Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 3: Attaching a guitar strap to an electric guitar
• Method 3 of 3: Secure your guitar strap
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

If you want to play the guitar standing up, it is high time for a guitar strap. A guitar strap supports the guitar so that you have your hands free to play. Quickly skip to step 1 to learn how to attach guitar straps to acoustic and electric guitars, and we'll also show you how to secure the guitar strap with handy accessories.

To step

Method 1 of 3: Attaching a guitar strap to an electric guitar

1. Find a guitar strap that suits you. Guitar straps come in a variety of styles and sizes - some are fancy, some plain, some thick and padded, some thin like a seat belt. Check out a music store or search online to find the different options. There is even a webshop where you can design your guitar strap yourself! Below are some things to keep in mind when looking for a guitar strap:
   • Material - Most affordable straps are made from the same material used for seat belts, but for a little more money you can buy a durable leather guitar strap.
   • Size - Most guitar straps are adjustable, but make sure your strap is long enough to play comfortably when standing up.
   • Padding - Some guitar straps have a soft padding where the weight of the guitar rests on your shoulder. Usually this is made of foam rubber, but it is also done with fur or other materials.
   • Appearance - Guitar straps are available in many variations and styles. Choose a band that fits well with your "sound".
2. Find the holes on the ends of the guitar strap. The ends of guitar straps are usually leather (or faux leather), in the form of rounded triangles. There is a hole at each end with a cut on the side. These holes support the weight of your guitar while you play.
3. Test the guitar strap by playing. Feel if the guitar is comfortable and does not interfere with your movement by playing some chords or songs. Try to play in different ways - sitting, standing, and even kneeling or lying down, for example.
4. Take a short length of string. Most acoustic guitars only have one button to attach a guitar strap. You can solve this by putting a piece of string through the other hole and attaching this piece of string to the head of the guitar. You can use all kinds of materials for rope, as long as it is thin enough to fit under the strings behind the bridge.
   • If you don't have rope you can use an old shoelace - they are usually the right length and thickness and will last a very long time.
5. Secure the rope with a tight knot. Then tie the ends of the rope together. If the rope is very long, you can double it to reduce the distance between the guitar strap and the headstock. Use a strong knot (or knots) - because you obviously don't want the knot to get loose while playing.
6. Test the guitar strap and adjust if necessary. Congratulations - your acoustic guitar can now be played standing up! Test the band by playing in a variety of ways (just as mentioned earlier). Use the adjustment strap to adjust the length if necessary. Listen to the sound of the notes you play. The rope behind the bridge should not affect the sound or affect the vibrations of the strings in any way.
   • If the guitar strap is too long or too short to play comfortably, you may need to loosen the string to adjust the length of the strap.
7. Install a second button at your own risk. Many guitarists do not like to tie a rope around the head, they choose to mount a second button on the guitar. Usually the button is attached where the neck joins the body (just like an electric guitar). Only try this if you have experience customizing guitars. If you get it wrong, you can permanently damage your guitar.

Method 3 of 3: Secure your guitar strap

1. Buy guitar strap locks from a music store. A lock can prevent a lot of trouble, it is a simple plastic or metal cap that fits the knob of a guitar, if the strap is already attached to it. A lock prevents the strap from sliding off the button while playing, preventing damage. Fortunately, they come in all kinds of variations and they are very cheap.
2. Use a set of metal locks for extra security. The more expensive option is a special set of metal locks. This option also requires you to replace the knobs on your guitar, so it takes a little more time and effort. You also install new buttons designed to fit snugly on the locks. The locks must be attached to the holes of the guitar strap. When everything is in place, you will hear a click, then you know that the lock is properly secured on the button. The guitar strap can only be removed by pressing the special mechanism on the lock.
3. Improvise by using pieces of rubber with a hole. Guitar strap locks are quite cheap, but there are free alternatives too. A popular option among guitarists is the red piece of rubber from a Grolsch bracket. You push this round piece of rubber with a hole in the middle over the button after pushing the tire on it. The piece of rubber (usually) keeps the band in place while playing.
   • You can also often find the rubber circles on bottles of olive oil or another bottle with a bail mechanism.

Tips

• A guitar strap helps when you are standing, but also when you are sitting. When you sit, you better adjust the guitar strap a little tighter so that the neck sticks up a bit.
• Accessories to secure your guitar strap are available in different types and brands, and protect your guitar should your guitar strap come loose unexpectedly.

Warnings

• Do not use too much force when attaching the guitar strap to the guitar. You can damage your guitar and your guitar strap.

Necessities

• Guitar
• Guitar strap
• Rope or lace (for acoustic guitars)
• Guitar Strap Locks (Optional)