Playing the guitar is an immersive experience that goes beyond just plucking the strings and creating harmonious melodies. It’s a nuanced craft that involves a harmonious blend of skill, comfort, and style.
A crucial, often overlooked component of this blend is the guitar strap. This seemingly simple accessory serves a critical purpose, ensuring that you can play your guitar comfortably, maintain the right posture, and express your personal style. 

However, the process of attaching a strap to your guitar can be puzzling, especially for beginners or those accustomed to playing seated. 

In this blog post, we will walk you through a detailed step-by-step guide on how to put on a guitar strap.

Understanding Your Guitar Strap

Before we delve into the instructions, it’s essential to understand the anatomy of a guitar strap.

Most guitar straps consist of two ends: one is often wider, sometimes with a bit of padding for comfort, and the other end is narrower. Each end will have a hole or slot, known as the ‘strap button hole.’ 

These holes are designed to fit over the strap buttons on your guitar.

Materials You’ll Need

• Guitar Strap: Choose a strap that’s comfortable and suits your style. They come in different materials like nylon, leather, or even cotton.
• Guitar with Strap Buttons: Most guitars come with strap buttons already installed. They are small round knobs, typically located at the bottom of the body and on the top bout of the guitar. Some acoustic guitars may only have one strap button at the bottom, in which case you’ll need a string or lace to tie the other end of the strap.
• Strap Locks (optional): These are devices that can be added to the strap buttons to ensure that the strap stays in place, preventing the guitar from accidentally falling.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step by step guide to help you put on your guitar strap:

Step 1: Identify the Strap Buttons on Your Guitar

The first step is to locate the strap buttons on your guitar. As mentioned above, they are usually located at the bottom of the body (near the output jack for electric guitars) and at the top bout or the heel of the neck. 

Some acoustic guitars may only have a strap button at the bottom.

Step 2: Attach the Strap to the Bottom Button

Take the guitar strap and identify the ends. If one end is wider or has padding, that should go over your shoulder. 

Attach the other end to the bottom strap button of your guitar. Slide the strap button hole over the button, ensuring it sits securely.

14 Day Free Trial! Learn to play guitar like a Pro!

Step 3: Attach the Strap to the Top Button

Stretch out the strap and bring it around your back, then attach the other end to the top strap button (if one exists). The strap should now be supporting the guitar, allowing you to play while standing up.

If your acoustic guitar only has one strap button, you’ll need to tie the other end of the strap to the headstock or under the strings above the nut. Here’s how:

• Take a piece of string or lace and thread it through the hole at the top end of the strap.
• Wrap the other end of the string around the headstock, under the strings, just above the nut.
• Tie the string securely, ensuring the knot is strong enough to hold the weight of the guitar. Be careful not to scratch your guitar while doing this.

Step 4: Adjust the Strap for Comfort

Now that the strap is attached, you’ll need to adjust it to the right length for comfortable playing. This is largely a matter of personal preference, but a good starting point is to adjust the strap so that the guitar sits at waist level. 

You should be able to comfortably reach the fretboard without having to raise your shoulder or bend your wrist too much.

Step 5: Secure the Strap (Optional)

If you’re using strap locks, install them according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Typically, this involves removing the existing strap button, placing the strap lock in its place, and then reattaching the strap button on top. 

This will create a more secure hold on the strap, reducing the risk of the guitar falling off.

Tips for Using a Guitar Strap

Follow the tips mentioned below when using a guitar strap:

Check the Strap Regularly:

Over time, the strap button holes can become worn out and less secure. Regularly check the condition of your strap to ensure it’s still holding your guitar securely.

Invest in a Quality Strap:

A cheap, thin strap can be uncomfortable, especially during long playing sessions. Investing in a well-made, padded strap can greatly improve your playing experience.

Consider a Strap with a Locking Mechanism:

If you move around a lot while playing, consider getting a strap with a built-in locking mechanism for added security.

Personalize Your Strap:

Many musicians see their straps as another way to express their personal style. Don’t be afraid to choose a strap that reflects your personality!

For further information, We encourage you to watch the video below:

Conclusion

Mastering the art of guitar playing involves more than just learning chords and scales. It also encompasses understanding and implementing the various aspects that contribute to a comfortable and fulfilling playing experience. 

Learning how to properly put on a guitar strap is one such fundamental aspect. While it might seem like a simple task, the difference it can make to your playing comfort, posture, and overall performance is significant.

With a properly attached and adjusted guitar strap, you can play your guitar in a standing position with ease, freedom, and confidence. This gives you the flexibility to move around during performances, adding energy and dynamism to your stage presence. 

Furthermore, a guitar strap is not merely functional, it is an expression of your personal style. With a myriad of designs, colors, and materials available, your guitar strap can be a personal statement, adding a touch of your personality to your performances.

Free Guitar Lessons Here

---

Referances:

Harper D. REVEALED: Are Guitar Straps Universal And Fit All Guitars?. – 2020.