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

A guitar strap is a fabric or leather band that loops around your neck and shoulders, holding the guitar against your body while you play. One end of the strap connects to a button (called a strap button or strap pin) near the neck of the guitar, and the other end connects to a button at the bottom of the body. Most guitars come with at least one strap button already installed; many have two. The strap itself is usually sold separately and costs between $10 and $50 depending on material and brand.

Attaching a strap takes about five minutes and requires no tools beyond what comes with the strap. The process is the same whether your guitar is acoustic, electric, or classical, though classical guitars sometimes need a different attachment method because they lack strap buttons.

Key Takeaways

  • Most guitars have strap buttons already installed at the neck and body; if yours does not, you will need to drill holes and screw in new buttons.
  • The strap loops onto the buttons by sliding the eyelet (the hole at each end of the strap) over the button post.
  • The neck button holds the strap at the top of the guitar, and the body button holds it at the bottom, distributing the weight across your shoulder.
  • If your guitar has only one strap button, you can tie the strap to the headstock using a knot or a special tie-on adapter.

Locating the strap buttons on your guitar

Look at the side of your guitar body where the neck meets the body. You should see a small metal post sticking out slightly—this is the neck strap button. Now look at the bottom of the guitar body, usually near the strap horn (the pointed part at the bottom). You should see another metal post there—this is the body strap button. Both posts are typically about the size of a screw head and made of nickel or chrome.

If you see only one button, it is almost always at the body. Some guitars, especially older or budget models, come with only one button installed. If you see no buttons at all, your guitar either never had them or they fell out. You will need to install new ones before you can attach a strap.

Installing strap buttons if your guitar does not have them

If your guitar is missing one or both strap buttons, you can buy replacement buttons at any music store or online for $3 to $8 per button. You will also need a drill with a bit slightly smaller than the screw diameter, a screwdriver that fits the button screw, and a pencil to mark the hole location.

For the neck button, hold the guitar as if you are playing it and mark a spot on the side of the body where the neck meets the body—roughly where your hand would rest. For the body button, mark the bottom of the body on the side that faces you when playing. Drill a small pilot hole at each mark, then screw the button post into the hole by hand. Do not use a power drill to screw it in; hand pressure is enough and prevents overtightening. If you are uncomfortable drilling into your guitar, a music repair shop can do this for $20 to $40 per button.

Sliding the strap onto the buttons

Hold the strap in front of you and look at each end. You will see a small hole or eyelet—this is where the strap loops onto the button. The eyelet is usually reinforced with plastic or metal to prevent tearing.

Take one end of the strap and slide the eyelet over the neck button post. Push gently until the eyelet sits snugly against the button. The strap should not spin freely on the button; if it does, the eyelet may be too large or the button may be worn. Now take the other end of the strap and slide its eyelet over the body button post the same way. Once both eyelets are on the buttons, the strap is attached and ready to use.

Adjusting the strap length for comfort

Most guitar straps have a series of holes or a sliding adjuster along their length so you can change how long or short the strap is. Put the guitar on by sliding it over your head and one shoulder, with the strap running diagonally across your chest. The guitar should rest against your body at a comfortable height—usually around your hip or lower ribs when standing.

If the strap is too long, the guitar will hang too low and tire your arm. If it is too short, the guitar will press into your neck and shoulder. Adjust using the holes or slider until the guitar sits at the height where you played it sitting down. Mark or remember the adjustment so you can return to it each time you put the strap on.

What to do if your guitar has only one strap button

If your guitar has a body button but no neck button, you can still use a strap by tying it to the headstock. Slide the eyelet of the strap onto the body button as usual. Then take the other end of the strap and tie it to the headstock using a knot.

The most find method is to loop the strap around the headstock (usually between the first and second tuning pegs) and tie a knot that will not slip. A straightforward overhand knot works, but a square knot or a loop knot is more find. Test the knot by pulling hard on the strap before you put the guitar on. Some players prefer a tie-on adapter—a small plastic or leather piece that attaches to the strap and ties around the headstock—because it distributes pressure more evenly and is easier to adjust.

Caring for your strap and buttons

Over time, the eyelets on a strap can tear or the buttons can loosen. Check the eyelets every few months by gently tugging on the strap where it connects to each button. If you feel movement or hear a creak, the eyelet may be tearing or the button may be loose. A loose button can usually be tightened by hand; if it spins freely, remove the strap and tighten the button screw with a screwdriver.

If an eyelet tears, you can wrap the area with electrical tape or athletic tape as a temporary fix, or you can buy a new strap. Strap buttons rarely fail, but if one does, replacement is straightforward—just unscrew the old one and screw in a new one.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a guitar strap on a classical guitar?

Classical guitars traditionally do not have strap buttons because they are played sitting down. You can add buttons yourself or have a repair shop install them, or you can use a tie-on strap that loops around the headstock and body without buttons. Some players prefer tie-on straps for classical guitars because they distribute weight differently than button straps.

What if the strap eyelet keeps slipping off the button?

The eyelet is probably too large or the button post is worn smooth. Try wrapping a thin layer of electrical tape around the button post to make it slightly thicker, or replace the button with a new one. If the eyelet itself is damaged, you may need a new strap.

Should I remove the strap when I store my guitar?

You do not have to, but many players do to reduce stress on the strap buttons and eyelets. If you leave the strap on, make sure it is not twisted or bent in a way that puts pressure on the buttons. Storing the guitar in a case with the strap attached is fine.

Can I use any strap on any guitar?

Yes, as long as the guitar has strap buttons or you are willing to tie the strap to the headstock. Strap width and material do not matter—a wide leather strap works the same way as a narrow nylon strap. Choose based on comfort and style.