How to Put on a Guitar Strap

Whether your guitar is acoustic or electric, a guitar strap can be what saves your favorite guitar from falling. Putting on a guitar strap doesn't have to be difficult or expensive. Learn the basics on all the different ways to get a strap on any type of guitar. From using shoelaces, installing strap buttons and strap locks, to using classical guitar straps, this video walks you through all the different options available to you.

Includes tips and tricks on using strap stoppers, ideal button locations, and how to make sure you don't drill too deeply into your guitar when installing strap buttons and strap locks.

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Tools and supplies used in this video include:

D'Addario Planet Waves Acoustic Quick Release System

D'Addario Planet Waves Nylon Classical Guitar Strap

D'Addario Planet Waves Dual-Lock Strap Lock

Strap Button

Drill Bit

Strap Stopper

Instagram: @StewMac_Guitar

[unravelingskies]

Hello, punk rocker here. I found a huge issue when getting guitar straps and putting them on. No matter how I do it it won't reach my ankles.

[DonCrowder]

It's a good idea to use a strap even when you're just sitting and practicing because the need to support the neck with your fretting hand adds extra stress to your hand and arm and can contribute to repetitive stress injuries.

[patrickniedermeyer]

Using the shoe string around the headstock is a tried and true method for vintage acoustics, as it relives the stress put on the neck joint from the weight of your hand and arm, which stabilizes the geometry and goes a long way to keep the guitar in tune. I got this tip from Tyler Grant (Nat'l Flatpicking Champ) who heard it from Billy Nershi (String Cheese Incident).

[ethanwelles]

I like the neck strap, but will the guitar stay on when you swing it around your neck?

[darrylkallen]

Great video, and very well produced I might add. I was embarrassed at first that I had to search for this, but I honestly play sitting down a lot.

[RickMichaelis]

I think this is awesome video so many people don’t know the basics like just how to string up a guitar

[adamsmithreal]

I recently rebuilt a guitar. It had a colossal hole drilled on the bottom, almost a cm in diameter. To fit in my regular screw with the strap button I bought, I hammered down some aluminum foil into a cylinder shape, drilled the screw into that with a shitton of superglue, then added glue to the exterior of the foil and then plugged it right in (with the strap button put over the screw). Works like a charm.

[musicbymark]

Nice video. Surprised you didn't express preference for mounting button on bottom side of neck - seems so ideal - out of the way, perfect angle, inconspicuous, less likely to get bumped off. Do you use different strap locks for acoustic than electric? I agree, I love how they work. I think many would benefit from another, more advanced video showing how to MOVE an acoustic pickup jack from the endpin location to a reinforced, lower location so the strap's turning doesn't twist the jack loose.

[johnjohnson]

Hey nice video...I would place a small piece of blue painters tape of the area for the pilot hole, then mark with a pen the spot you want. Then drill pilot hole. I have found that the painters tape keeps the drill bit from drifing.

[MrMisterock]

I need a video about how to lift a guitar from the stand correctly. I think I am doing it wrong.

[SushiKishi]

Thanks for the video! I had my guitar for literally three minutes and was wondering why it only had one knobby thing for the strap until I realized what I thought was a little stopped to prevent the bottom being scuffed was for the strap lol

[anthonynonya]

When I first started playing I bought an Epi LP Special/amp kit at GC and the strap always fell off. Being a mechanic I took off the button and screwed the strap directly to the guitar with a felt washer against the body and two fender washers. Never looked back, still there since around '04 if I remember correctly.
And I just realized the irony of using "fender" washers on an haha

[jessolmstead]

Why is your straplock upside down? It's supposed to rest in the U-shape, not just rely on the lock...

[PBTophie]

I've been playing guitar for nearly 23 years, and I just watched a video on how to put on a strap thinking I'd learn something new. Nope.

I will tell you this, though. When you put on your guitar, make sure neither end of the strap is folded over the strap button. I broke my oldest guitar when the strapped slipped off this way. She still plays, but lost her tone due to a quarter of the top plate coming unglued from the bracing when she crashed into the concrete.

[tead]

This is an AWESOME video. Very detailed and understandable . Especially great for beginners like me. Thank you so much

[candykanefpv]

2:50 that'll fall off. I know that from experience. If it's cupped the other way, it'll stay on. Fender makes a different type that is much more secure.

[johnmilner]

I used to get the strap in public school in the 60's.

[pferrara]

What if your strap button is on the back of the guitar? Does the logo at the top of the strap face the back of the guitar or does it face away from the back of the guitar?

[con-rob]

What about when the buttons are too big for the strap hole?? I can't even get this strap hole over the tye button/pickup metal. Been trying for 30min.

[bassfishingwiththeantichri]

I always test a strap by throwing the guitar over my left shoulder and sort of hula hooping it all the way around back to the position which I started. Then I’ll do it backwards as well.