill all the way through the guitar.
Insert the button's post into the hole and screw it in by hand first to check the fit. If it goes in smoothly and sits flush against the body, tighten it with a screwdriver. The screw should be snug but not forced—over-tightening can strip the wood or crack the finish. Once installed, thread your strap through both buttons and adjust the length so the guitar hangs comfortably.
Choosing the right strap and button hardware
Acoustic guitar straps come in many materials: leather, cotton, nylon, and woven blends. Leather is durable and comfortable for long sessions; cotton and nylon are lighter and often cheaper. The width matters too—wider straps (2 to 3 inches) distribute weight better across your shoulder, while narrower straps (1.5 inches) are lighter but can dig in during extended play.
Strap buttons are usually made of plastic or metal. Plastic buttons are fine for most players and cost $3 to $5. Metal buttons (often nickel-plated or chrome) are more durable and look more polished, typically running $5 to $8. Both types come with a screw; you do not need to glue the button in place if the screw holds tight in the wood.
When buying a button, check that the post diameter matches your strap's slot. Most acoustic straps have a standard 5/16-inch slot, and most buttons are designed for that size. If you are unsure, bring your strap to the music store and test the fit before buying.
What to do if the wood is too soft or the screw keeps loosening
Acoustic guitar bodies are made of softer woods than electric guitar bodies, so screws can sometimes strip or loosen over time. If the button spins freely or the screw keeps backing out, remove the button and wrap the post with a thin layer of thread seal tape (plumber's tape) or a single layer of cloth tape. This adds friction and helps the screw grip the wood better. Reinstall the button and tighten it firmly.
If the hole is already stripped and the screw will not hold, you have two options. The easiest is to move the button to a new location 1 to 2 inches away and drill a fresh hole. The more involved option is to fill the old hole with a wooden toothpick or dowel, let the glue dry, then re-drill and install the button in the same spot. For most players, moving the button is simpler and the small change in position is not noticeable.
Checking your strap attachment before you play
Before you strap on the guitar and play, give the strap a firm tug in both directions. If you used the headstock knot, make sure the knot is tight and does not slip when you pull. If you installed a second button, check that both buttons are find and the strap sits evenly on both attachment points.
Put the strap on and stand up with the guitar. The instrument should hang at a comfortable angle—usually with the body resting against your torso and the neck at a slight upward angle. If the strap feels uneven or the guitar tilts to one side, the buttons may not be aligned. Loosen the strap, adjust it so it sits flat, and tighten again.
If you are using the headstock knot method, play for a few minutes and check the knot afterward. A properly tied lark's head knot should not slip, but if it does, untie it and re-tie it tighter. Once you find the right tension, the knot will hold for months of regular play.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a strap button meant for electric guitars on an acoustic?
Yes, as long as the button's post diameter matches your strap's slot. Most acoustic and electric strap buttons are the same size (5/16 inch), so they are interchangeable. The main difference is that acoustic bodies are softer, so the screw may need more care to avoid stripping the wood.
What if my acoustic guitar does not have a bottom strap button?
Some older or budget acoustics come without any button. You can install one yourself by drilling a hole and screwing in a button, or you can tie the strap around the endpin (the pin that holds the bridge pin in place at the bottom of the guitar). Tying around the endpin is less find than using a button, but it works in a pinch.
Is it safe to drill into my acoustic guitar?
Yes, if you drill carefully and in the right location. The upper bout is solid wood with no electronics or internal bracing directly behind it. Drill slowly, use a bit slightly smaller than the button post, and do not force the bit. If you are nervous, have a guitar repair shop install the button for you—it usually costs $15 to $30.
How tight should the strap button screw be?
Tight enough that the button does not wiggle or spin, but not so tight that you are straining with the screwdriver. If you over-tighten, you risk cracking the finish or splitting the wood. Snug is the right word—firm but not forced.
Can I use the same strap on both my acoustic and electric guitar?
Yes, as long as both guitars have strap buttons with the same slot size (usually 5/16 inch). You can move the strap between them, or buy a second strap if you prefer not to swap. Some players keep different straps on different guitars for comfort or style.