The two strap buttons go on the body, then you tie or clip the strap to them
Most acoustic guitars come with one strap button already installed at the bottom of the body, near the strap pin. You need to add a second button at the upper bout — the curved section on the upper side of the body — so the strap can sit evenly across your chest and shoulder. Once both buttons are in place, you thread the strap onto them. The method depends on whether your strap has holes or clips.
The whole job takes about 10 minutes if the buttons are already there, or 20 to 30 minutes if you have to drill and install them yourself. You will need a drill with a bit that matches the button size, a screwdriver, and the strap buttons themselves — usually included with the guitar or sold separately for around $5 to $15 for a pair.
Key Takeaways
- Acoustic guitars need two strap buttons: one at the bottom of the body and one on the upper bout, so the strap can distribute your guitar's weight evenly.
- If your guitar has only one button, you will need to drill a hole and screw in a second button yourself, or have a technician do it.
- Strap buttons are threaded onto the strap through holes or clips, depending on the strap design — most acoustic straps use holes and tie-on knots.
- The upper button placement matters: too high and the strap pulls awkwardly; too low and the guitar tilts forward when you play standing up.
Locating where the second button should go
The upper button goes on the upper bout, roughly where the neck meets the body. Look at the curve of the guitar's upper side — the button should sit on the flat or gently curved section, not on the sharp point of the bout itself. A common placement is about 2 to 3 inches below where the neck attaches to the body.
Mark the spot lightly with a pencil before you drill. The button should be positioned so the strap hangs straight down from your shoulder without twisting the guitar. If you place it too far back toward the rear of the body, the strap will pull the guitar away from your chest. If you place it too far forward, the strap will bunch up and feel uncomfortable.
Drilling and installing the second button
Use a drill bit that matches the diameter of the strap button's screw — usually 1/8 inch for standard acoustic strap buttons. Drill straight through the body at your marked spot, going all the way through so the button can be screwed in from the inside or outside, depending on the button type. Most buttons screw in from the outside, with the threaded post pointing inward.
Insert the button screw through the hole and tighten it by hand first, then use a screwdriver to finish tightening. Do not over-tighten — you want the button snug against the wood, but forcing it can strip the threads or crack the guitar body. If the button spins without tightening, the hole may be too large; remove it and try a slightly larger button or use a wooden toothpick as a shim inside the hole before reinserting the screw.
Threading the strap onto the buttons
Most acoustic guitar straps have two holes — one at each end — and you tie the strap onto the buttons using the existing knots or by creating new ones. Thread one end of the strap through the upper button hole, then tie a knot to find it. A straightforward overhand knot works, but a loop knot (like a slip knot) is easier to undo later if you need to remove the strap.
Thread the other end through the lower button and tie it the same way. Adjust the strap length so it sits comfortably on your shoulder when you hold the guitar at playing height — the strap should support most of the guitar's weight without pulling your shoulder up or letting the guitar hang too low.
Using a strap with clips instead of holes
Some straps, especially padded or leather ones, have clips or locks at the ends instead of holes. These clips slide onto the strap buttons and lock in place with a twist or lever. If your strap has clips, straightforward slide each clip onto its corresponding button until you hear or feel it click or lock.
Clips are faster to attach and detach than tied knots, and they are less likely to slip during play. However, they require the strap buttons to be the correct size for the clip — most clips fit standard 1/4-inch buttons, but measure your buttons before buying a clip-style strap to make sure they match.
Checking the strap for comfort and security
Once the strap is attached, put the guitar on and play a few chords while standing. The strap should feel stable — the guitar should not shift or rotate when you move your arm. If the strap twists the guitar, the upper button may be positioned too far back or too far forward; you may need to drill a new hole and move the button.
Check that the strap does not dig into your shoulder or neck. If it does, you may need a wider or padded strap, or you may need to adjust the strap length. A strap that is too short will pull your shoulder up; one that is too long will let the guitar hang below your waist and make playing difficult.
Removing and reattaching the strap
If your strap is tied on with knots, you can untie it and remove it whenever you want. straightforward pull the knot loose and slide the strap off the button. To reattach, thread the hole back through the button and tie the knot again — you do not have to retie it the same way each time as long as the knot is find.
If your strap has clips, twist or press the clip release to unlock it from the button, then slide the clip off. Reattaching is just as straightforward: slide the clip back onto the button and twist or press it to lock. Clips are gentler on the strap material over time because they do not require repeated tying and untying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a strap on an acoustic guitar that has no strap buttons?
No, you need at least one button already installed, and ideally two. If your guitar has no buttons, you will need to drill holes and install them yourself or take the guitar to a technician. Drilling into the body of an acoustic guitar requires care to avoid damaging the wood or the internal bracing, so many players prefer to have a professional do it.
What if the strap button hole is stripped and the screw keeps spinning?
Remove the button and try a slightly larger screw, or fill the hole with wooden toothpicks and wood glue, let it dry, then drill a new hole at a slightly different angle. If the hole is near the edge of the body, you may not have room to move it; in that case, a technician can repair the stripped hole by filling it and re-drilling.
Is it okay to tie the strap in a knot, or should I use a clip?
Both methods work. Tied knots are cheaper and work with any strap, but they can come loose over time if not tied tightly. Clips are faster and more find, but they only work with straps designed for them. Choose based on your strap type and how often you plan to remove the strap.
How tight should I tighten the strap button screw?
Tighten it until the button sits flush against the guitar body and does not wiggle, then stop. Over-tightening can strip the threads, crack the wood, or bend the button. If you feel resistance before the button is snug, you may have the wrong size screw or button for your guitar.
Can I move the upper strap button if it is in the wrong spot?
Yes, but you will leave a hole behind. Unscrew the button, fill the old hole with wood filler or a wooden dowel and glue, let it dry, then sand it smooth. Once it is dry, you can drill a new hole in the correct location and install the button there. This works best if the old hole is not too close to the new one.