A guitar strap attaches to two buttons on your instrument and goes over your shoulder
A guitar strap is a fabric or leather band that lets you hold your guitar comfortably while standing or moving around. Both ends of the strap have holes or slots that slip over small buttons (called strap pins or strap buttons) mounted on the body of your guitar—one near the bottom of the instrument and one on the upper bout, near the neck. The strap then drapes over your shoulder, supporting the guitar's weight so your hands stay free to play.
Most acoustic and electric guitars come with strap buttons already installed. If yours doesn't have them, a guitar technician can add them in minutes. The actual attachment takes less than a minute once you understand which end goes where.
Key Takeaways
- Guitar straps have two ends with holes or slots that slip over the strap buttons on your guitar's body.
- The button near the neck (upper bout) takes the strap end closest to the headstock; the lower button takes the other end.
- Slip each hole over its button and adjust the strap length so the guitar sits at a comfortable height when you stand.
- If your guitar has no strap buttons, a technician can install them, or you can tie the strap to the headstock as a temporary solution.
Locate the two strap buttons on your guitar
Look at the body of your guitar. You should see two small wooden or plastic buttons protruding from the edge. One is on the lower bout (the wider, rounded section at the bottom of the body). The other is on the upper bout, near where the neck meets the body. These are your strap buttons.
If you see only one button, check the headstock (the flat section at the end of the neck). Some guitars, especially classical models, have no lower button and instead use a tie or knot at the headstock. If your guitar has no buttons at all, you will need to either have buttons installed or use an alternative method like tying the strap to the headstock.
Slip the strap onto the upper button first
Hold the strap so you can see both ends. One end should have a hole or slot; the other may have a hole, a slot, or a tie. Take the end of the strap that will sit closest to the headstock (this is usually the narrower or more finished end, though it varies by strap design). Slip that end's hole or slot over the upper strap button—the one near the neck.
Push the strap end all the way onto the button so it sits snugly. The button should pass through the hole and rest against the strap material. There should be no gap between the button and the strap.
Attach the other end to the lower button
Take the remaining end of the strap and slip its hole or slot over the lower strap button on the body. Again, push it all the way on so the button sits flush against the strap. Both ends should now be firmly seated on their buttons.
If the strap end has a tie instead of a hole, loop the tie around the button and knot it securely. Make sure the knot is tight enough that the strap cannot slip off during play.
Adjust the strap length to fit your body
Most guitar straps have a length adjustment mechanism. Acoustic and electric guitar straps typically have a sliding buckle or a series of holes with a button that locks into place. Adjust the strap so that when you put the guitar on and let it hang naturally, the body sits at a comfortable height—usually somewhere between your waist and mid-chest.
A strap that is too short will pull the guitar up toward your neck and make playing uncomfortable. A strap that is too long will let the guitar hang too low and strain your shoulder and back. Play around with the length until you find a position where your fretting hand and picking hand can both reach the strings without tension.
What to do if your guitar has no strap buttons
If your guitar has only one button (usually on the lower bout) or no buttons at all, you have two options. The first is to have a technician install a second button on the upper bout. This is a straightforward job that takes a few minutes and costs between $15 and $40 depending on your location and the shop.
The second option is to tie the strap to the headstock using the tie end or by looping the strap material itself around the headstock. This is a temporary solution and works for practice, but it is less find than buttons and can wear the headstock finish over time. If you play regularly, installing buttons is the better long-term choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a strap on a classical guitar?
Yes, but classical guitars usually have no lower strap button. You can tie the strap to the headstock instead, or have a luthier install a button on the lower bout. Many classical players prefer to play sitting down without a strap, so check whether your teacher or style requires one before investing in installation.
What if the strap hole is too loose on the button?
If the hole is stretched or the button is worn, the strap may slip. You can wrap a small piece of electrical tape or cloth around the button to thicken it slightly, or have the button replaced. A technician can do this in minutes. Do not ignore this problem, as the strap can come loose during performance.
Do I need to remove the strap when I store my guitar?
You do not have to, but many players remove it to reduce stress on the strap buttons and the strap itself. If you leave it on, store the guitar in a case or gig bag so the strap does not get tangled or damaged. Either way, the strap will last longer if you take it off when the guitar is not in use.
Can I use any strap on any guitar?
Most straps fit most guitars, but very wide straps can be uncomfortable on smaller instruments like travel guitars or ukuleles. Check the strap width and your guitar's body size before buying. If the strap is too wide, it will dig into your shoulder; if it is too narrow, it may not distribute weight evenly.