How to Put on an Electric Guitar Strap

A guitar strap allows you to stand up and move around freely while playing your instrument. There are two basic ways to put a guitar strap on an electric guitar. The first and easiest way to attach a guitar strap is to simply use the strap buttons that come standard on all electric guitars. The second method involves purchasing and installing strap locks. A strap lock is a device that prevents the guitar strap from coming detached from the strap buttons. This can help prevent embarrassing scenarios, such as a guitar strap falling off during a performance.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Guitar Guitar strap Strap locks (optional) Phillips-head screwdriver

Standard Guitar Strap Installation

1. Locate the strap buttons. All electric guitars have two strap buttons. One is on the top of the guitar body and the other is on the bottom. The buttons will look slightly different depending on your guitar model; however, they are hard to miss. Look for the two small protruding metal pieces (about 1/2 inch long) sticking out of both ends of the electric guitar body.

2. While sitting and securely holding the guitar, place one end of the guitar strap over the strap button at the top section of the guitar body. Each end of the guitar strap has a small hole. The hole is simply placed over the strap button in order to hold the strap in place.

3. Attach the bottom end of the strap in the same manner as Step 2. This method should suffice for most players. However, for players who move around a great deal when they play, it is possible that the guitar strap may come out of place during a performance. In this case, it may be a good idea to install strap locks (see below.)

Installing Strap Locks

4. Using a Phillips-head screwdriver, remove the screws that hold in place your original guitar strap buttons. Each strap button is held in place by a single screw. The original strap buttons on your electric guitar must be removed before you can install strap locks. Strap locks utilize proprietary strap buttons with openings in the top to hold a special locking mechanism in place. One of the most common types of strap locks used by guitarists is the Dunlop Straplok (see resources below.)

5. Insert the new strap buttons. Strap locks utilize there own custom strap buttons. Simply place the new strap buttons over the opening where the old strap buttons were fixed to the guitar using the supplied screws. The new buttons screw in place in exactly the same manner as the original strap buttons. In some instances it may be necessary to make the screw holes larger in order to house a larger screw.

6. Attach the strap lock to your guitar strap by placing the locking devices into each hole on the guitar strap.

7. Snap each locking device into the strap button holes. You will hear a snapping sound when the strap locks on your guitar strap are inserted correctly. The guitar strap will now be much more stable and should not fall off, regardless of how physical your playing style is.

Tips & Warnings

• Be careful when installing strap locks on vintage instruments. Installing strap locks may diminish the value of your instrument. Strap locks often require drilling a larger hole in the strap button area. This is not recommended for collector pieces, as the value of vintage equipment often reduces if changes are made to the original electric guitar configuration.

Resources

• Manufactuer of the Dunlop Straplok