What a strap button is and why you need one

A strap button is a small metal post that screws into the body of your guitar so you can attach a strap and play standing up. Acoustic guitars come with one strap button already installed at the bottom of the body, but most need a second one at the top near the neck to keep the strap from slipping. Installing one yourself takes about 15 minutes and costs between $3 and $8 for the button itself.

Without a top strap button, your strap will slide around the neck and the guitar will hang at an awkward angle. A properly installed button holds the strap in place on both ends, making the guitar stable and comfortable to play while standing.

Key Takeaways

  • The strap button screws into the upper bout of the guitar body, near where the neck meets the body, using a small wood screw that comes with the button.
  • Mark the spot with a pencil before drilling to avoid mistakes, and use a drill bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter to create a pilot hole.
  • Drill straight into the guitar body at a slight downward angle so the strap button sits flush against the wood and does not stick out.
  • Tighten the screw by hand first, then use a screwdriver to finish, being careful not to overtighten and crack the wood.
  • Test the button by hanging the strap on both buttons and checking that the guitar hangs level and the button does not rotate or move.

Tools and materials you will need

Gather these items before you start: a strap button kit (includes the button and screw), a drill with a bit sized to your screw (usually 1/16 inch or 3/32 inch), a screwdriver that fits the screw head, a pencil, a ruler or measuring tape, and a small piece of tape. You may also want a damp cloth to wipe away any dust after drilling.

If you do not have a drill, you can use a hand screwdriver to create the pilot hole by twisting it slowly into the wood, but a power drill is faster and more reliable. Do not skip the pilot hole—drilling straight into solid wood without one risks splitting the guitar body or stripping the screw hole.

Finding the right spot on your guitar

The top strap button goes on the upper bout of the guitar body, on the side where the neck meets the body. Look at where the neck is glued to the body and find the point on the side of the guitar closest to that joint. This is usually about 1 to 2 inches down from the neck, depending on your guitar's shape.

Use a ruler to measure from the existing bottom strap button straight up the side of the guitar. The top button should be roughly centered on the upper bout, not too close to the edge of the body. Mark the spot lightly with a pencil. If you are unsure, place your strap on the guitar with the bottom button already attached and hold it where it feels balanced—that is roughly where the top button should go.

Avoid placing the button too close to the edge of the body or in a spot where the wood looks thin or damaged. The screw needs solid wood to hold, so stay at least half an inch away from any sharp curves or edges.

Drilling the pilot hole

Place a small piece of tape over your pencil mark. This helps the drill bit stay in one spot and prevents it from slipping across the curved surface of the guitar. Position the drill bit at a slight downward angle—about 10 to 15 degrees—so the screw will sit flush against the body instead of sticking out perpendicular to the wood.

Start the drill slowly and let the bit do the work. You are only drilling deep enough for the screw to grip, which is usually about half an inch. Stop as soon as you feel the bit break through the surface or when the hole looks deep enough to hold the screw. Do not drill all the way through the guitar body.

Remove the tape and wipe away any wood dust with a damp cloth. Look into the hole to make sure it is straight and not too deep. If the hole is too shallow, the screw will not grip; if it is too deep, the button will sit too far from the body.

Installing the strap button

Insert the screw into the strap button and align the button over your pilot hole. Start turning the screw by hand, pressing the button firmly against the guitar body. Turn slowly and steadily until the screw catches in the wood and the button begins to sit flush.

Once the screw is hand-tight, use a screwdriver to finish tightening. Turn the screwdriver slowly and stop as soon as you feel resistance—do not force it. The button should sit flat against the guitar body with no gaps, and the screw should be snug but not so tight that it cracks the wood or strips the hole. If the button is not sitting flush, back out the screw slightly, adjust the angle, and try again.

Check that the button does not rotate or move when you tug on it gently. If it spins or wobbles, tighten the screw a bit more. If it still moves, the pilot hole may be too large or the wood may be damaged, and you may need to move the button to a different spot.

Testing and adjusting

Attach your strap to both buttons and hang the guitar on your body as if you were playing standing up. The guitar should hang level and feel balanced. The strap should not slip or rotate around either button, and both buttons should feel solid when you tug on the strap.

If the guitar tilts to one side, the top button may be in the wrong spot. Remove the strap and look at the angle—the button should be positioned so the strap runs straight from the bottom button to the top button without twisting. If the strap is twisting, loosen the top button screw slightly, rotate the button a few degrees, and retighten.

Play a few chords while standing to make sure the guitar feels stable and the strap does not slip. If everything feels right, you are done. If the button still moves or the strap slides, check that the screw is tight and the button is sitting flush against the body.

Common mistakes to avoid

The most common error is drilling the pilot hole at the wrong angle. If you drill straight into the body instead of at a slight downward angle, the button will stick out and the strap will not sit properly. Always angle the drill bit slightly downward before you start.

Another mistake is placing the button too close to the edge of the guitar body or in a spot where the wood is thin. This can cause the wood to crack when you tighten the screw or when you pull on the strap. Measure carefully and choose a spot with solid wood.

Overtightening the screw is also common and can strip the hole or crack the wood. Tighten until the button sits flush and feels snug, then stop. You should not need to use a lot of force.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I install a strap button on the back of the neck instead of the body?

No. The back of the neck is not strong enough to hold the weight of the guitar and strap, and the screw can damage the internal structure of the neck. The button must go on the body of the guitar, on the upper bout near where the neck joins the body.

What if I drill the hole in the wrong spot?

If the hole is in the wrong spot, you can fill it with a wooden toothpick or dowel and wood glue, let it dry, and drill a new hole nearby. Do not try to use the same hole—the screw will not grip properly. If you are worried about damaging the guitar, take it to a repair shop and let a professional install the button.

Do I need a special screw or can I use any screw?

Use the screw that comes with the strap button kit. It is sized and shaped to work with the button and to grip acoustic guitar wood without splitting it. Using a different screw can damage the guitar or cause the button to fail.

How tight should the screw be?

Tight enough that the button does not move or rotate when you tug on it, but not so tight that you have to strain with the screwdriver or that the wood cracks. If you hear a cracking sound while tightening, stop when ready and back out the screw slightly.

Can I remove the strap button later if I change my mind?

Yes. straightforward unscrew the button and fill the hole with a wooden toothpick and wood glue. Sand it smooth once it dries. The hole will be barely visible, especially on a darker-colored guitar.