The Cook Trio

How to Put a Strap on an Acoustic Guitar?

You must be thinking about how to put a strap on an acoustic guitar? We are bringing you an easy guide so you can do it in less than 60 seconds!

Choosing a strap, looping it between the two pegs, and adjusting the height is the process of attaching the strap to your guitar. Even though playing the instrument can be enjoyable if you stand for a long time holding it, your arms can start to feel strained. All your problems are solved with guitar straps. Holding the acoustic guitar and playing for longer will be easier with a guitar strap. Consequently, your arms will be able to focus more on making music rather than carrying the instrument’s weight. 

 The strap of your guitar will not only provide comfort but also prevent it from falling. Then you won’t have to spend hundreds on maintenance and repairs. Most acoustic guitars usually have a strap attachment mechanism, while others will require you to add one yourself. 

Guitar Straps: Choosing the Right One

Guitar Straps Choosing the Right One

There is more to guitar straps than just knowing how to put them on. Considering the variety of available materials and designs, choosing the ideal guitar strap for you is equally crucial. Keep the following in mind when you are researching straps so that you can make an informed decision. 

Material

Material

The material used for guitar straps affects the strap’s comfort, durability, and price. The following are common strap choices: 

 Leather 

 Vegan leather 

 Suede 

 Denim  

 Cotton 

The ends of the strap are typically made of suede or leather, regardless of the strap’s main material. These guarantee a snug fit around the strap button holes. The straps you can attach to your guitar aren’t limited, but some styles are traditionally associated with certain guitar types or genres. For example, acoustic guitars pair well with leather and suede straps, while electric guitars pair well with cotton straps, though exceptions do occur sometimes. 

The priciest straps are usually also the most robust in terms of quality. For example, leather or suede straps are expensive, but they’ll last much longer. Although cotton straps are prone to wearing out faster, they are light-weight, breathable, and in-expensive, making them perfect for stage use. 

Padding

The average guitar weighs between 4 and 9 pounds, depending on the model. You may think that’s not much, but your shoulders and neck will tell you otherwise when you’ve been playing the guitar for four hours. 

 If you play for hours on end, you’ll want to ensure that the guitar strap you purchase comes with extra padding. Foam or other padding provides additional comfort during extended practice sessions or shows. 

 There is no doubt that padding adds a slight amount of weight to the strap itself. However, even though it won’t add as much to your setup as you might think, you should consider it when looking for the right guitar strap in order to make the right choice perfectly. 

Width

Straps with a narrower profile are lighter and streamlined, but they concentrate the load on a smaller shoulder area. For players who stand while playing the guitar, a wider strap could most likely be preferred because it would distribute the instrument’s weight more evenly. Cotton guitar straps are typically 2″ wide, while leather or suede straps are 2.5″ to 3″ wide. 

Aesthetic

You undoubtedly want a strap that matches the beauty of your instrument. There are a variety of colors and styles of straps available, and they may have intricate patterns, embroidery, nickel buttons, or a combination of all of these. The straps you choose are up to you; you can opt for a simple cotton or a bedazzled leather one as well. 

 If you want the guitar strap to stand out, choose a color that contrasts with it, such as a blue strap. Alternatively, if you prefer a more modest appearance, look for a strap that matches the tone and finish of your guitar. Remember to enjoy yourself. To install the strap of your choice, pick a song, and start playing it anywhere you want. 

Strap Recommendations

As a best practice, we recommend going for a guitar strap that is both strong, sturdy, and comfortable at the same time. First, consider the strap’s size. It could come off easily if it is too big. The size ought to be compatible with your height. Investing in an adjustable strap allows you to customize it to fit your preferences, which is much more efficient quickly. 

 Secondly, consider padded straps since they won’t irritate your shoulders. They usually make playing more bearable and allow you to go longer. 

You get to decide on the materials. For example, while some have cotton constructions, others might have leather ones. Make your choice based on your own preferences as well. 

 Additionally, guitar straps come in a variety of stylish patterns and also colors. Decide which best reflects your brand and fashion sense. 

A Guide to Strapping Acoustic Guitars

You can fasten a guitar strap using the following instructions: 

By Using Buttons

By Using Buttons
  •  First, you need to locate the strap buttons on the acoustic guitar’s body. The guitar’s neck and base have these metallic studs. 
  •  You will need to install the button yourself if you can’t find any. Your local shop might be able to assist you with this or do it yourself. 
  •  Get a strap with slits on the ends. This is the place where the buttons will be inserted through. 
  •  At the base of the guitar, press the slit on the strap towards the button. It may be necessary to exert some extra force to fit them together since they fit very tightly together. 
  •  The strap adjustment buckles should face outward. 
  •  On the neck of the guitar, attach the second slit to the button. 
  •  Make sure the strap is secure by tugging on it. There is a possibility of your guitar getting damaged if you don’t do this. 
  •  Make sure that the guitar fits over the shoulder comfortably and securely by playing it in several ways. 
  •  You might need to purchase another strap if the strap is slipping from the buttons with ease.  
  •  For a comfortable playing experience, the guitar strap length needs to be adjusted. 

A One-Button Strap for Guitar

Acoustic guitars often have a single strap button at the base. The standard method of attaching a guitar strap with a single button is straightforward, even though it is possible to install a second pin. 

 · To begin, you must carry out the first two actions outlined in the subsection above. Next, pull the strap’s other end up to the head and fasten it to the base button. You will need additional material, such as a strap adaptor or lace, to fasten the strap because there isn’t a guitar strap pin. Lace is often included with straps for this. 

 · Thread one of the ends of the material below the chords on the head, close to the nut, after feeding it through the strap’s hole. Use a double knot if you are using lace. Put the strap adapter on the opposite end and secure it with the pin.  

 · The strap attached to the headstock differs from the one attached to the neck. When the guitar strap is attached to the guitar’s headstock, the instrument’s weight will feel evenly distributed toward the middle of the guitar. The point of gravity for two strap buttons is slightly shifted toward the bottom end of the instrument. This difference has contributed to some players deciding to attach the strap to their headstock rather than their strap pins. If you are not sure of what will work for you, don’t hesitate to experiment. 

Strap locks

The strap lock is similar to a strap button, but it provides a greater degree of security and stability. There are two pieces of the lock: one is fitted to the strap, and the other is attached to the instrument. In this case, your instrument must already be equipped with strap buttons. If it does not, you should consider installing them before you buy strap locks. 

 You should check the instructions provided by the manufacturer before installing these locks, as they can vary from one manufacturer to another. Once you have completed the guitar and strap installation, you can attach them. A snap is an ideal way to attach them. These straps are often equipped with quick-release mechanisms so that you can remove them easily. 

 Using rubber washers around 5/16 inches in size instead of regular locks is also an option. After positioning the strap, cover each knob with the rubber washers. As a result, you’ll have security when playing because the washer won’t permit the strap to move. 

Strap Adjustment

Finding the exact strap length that works best for you when you set up your strap is also important. It’s equally important to know how to make quick strap adjustments. 

 It is a matter of aesthetics and personal preference, but ergonomic factors are also to consider. It is generally recommended that the strap length should allow you to reach notes or chords without fully bending your wrists. Keeping your fret hand and wrist relaxed prevents strain and injury. 

 It’s easy to reach this optimal length. Use the sliding plastic clasp on your strap if it has one to make changes. Move the strap’s clasp towards the guitar’s bottom to lengthen it; slide it towards the neck to shorten it. You can accomplish this without taking the guitar’s strap completely off. 

 The straps made of suede or even leather material won’t feature a plastic buckle. The majority of these straps, though, are two independent pieces, as you’ll see. The smaller section of these straps must be removed from the bigger one to modify them as required. Hence the strap must be taken off the instrument. 

 The broad strap piece has slots that correspond to various strap lengths. The tiny strap component should be inserted through the strap’s underside and pulled snugly. Once through the neighboring slit, run it back through itself. To determine what strap height is best for you, experiment with various slits. 

Final thoughts

Ultimately, straps can improve your performance and make your life much easier. As a result, you can focus on playing your instrument as you don’t have to worry about anything else. Therefore, the strap must be secure and comfortable, regardless of the material used. Besides making your instrument portable, guitar straps express your personality and allow you to play your instrument wherever you go at any time. 

FAQs about How to Put a Strap on an Acoustic Guitar?

Is it a great idea to use the strap-on acoustic guitar?

The acoustic guitar strap-on is a great way to be comfortable and uniform while playing the instrument. Furthermore, because it does not require a stand, it is also perfect for use during practice sessions and performances as well. 

My guitar is too large for the strap. What should I do?

Your guitar may be too large, so don’t worry about it! Hopefully, this post will offer some advice on resolving this issue and mounting your guitar as quickly as possible. 

How do acoustic guitar straps attach to the body? Can you please let me know where they attach?

The acoustic guitar’s straps are made to be fastened to the top of the instrument. A-frame strap button can also be used on some designs to attach them to the bottom. Small and medium-sized designs should be fastened to the bridge. 

How do you attach a strap on an acoustic guitar without any buttons?

Use your fingers to find where each string is tied on the acoustic guitar. You can use scissors or even pliers to cut a knotted string directly below your hand. Tie the string around this knot to secure it as needed. 

What Materials are needed for a Guitar Strap?

A small carabineer with the ability to open and close small loops is needed for the guitar strap and also a threaded wire. To integrate the tie circles into the tie, you will need a piece of string

Simon Mattav

I am the owner of The Cook Trio, a three-piece band that has been performing in the Chicago area for over 10 years. I have a passion for music – everything from guitar to songs. I graduated from the music University of Chicago! My passion is writing songs about my life experiences, feelings and emotions through different genres. My inspirations are some of today’s popular songwriters such as Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift, Justin Timberlake, Selena Gomez among others.

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