How to attach a guitar strap?

It’s often wondered if guitar straps work with acoustic guitars, and the answer is yes.
The question arises because many acoustic guitars only have one “button” on the back of the guitar to attach a strap, but none on the front.

Attaching your guitar strap

Basically, all you need is a piece of string, a shoelace works well, and you use it to connect the front of your strap to the headstock of your guitar and you’re ready to go. You can find guitar straps designed for acoustic guitars here, but know that you can always get by with this list of steps to follow to attach your guitar strap to your acoustic guitar, if needed. So read on to go through these steps.

Steps to attach your guitar strap to an acoustic guitar

• Start by taking your string, about 60 to 75 cm, and running it through the keyhole on the front of your strap. Tie a knot near the hole.
• Pass your string through the front tab and tie a knot just below it, you can even go closer than the one shown here.
• Then pass one side of the string through the headstock of your guitar and tie a knot on the other side.
• Pass one side of the string through the headstock of your acoustic guitar
• Tie it off at the end. You can cut off the extra string if you wish.
• Tie a knot

Note that it is recommended to use a special waxed string often used in making beaded necklaces, but anything will do as long as it is thin enough to fit under your strings at the headstock of the guitar.
If you don’t have any of that, you can check out our selection of acoustic guitar straps.

What equipment and accessories should you prepare?

Of course, remember to choose your strap carefully. There are several types of straps on the market. Some models already come with a string on the other end.
Others are only pierced at both ends of the strap. If you have the models without a string, please also invest in a shoelace, a cord, or a string suitable for your strap.
• With a strap model supplied with a string, you no longer need to modify the dimension of the cord. This practically fits the neck without interfering with your guitar strings.
• For models without a string, you should choose it carefully. The small cord or often the shoelace, choose one that is thinner and more resistant.
Know that it must pass under your guitar string. The length must also be wide enough for comfortable installation.

Why choose a string of optimal length?

At more than 75 cm long, the string for attaching your guitar strap is quite long. It’s not that serious! You can perfectly use it without cutting it. Start by wrapping the cord around the neck, leaving a part of the string free. This makes it easier to disassemble when you want to change the strap or make some adjustments to the length of your strap. This is also the case when you want to clean and refresh your guitar and/or change the strings.

What to do to properly attach the string?

There is nothing more reassuring than a more resistant and solid strap during a performance. However, some guitars do not have a pre-installed hook at the neck. This therefore pushes experienced guitarists to consolidate the cord attachment on the neck of their guitar.
To do this, you need to invest in a cable tie. It doesn’t take much work to install. You just need to hold the string firmly. Simply, you must choose a model adapted to the neck such as: its appearance or its color. An accessory of the same color can be well matched with your guitar headstock.

What is the alternative to the conventional strap attachment?

This involves installing a second hook to avoid attaching a string to the neck of your guitar. This is a rather delicate process for novices. You are forced to screw the hook onto your guitar.
Broadly speaking, this type of installation is found on an acoustic guitar model. And specialists often mount it at the same level as the heel of the neck. So, if you choose this alternative method to strings, you must absolutely be careful when drilling to avoid damaging your instrument. Use good tools when installing this type of hook.
Furthermore, the style of strap equipped with a small plastic hook can also prevent you from tying a string. It is advisable to place the hook on the edge of the soundhole of your guitar. It is generally placed on the lower part of the soundhole.
Then, you return the strap to the back of the guitar up to your neck. During this process, hold your guitar firmly to prevent it from falling. The only small drawback for this type of strap is that it requires constant support of the neck to prevent the guitar from rocking back and forth.