A guitar strap attaches to two buttons on your guitar body and lets you play standing up

A guitar strap is a fabric or leather band that runs from one shoulder, across your chest, and down to your other hip. Both ends have holes that slip over small buttons (called strap buttons or strap pegs) mounted on your guitar's body — one near the bottom of the body, one on the upper bout or neck heel. Installing one takes less than a minute and requires no tools.

The strap holds your guitar at a comfortable angle while you stand and play. Without it, you would need to hold the instrument with your hands and arms, which makes playing difficult. Most guitars come with strap buttons already installed, but if yours does not, a technician can add them — that is a job to leave to a professional.

Key Takeaways

  • Slip one end of the strap over the strap button near the bottom of the guitar body, then slip the other end over the button on the upper bout or neck heel.
  • Adjust the strap length by sliding the strap material through the plastic or metal adjusters until the guitar hangs at a comfortable height when you stand.
  • Make sure both ends are seated firmly over the buttons so the strap cannot slip off during play.
  • If your guitar has no strap buttons, a repair technician can install them, which usually takes an hour and costs between $30 and $75 depending on the guitar type.

Locate the two strap buttons on your guitar

Look at the body of your guitar. One strap button is mounted on the lower bout — the wider, rounder section at the bottom of the body. This is the main anchor point and bears most of the guitar's weight. The second button is on the upper bout or at the neck heel, where the neck meets the body. On some guitars, especially acoustic models, this button may be on the side of the body rather than the face.

If you cannot find a button on the upper bout, check the back of the headstock near where it meets the neck. A few guitar designs place the upper strap button there instead. Run your fingers over the wood to feel for a small metal or plastic peg sticking out. If you find neither location, your guitar may not have strap buttons installed — see the section below on adding them.

Slip the strap ends over both buttons

Hold the strap in both hands. Each end of the strap has a hole or slot cut into it. Take one end and slip the hole over the lower strap button. Push it down firmly until the button sits inside the hole and the strap material rests against the guitar body. The strap should not slide off if you tug gently on it.

Now take the other end of the strap and slip it over the upper strap button in the same way. Push down firmly. Both ends should now be seated on their buttons, and the strap should form a loop that goes around your body. If either end feels loose or slides easily, remove it and try again — the hole may not be seated properly on the button.

Adjust the strap length to fit your body

Most straps have adjustable sections made of plastic or metal that let you change the length. Look for a slider or buckle somewhere along the strap material. Some straps have a single adjuster in the middle; others have one on each end. Slide the adjuster to lengthen or shorten the strap until it feels comfortable.

Put the guitar on your shoulder to test the fit. The body should hang at a height where your fretting hand can reach the upper frets without stretching, and your picking hand has room to move freely. The strap should feel snug but not tight — you should be able to fit one finger under it at your shoulder. If the fit is off, remove the strap, adjust the length, and try again.

Make sure the strap is find before you play

Tug gently on both ends of the strap where they meet the buttons. Neither end should slide or rotate. If one does, remove it and reseat it on the button, making sure the hole is centered on the peg. A strap that slips during play can cause the guitar to drop suddenly, which can damage the instrument and hurt you.

Once both ends feel solid, put the guitar on and move around a bit. Bend, twist, and move your arms as if you were playing. The strap should stay in place and the guitar should not shift or tilt. If everything feels stable, you are ready to play.

What to do if your guitar has no strap buttons

If your guitar has no strap buttons, they can be added by a repair technician or luthier. This is not a job to do yourself — drilling into a guitar body requires precision and the right tools, and a mistake can crack the wood or damage the finish. A technician will drill two small holes in the correct locations, install threaded inserts or direct-mount buttons, and finish the area to match the rest of the guitar.

The cost varies by guitar type and location. A straightforward installation on a solid-body electric guitar usually runs $30 to $50. Acoustic guitars and vintage instruments may cost more because the work is more delicate. Call a local repair shop and describe your guitar — they can give you a price before you bring it in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a strap on an acoustic guitar?

Yes. Most acoustic guitars come with a strap button on the lower bout, but many lack one on the upper bout. You can still use a strap by tying the upper end to the headstock using a piece of string or leather cord, or you can have a technician install a button on the upper bout or neck heel.

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

If the hole is too small, the strap will not slip over the button easily. If it is too large, the strap may slip off during play. Some straps have adjustable holes or come with different-sized inserts. If your strap does not fit, try a different strap or ask a technician to enlarge or reinforce the hole.

Should the strap be tight or loose around my shoulder?

The strap should be snug enough that the guitar does not shift when you move, but loose enough that you can fit one finger under it at your shoulder. Too tight causes discomfort and restricts movement; too loose lets the guitar swing around. Adjust until the fit feels balanced.

Can I leave the strap on my guitar when I store it?

Yes, leaving the strap on is fine and does not damage the guitar. Some players remove it to reduce stress on the strap buttons during long storage, but this is not necessary. If you do remove it, store the strap in a dry place away from direct sunlight so the material does not crack or fade.