Finding the perfect strap is an important, if unsung quest. Not only are guitar straps another opportunity to express your style and add embellishment to your on-stage look, they are a vital part of your comfort while you play. Let’s ensure your guitar or bass strap gives you (and your pals) all the support you need, and looks great while it works (along with your other amazing pieces of equipment and more).
What Makes a Good Guitar Strap?
A good guitar strap distributes the weight of your ax across your body and sits comfortably on your shoulder. Thick guitar straps with extra padding are generally more comfortable so that you can rock longer. A good guitar strap holds your instrument in place while you are seated, standing, and moving around. It is easy to secure at both ends so that it doesn’t jeopardize your instrument if you need to rock emphatically. Most guitar straps are between 40 and 60 inches long, and adjustable so that you can get a personalized fit for a tiny instrument or a tall musician.
How Do Guitar Straps Attach?
Electric and bass guitars are pretty easy to install. They both have two strap buttons, one at the end of the body and one on the downward cutaway. It doesn’t matter which end goes where. Attaching a guitar strap on an acoustic guitar is slightly more complicated because acoustic guitars have only one strat button, the one at the end. To attach your guitar strap to the headstock of your acoustic guitar, tie the strap to the headstock with something lightweight like a shoelace or string so that it fits under the strings, behind the nut. If you find this method uncomfortable, you can install a second button behind the headstock. If you’re not comfortable performing minor guitar surgery, your friendly guitar shop experts will happily help.
What are Guitar Strap Locks?
There are a few kinds of guitar strap locks, but they all perform the function of securing your strap to your guitar with extra certainty. Some guitar straps come with strap locks and other extra goodies, but high-end strap locks are usually purchased separately. They often look like buttons or circular disks that pin your strap in place.
Bass Strap Vs. Guitar Strap Vs. Acoustic Strap
Straps for bass and electric guitars are mostly interchangeable. Because a bass is usually quite heavy, many bassists tend toward a bulkier guitar strap or extra long strap. You might be able to find a specialty acoustic guitar strap, which has a loop at one end, or you can modify any guitar strap with a string to attach to the headstock of your acoustic guitar.
Best Guitar Strap for Acoustic Guitars
Art Tribute Woven Strap
Pros: This lovely little strap is adjustable, lightweight and comfortable. It comes in a nice variety of stylish patterns that appeal to every taste. Art Tribute stras come with a 100% lifetime warranty. Best of all, it comes with a headstock loop for easy and polished use with an acoustic guitar or ukulele.
Cons: Because the strap itself is notoriously well-made, some users note that the vinyl ends wear more easily. However, a lifetime warranty replaces any strap an active performer can chew through.
Best Electric Guitar Strap
Fender Sonoran Guitar Strap
Pros: We love this versatile and classic cotton strap. It’s ultra-comfortable, featuring polypro backing and suede accents, so that it breathes well during extended use.
Cons: You’ll need a string for acoustic use. If you need extra length or heavy-duty support, you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Best High-End Guitar Strap
Anthology Gear Full-Grain Leather Strap
Pros: This handsome strap comes in a variety of colors, and a 2 inch and tapered 3 inch option. Thick and padded leather straps are the gold-standard in guitar strap comfort. Though this is a standard sized strap, it can be extended another 9 inches with an inexpensive jumbo tongue, available for separate purchase.
Cons: Leather straps can be extra sweaty, especially when they’re thick. High-end leather is probably not a great investment for beginning musicians.
Best Budget Guitar Strap
Nefelibata Nylon Guitar Strap
Pros: This nylon, breathable guitar strap adjusts, comes in a rainbow of solid colors and won’t break the bank. It features durable leather ends and a few extra goodies packaged in.
Cons: Nylon and stitching can fray after vigorous use. This is an entry-level product.
Best Extra-Long Guitar Strap
Ernie Ball 2 inch Strap
Pros: This strap adjusts, extending up to 72 inches, which makes it great for the tall and short alike. Durable leather ends and abundant pattern choices make the Ernie Ball strap a versatile crowd-pleaser.
Cons: You may need to add strap locks to ensure everything stays attached as you intend.
Our Pick
Fender Sonoran Guitar Strap
Quality craftsmanship, versatility, and hundreds of rave reviews make the Fender Sonoran adjustable guitar strap our top pick to please the masses.