How To Attach Acoustic Guitar Strap

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Easy methods to customize your guitar with a stylish strap

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Playing guitar is a fun way to limited your musical side, simply a guitar can start to get heavy after you've been belongings information technology for a long time. Putting a strap on your guitar can give your arms a remainder, and it can help keep you from dropping the instrument, causing expensive damage. Most electrical guitars, also as some acoustics, will already have strap buttons attached at the lesser and peak of the body. If you don't take whatever strap buttons, you can install them yourself, but be careful not to scissure the cervix of your guitar.

1. 1

   Look for a strap that fits you comfortably. Your guitar strap should be long plenty to allow you to play comfortably while you're standing up. Consider looking for a padded strap so the material doesn't dig into your cervix or your shoulder while you're playing. The padding might be made from cream, fur, or another soft material.

   • Some straps are cotton, some are made from a textile like to seatbelts, and top-of-the-line versions are made from durable leather. Pick one that feels right to you.
   • Guitar straps come in a wide multifariousness of designs, and then try to find ane that fits your personal fashion.

2. two

   Locate the strap buttons on either side of the guitar'southward body. The strap buttons volition wait similar pocket-size metal studs. The first of these is at the base of operations of the guitar's body - in other words, if you stand up the guitar up vertically, it will be at the "bottom" of the guitar. This knob typically sticks out about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) depending on what type of guitar you lot accept.^[1]

   • On some guitars, the meridian push button will be on the neck of the guitar, while on other guitars the push volition be on the body itself, almost where the neck and body run into.
   • If your guitar doesn't take whatever buttons, you volition need to install them in order to use a strap. If the guitar has one button on the body, you can either install a push on the neck or tie the strap onto the neck with string.

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3. 

   3

   Sideslip one of the buttonholes over the push button on the bottom of the guitar. Since yous could drop your guitar and crack it if your strap isn't secure, the buttonholes are commonly made to fit snugly over the button. This can make it difficult to push the strap onto the button, but it should go along with a little effort.^[2]

   • Guitar straps typically accept leather (or imitation leather) ends in the shape of rounded triangles. On each end should be a small pigsty with a slit cut in the side of it. These holes will support the weight of your guitar while you play.
   • To ensure condolement during playing, ensure that you lot slip the strap hole over the knob and then that the fitting buckle faces outwards - otherwise, it may dig into your shoulder.

4. 

   iv

   Push the other pigsty on the strap over the 2d strap button. In one case you've secured the beginning finish of the strap, discover the knob near the neck of the guitar. Slip the second buttonhole over this knob. Put the other end of the strap on this knob.

5. 

   5

   Exam the strap to make sure it'south secure. Tug firmly on the strap to make sure it'southward connected deeply, and then slip the strap over your shoulder. Ensure your strap fits comfortably and doesn't inhibit your movement by playing a few uncomplicated chords or songs. Try playing in a variety of ways - standing up, sitting down, and even kneeling or laying down, for instance.^[iii]

   • If you lot are right-handed, sling the strap over your left shoulder and then that the guitar hangs in front end of you, assuasive you to strum with your right manus and fret with your left. If you lot are left-handed, do the opposite - sling the strap over your right shoulder.
   • Exercise non use the strap if it easily slips off of the strap buttons. Instead, either get a new strap or install a strap lock.

6. 

   6

   Adjust the strap's length equally needed. When you play with a strap, yous want your playing to come as easily and as naturally as information technology would without one. This means that your strap should allow the guitar to hang at such a height that you can strum and fret every bit you normally would. Utilise the strap's adjustable buckle to modify the length of the strap as needed for your condolement and ease of playing.

   • As to a higher place, be certain to orient the strap then that the buckle faces outward and doesn't dig into your shoulder while playing.

   EXPERT TIP

   To adjust your guitar strap, pull one of the strap through the buckle until it's the length yous want.

   

   Aaron Asghari

   Professional Guitar Role player

   Aaron Asghari is a Professional Guitarist and the lead guitarist of The Ghost Next Door. He received his degree in Guitar Performance from the Guitar Institute of Applied science plan in Los Angeles. In addition to writing and performing with The Ghost Next Door, he is the founder and chief guitar instructor of Asghari Guitar Lessons.

   

   Aaron Asghari
   Professional Guitar Player

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1. 1

   Use caution if you determine to install your own strap buttons. Installing a new knob can be a good mode to get a secure fit on your strap, simply it carries the chance of cracking the forest if you make a mistake. This can permanently damage the guitar. If you're inexperienced with modifying guitars, it might be a expert thought to have an expert do this for you lot.

   • If you have one strap push button, yous can tie the strap to the neck rather than installing another push button. Notwithstanding, doing this can cause pressure on the neck joint and tin damage the finish, and so keep in listen that both methods carry risks when you're deciding which one is right for yous.

2. ii

   Purchase strap buttons and washers from a music shop. Some strap button kits will come with the washers included. All the same, in some cases, they volition be sold separately. The washers are non expensive and they will keep the button from wearing abroad the finish on your guitar, so information technology's a good thought to buy them if they don't come with the buttons you lot purchase.^[four]

   • Strap buttons come up in different colors and designs, then wait for a design that will look good with the finish and style of your guitar.
   • Most of the time, strap buttons are sold in sets of 2. Depending on the style you choose, strap buttons are mostly around $5-$15 USD.
   • For added security, purchase locking strap buttons. These volition have a metallic piece that fits onto the strap so the strap can't autumn off the push while y'all're playing.

3. 3

   Concord the guitar comfortably. Stand or sit down the way you commonly play, property the guitar still is most comfy for you. Even when yous're wearing a strap, your easily will support about of the weight of the guitar. By holding the guitar ordinarily, you'll exist able to make up one's mind the location where the strap will sit most comfortably.^[5]

   • Information technology's important that the strap helps you support the guitar comfortably; otherwise, wearing it could interfere with your playing.

4. 4

   Accept someone help y'all pall the strap around your neck. Since you need to be comfy, this part will be easier if you take assist. If the strap has a cushion, remainder it on your shoulder, then drapery the ends of the strap downwardly so they reach the guitar at a natural angle. Drapery the side of the strap that attaches to the neck in front of your left shoulder, and wrap the side that attaches to the guitar'due south body behind your right shoulder. (Reverse this if yous play left-handed.)^[vi]

   • The push button on the body of the guitar should become in the center of the bottom console, straight across the guitar from the head.
   • Some guitars already have a strap button on the bottom of the guitar. If this is the example, attach the strap to this push, then wrap the strap behind your back and over your contrary shoulder, and find the angle location where the strap should attach to the neck of the guitar.

5. five

   Draw a mark on the guitar where yous want the buttons to go. If you stand the guitar on its end, the first strap push button should be located on the part of the guitar that's closest to the floor. The other should either be on the neck of the guitar or on the body close to the neck. To ensure the guitar can back up the strap, make certain your marks are at least i ^one⁄₄  in (iii.two cm) in from the border of the guitar.^[7]

   • Endeavor to keep the mark as minor as possible, since y'all might not be able to remove information technology from the guitar if information technology's bigger than the button.
   • You lot tin can crack the cervix heel when installing a button there. If you don't want to take this chance, use string to necktie the strap into place.

6. 6

   Measure the fasteners and select a drill bit that's slightly smaller. The buttons you use will need to screw into the guitar. If the drill bit you use to brand is exactly the same size, then the screw will strip out the wood and it won't hold the strap securely.^[8]

   • The size of strap buttons may vary past manufacturer, and then it's a good idea to mensurate them even if y'all've done this before.
   • For instance, if the diameter of your button, including the threads, is ⁹⁄₆₄  in (0.36 cm), but the diameter of the shaft without the threads is ⁷⁄₆₄  in (0.28 cm), use a ⁷⁄₆₄  in (0.28 cm) drill bit.

7. 7

   Marking the drill bit with a mark at the depth y'all want to drill. If you drill too far into the guitar, you could accidentally put a hole in the other side. On the other hand, if you lot don't drill in far enough, the screw could fissure the woods. Agree the drill bit upwards to the guitar to decide the depth you tin drill, so mark that spot on the bit.^[ix]

   • A red marker will be piece of cake to see while you're drilling, simply if you watch carefully, you can utilise whatever colour yous have on paw.
   • The depth volition vary depending on your guitar and the location of the hole, but you probably won't demand to drill more than than ^one⁄_ii –1 in (1.iii–2.v cm).

8. 8

   Drill the hole, so countersink it with a Philips-head screwdriver. Using a cordless drill, drill the bit into the guitar simply to the depth yous marked earlier. This hole is called a pilot hole. Next, slip a Philips-head screwdriver into the hole and rotate it to well-nigh the same depth, which will help create the threads your screw will demand every bit it goes into the guitar.^[ten]

   • Countersinking should help prevent the wood from splitting or the terminate from chipping.

9. 9

   Lay down the washer and install the strap button. Identify a felt washer over the hole, and so place the push button against the pigsty. Screw the button into place, but exercise non force it. If the button seems similar it'south going in at an angle or it's stuck, stop what you're doing and unscrew the push button. Otherwise, you could crevice or split the forest.^[11]

   • About strap buttons will come up with a pocket-sized felt washer. If yours didn't come with one, you lot can buy 1 from a arts and crafts store or skip it entirely.
   • The washer will keep the strap button from rubbing against the finish on the guitar, which could dull or damage it.

10. x

    Repeat the process for the other strap button. If you're installing ii buttons, discover the location of your 2d mark, then drill and countersink the hole, lay down the washer, and install the second button. If y'all're only installing one button, then you're finished!

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1. 1

   Adhere the metal bit to the strap if you're installing a strap lock. A strap lock functions the aforementioned fashion every bit a button, but it offers boosted stability. A strap lock comes with two pieces—one that attaches to the guitar, and one that attaches to the strap. Install the push on the guitar the same way you would for a basic strap button, so follow the manufacturer'southward instructions for installing the lock on the strap.^[12]

   • When you adhere the strap, the lock will snap into identify. To remove information technology, simply press the quick-release push button, unremarkably on the side of the lock.
   • This is a good option if y'all accept an expensive guitar or yous tend to move around a lot while you're playing.

2. 2

   Install basic plastic locks past putting them over the knob and twisting. Strap locks will go along your strap from slipping off of the buttons while you're playing. Normal, inexpensive plastic strap locks usually take the form of small-scale discs with holes in the middle and a set of ridges on a rotating upper portion. Install them by pushing the guitar knob through the central hole and using the ridges to twist the lock into identify.

   • After doing this for each knob, the strap should remain in place no matter how you twist or pull information technology while playing.
   • Yous do not need to install special buttons for these locks. They can be used over your existing strap buttons.

3. 3

   Utilise ⁵⁄₁₆  in (0.79 cm) condom washers if you don't have regular locks. Though strap locks are generally adequately cheap, at that place are complimentary alternatives. For instance, one easy fob is to place a tight-plumbing equipment rubber washer over the top of each knob after placing the strap on the guitar. The rubber washer will hold the strap in identify while playing, making it more hard (but not impossible) for the strap to fall off of the guitar.

   • You tin detect rubber washers at your local hardware store.

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Add New Question

• Question

  The knob on the lesser of my guitar is where I plug it into the amp. My strap won't fit, as information technology's as well brusk! Whatsoever suggestions?

  

  I recall that's only the amp plug and non the strap holder. At that place'southward not usually 1 knob for both of these functions. Information technology sounds like your guitar doesn't take a knob to agree the strap. Take it to a guitar/music store and come across if they can install one for y'all.

• Question

  How long will it terminal if I tie my guitar strap to my audio-visual using yarn?

  

  It will probably last about a few weeks to 2 months, depending on how tight you tie it and the type of yarn.

• Question

  My guitar doesn't accept any knobs at all to put my strap on. How do I necktie information technology on?

  

  Yous might have to buy some. They are called guitar strap pins and are available at music stores.

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• If you don't want to drill a hole, use nylon string or an old shoelace to necktie your strap near the headstock of the guitar. Slide the string through the hole in your strap, and then thread under the guitar strings and tie a secure knot. All the same, brand sure the string doesn't touch your guitar strings, or it could impact the sound of the musical instrument.

• Installing a strap button on a vintage or classical guitar can affect its value. It won't affect the value of near modernistic guitars, but if you're not sure, take information technology into a guitar proficient before y'all make any alterations.

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Things You'll Need

• Strap

• Marking
• Strap Buttons
• Washer
• Drill Fleck
• Cordless Drill
• Philips-head Screwdriver

Virtually This Article

Article Summary X

To put a strap on an electrical guitar, discover the holes on either end of the strap. Connect the strap to the knob at the base of the guitar'due south body, or the bottom of the guitar if it's standing directly up. Sideslip the hole on the other side of the strap over the second knob, where the neck of the guitar meets the trunk. To attach a strap to an acoustic guitar, use a piece of string or an old shoelace to tie one finish of the strap to the headstock, and attach the other end of the strap to the knob at the base of the guitar. Finally, arrange the length as needed! For tips on installing strap buttons, scroll down!

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Source: https://www.wikihow.com/Put-a-Strap-On-a-Guitar

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