If you want to play the guitar standing up, you will need to get a guitar strap, which helps you support the guitar as you play, transferring the weight of the instrument to your shoulder so that you can stand and play effortlessly. Start reading this guide from step 1 to see how to install a guitar strap on an electric and acoustic guitar, and how to use a strap clip.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Attaching the Strap to the Electric Guitar
Step 1. Find the right shoulder strap for you
Guitar straps come in different shapes and sizes (some are multi-colored, some are plain, some are thick and padded, and some are thin), seat belt style. Get the strap you like best at a musical instrument store. Below, you will find some tips for choosing the one that suits you best.
- Material: Cheaper shoulder straps are made using less durable materials and vaguely resemble seat belts. By spending a little more, however, you can buy well-made leather shoulder bags.
- Size: Size is generally not a big deal, as most guitar straps are adjustable. But make sure yours is long enough for you to play standing up.
- Padding: Some guitar straps have padding on the shoulder pad, so they are more comfortable when playing. Typically, this padding is made of foam rubber, but other materials such as fur etc. are often used.
- Aesthetics: guitar straps, as already mentioned, exist in different shapes and sizes. Choose the one that suits you.
Step 2. Find the holes on both ends of the shoulder strap
Guitar straps typically have real or faux leather ends that resemble rounded triangles. Each end should have a small oblique hole in the center. These holes serve to support the weight of the guitar as you play.
Step 3. Attach the strap to the guitar hooks
Almost all electric guitars have two knobs that serve as hooks for the shoulder strap right on the lower and upper ends of the body. These hooks are typically 1.5cm in size, depending on the guitar. Take the long end of the shoulder strap and hook it to the bottom hook.
To make sure you can play comfortably, make sure the buckle to adjust the height of the shoulder strap is facing outwards - otherwise you could puncture your shoulder
Step 4. Hook the other end of the shoulder strap onto the second hook
Look at the point where the guitar neck is screwed to the body; almost all electric guitars have a second hook located right here. Insert the second hole, the one closest to the buckle, into this hook.
Step 5. Slip on the shoulder strap
Congratulations - your guitar is ready to play. At this point, it's time to try the shoulder strap. If you are right handed, slide the strap over your left shoulder so that the guitar hangs in front of you, allowing you to pick with your right hand and use the fingerboard with your left hand. If you are left handed, do the opposite and put the strap over your right shoulder.
Step 6. Try playing
At this point, make sure the shoulder strap is comfortable and doesn't hinder your movements by playing some simple chords. Try playing in different ways - standing, sitting, and even lying down if you like.
Step 7. Adjust the length of the shoulder strap as needed
When you play with the strap, you need to adjust it so that the guitar can be played easily and naturally, just like you would while seated. This means that the shoulder strap should be adjusted to a height that allows you to pick normally. Use the strap buckle to adjust the length as needed.
Method 2 of 3: Attaching the Strap to an Acoustic Guitar
Step 1. Get a little string
Unlike electric guitars, acoustic guitars have only one strap hook. For this reason you will have to use a piece of rope or twine to tie one end of the shoulder strap to the headstock. This string can be as long as you want, but it needs to be thin enough to pass under the strings near the nut.
If you don't have string on hand, try using an old shoelace - typically these shoelaces are just the right length and thickness and are surprisingly long-lasting
Step 2. Attach one end of the string to the base of the guitar
The first part of the procedure for mounting the strap is the same as for the electric guitar. Insert the hole in the strap furthest from the buckle into the guitar hook.
As above, be sure to orient the strap so that the buckle faces out and doesn't hurt your shoulder as you play
Step 3. Thread the string through the hole in the other end of the shoulder strap
The other end of the lace, on the other hand, is attached to the headstock. Start by passing the string through the free hole in the shoulder strap (the one closest to the strap).
Step 4. Thread the string under the strings and around the headstock
Take one end of the string and pass it under the strings outside the nut (the piece of wood or plastic that sits between the headstock and the neck). The string should ideally stay just behind the nut.
Step 5. Secure the twine with a strong knot
Then tie the ends of the twine together. If your twine is exceptionally long, you could double it to reduce the distance between the headstock and the shoulder strap. Tie a strong knot, or more than one - you don't want the lanyard to come untied just as you're playing!
Step 6. Test the shoulder strap and adjust it as needed
Congratulations - your acoustic guitar is now ready to play! Test the strap by playing in different positions, as above. Use the buckle to adjust the length as needed. Listen to the sound of your notes - the string tied on the headstock should not touch the strings causing them to vibrate or dampen them.
If the twine is too long or too short, you will need to untie it and adjust it accordingly
Step 7. Install a second hook at your own risk
Rather than tying string to the headstock, some guitarists choose to install a second hook on their acoustic guitar. Typically, the hook is installed where the neck is screwed onto the body, to mimic the arrangement of the hooks on the electric guitar. Try this only if you have experience in lutherie or guitar modification. Otherwise, you risk permanently damaging the guitar by splitting the wood.
Method 3 of 3: Use a Shoulder Strap Lock
Step 1. Get a shoulder strap clip at your favorite musical instrument shop
A commonly used accessory that can save you a lot of stress (not to mention the money) is the shoulder strap, which usually consists of a simple plastic or metal protector that goes over the hooks of the guitar. This useful tool prevents the guitar from detaching from its belt as you play, potentially creating damage for hundreds of dollars. On top of that, it only costs a few euros and comes in various shapes and sizes.
Step 2. Install simple plastic blocks by placing them on the hook and screwing
Normally, the cheapest shoulder straps are found in the form of small discs with a hole in the center with a thread. These can be installed by pushing the guitar hook into the hole in the shoulder strap and screwing them on. After doing this for each hook, the shoulder strap should stay in place, even if you mistreat it.
Step 3. Use a set of metal strap locks if you want extra security
The “professional” option when it comes to shoulder strap locks is to use a special metal set. This type of block is slightly more expensive than its cheap plastic cousin, and requires modification of both the belt and the guitar, but offers "total" protection. To use this type of strap lock, you will need to remove the hooks from the guitar and install new hooks designed specifically to interact with the strap lock. This type of shoulder strap lock must also be passed through the hole in the belt, after which it must be inserted on the hooks. Once locked, the shoulder strap cannot be removed unless you deliberately remove the shoulder clips.
Step 4. Make makeshift shoulder straps using a pair of rubber washers
While shoulder straps are quite inexpensive, there are also completely free alternatives. For example, an easy trick would be to use a rubber washer, placing it on top of the hooks when you play. The rubber washer will hold the strap in place, making it difficult (but not impossible) for it to come off as you play.
You can find rubber washers at hardware stores - ideally you should get 8mm washers. Alternatively, if you drink beer or soft drinks in bottles with the old crown cap, you can use the cap seal
Advice
- The shoulder strap is useful when playing standing, but also when sitting. When you sit down, make sure the shoulder strap is firmly in place so that the handle stays out a little.
- There are shoulder strap locks of various brands, shapes and sizes. These items protect the strap so that it does not unexpectedly detach from the guitar and damage your instrument.
