For many guitarists, the problem of how to put a strap on an acoustic guitar is not even a problem at all. It all seems so simple – you just attach the damn thing, and that’s it!
However, there are a few noteworthy things about the process of how to attach a guitar strap that every guitarist should be aware of if he or she doesn’t want to the instrument while playing.
Guitarists cannot afford themselves to look bad in front of the other guitarists – they just won’t forgive them.
So if you don’t want to give your peers such satisfaction, relax, kick back, and read these simple yet powerful tips.
Choose A Strap That’s Right For You
First up on our “How to put a strap on an acoustic guitar” guide is the strap itself. You may already one, but if you don’t, take some time to search the Internet or your local music store in order to find a strap you’ll be comfortable with.
Here are some of the things you may want to consider when choosing a strap for your acoustic guitar:
- Material - Most guitar straps are made of the same material as seatbelts, and for the most part, they’re OK. However, if you cough up a few extra dollars, you might get a leather strap, which is much more durable and feels more pleasantly on your shoulder.
- Length – this one is of the least concern to you since all straps can be length-adjusted. Still, there’s nothing wrong in trying a few different straps to see how well they sit on you and your guitar length-wise.
- Additional padding – a nice little feature that some of the high-end straps have to make your should feel more comfortable when a guitar strap is hung over it. Again, don’t be hesitant to spend a few extra bucks to buy yourself some more comfort.
- Looks – this is totally arbitrary. Whether you prefer skulls and crosses to happy kittens is your personal choice – let your fantasy go wild.
How to Put a Strap on an Acoustic Guitar?
Step 1: Attach The Strap To The Bottom Pin Of Your Acoustic Guitar
All guitars are equipped with strap pins (also known as pegs or knobs) – this is where you actually connect a strap with your guitar.
Most electric guitars and a portion of acoustic guitars come with a pair of strap pins.
The first one is located at the lower bout, while the other one is placed at the top horn (in case it’s a cutaway) or somewhere around the neck base (if it’s a Les Paul-style body).
In this case, no rocket science is required – just attach one side of your strap to the bottom pin and the other side – to the top/neck pin.
Make sure the adjustment mechanism is closer to the bottom pin and is facing upwards.
As for the acoustic guitars, the situation here is different – most acoustic guitars come with just one strap pin placed at the bottom. “What a bummer!” you might exclaim, but it’s not that bad at all.
Just attach the strap’s bottom end to the strap pin, and move one to the next step – this is where we actually learn how to put a strap on an electric guitar.
Step 2: Get A Thin And Short String (A Shoestring Will Do)
Just like we’ve mentioned before, most acoustic guitars have only one strap pin at the bottom. So, the strap’s other end should be attached directly to the headstock, just above the neck of your guitar.
In order to do this, you will require a short-length string (size of a shoestring) unless your guitar strap already has one.
Step 3: Run The String Through The Hole At The Upper End Of Your Strap
Here, the upper end means the one that is not currently attached to your guitar. This is also a crucial step in the process of how to put a strap on an acoustic guitar.
Step 4: Slip The String Around The Headstock Right Under The Strings And Just Above The Nut
Pass one end of your string beneath the guitar strings and the other end around it.
Step 5: Tie A Knot To Secure The String
Now you just have to tie the two ends together with a double knot – make sure it’s sturdy enough by pulling it a few times. You don’t want the string to become untied while you’re playing.
Step 6: Test It To See If It’s Secure Enough
Concluding out “How to put a strap on an acoustic guitar” guide, the test phase! Pull the strap a few times to see if it’s holding well.
The strap should be able to withstand all the possible movements you’re going to make while you’re playing so give it a try before you engage in action.
Nothing can be worse than a guitar coming unstrapped during the performance. Not only it hurts the instrument, but it also damages your reputation, which is even worse, so be careful.
Conclusion
Now, with your strap on, you’re ready to play! Thanks for reading this article – we hope you’ve learned something useful today.
Note: Some people install 1 more strap pin into their acoustic guitar. But I don’t recommend this because it has a risk.
But If you want a video demonstration of how to put a strap pin on an acoustic guitar, I’ve got it right here.
