A guitar can get heavy if you hold it for a long time, but playing guitar is a fun way to express your musical side.It's possible to give your arms a rest by putting a strap on your guitar.Most electric guitars have strap buttons at the bottom and top of the body.If you don't have strap buttons, you can install them yourself, but be careful not to crack the neck of your guitar.
Step 1: You should look for a strap that fits you.
If you're standing up, you should have a long guitar strap.If you want the material to not dig into your neck or shoulder, look for a padded strap.The padding could be made from foam, fur, or another soft material.Some straps are cotton, some are made from a material similar to seatbelts, and top-of-the-line versions are durable leather.Pick one that is right for you.Try to find a guitar strap that fits your style.
Step 2: There are strap buttons on the guitar's body.
The strap buttons are made of metal.If you stand the guitar up vertically, it will be at the bottom of it's body.Depending on the type of guitar you have, this knob sticks out about 1/2 inch.On some guitars, the top button is on the neck of the guitar, while on other guitars it is near the body.If you don't have buttons on your guitar, you will need to install a strap.If the guitar has a single button, you can either tie the strap onto the neck or put a button on it.
Step 3: The guitar has a button on the bottom.
The buttonholes are usually made to fit over the button since you could drop your guitar and break it.It can be difficult to push the strap onto the button, but it should go on with a little effort.The ends of the guitar straps are rounded.There should be a small hole on each end.The weight of your guitar will be supported by these holes.If you slip the strap hole over the knob, it will not dig into your shoulder.
Step 4: The second strap button should be pushed over the other hole.
The knob is located near the neck of the guitar.There is a second buttonhole over this knob.Put the other end of the strap on the knob.
Step 5: Make sure the strap is secure.
Attach the strap securely with a tug and slip it over your shoulder.Make sure your strap fits comfortably and doesn't interfere with your movement by playing a few simple songs.Try playing in a variety of ways, such as standing up, sitting down, and even kneeling or laying down.If you are right-handed, you can use the strap on your left shoulder to hold the guitar in front of you.Pull the strap over your right shoulder if you are left-handed.If the strap slips off of the buttons, don't use it.Either install a strap lock or get a new strap.
Step 6: As necessary, adjust the strap's length.
When you play with a strap, you want your playing to be as easy as possible.Your strap should allow the guitar to hang at such a height that you can strum and fret as you normally would.Change the length of the strap as you need it for your comfort and ease of playing.orient the strap so that the buckle doesn't dig into your shoulder while you play.
Step 7: If you install your own buttons, be careful.
The risk of cracking the wood if you make a mistake is why installing a new knob is a good way to get a secure fit on your strap.This can cause permanent damage to the guitar.It's a good idea to have an expert do this for you if you're new to modifying guitars.You can tie the strap to the neck if you have one strap button.However, doing this can cause pressure on the neck joint and can damage the finish, so keep in mind that both methods carry risks when you're deciding which one is right for you.
Step 8: Purchase strap buttons and washers.
The strap button kits will come with washers.They will be sold separately in some cases.It's a good idea to buy the washers if they don't come with the buttons you buy, as they will keep the button from wearing away the finish on your guitar.Look for a design that looks good with the finish and style of your guitar, because strap buttons come in different colors and designs.The straps are usually sold in sets of 2.The cost of strap buttons depends on the style you choose.Purchase locking strap buttons for added security.The metal piece that fits on the strap will keep it from falling off the button.
Step 9: Hold the guitar.
Holding the guitar is the most comfortable way to play it.Most of the guitar's weight is supported by your hands when you're wearing a strap.The location of the strap will be determined if you hold the guitar normally.It's important that the strap helps you support the guitar comfortably; otherwise, wearing it could interfere with your playing.
Step 10: Someone can help drape the strap around your neck.
If you have help, this part will be easier.If you have a cushion on your shoulder, drape the ends of the strap down so they reach the guitar at a natural angle.Wrap the side of the guitar's body behind your right shoulder that is attached to the neck strap in front of your left shoulder.If you play left-handed, reverse this.The guitar's body should have a button in the center of the bottom panel.There is a strap button on some guitars.Wrap the strap behind your back and over your shoulder to find the angle where it should attach to the neck of the guitar if this is the case.
Step 11: There is a mark on the guitar where you want the buttons to go.
The first strap button should be on the part of the guitar that is closest to the floor.The other should be close to the neck of the guitar.Make sure your marks are at least 1 4 in from the edge of the guitar to make sure it can support the strap.Since you might not be able to remove it from the guitar if it's bigger than the button, try to keep the mark as small as possible.It's possible to crack the neck heel when installing a button there.If you don't want to take this chance, tie the strap with string.
Step 12: Pick a drill bit that's slightly smaller.
The buttons have to be put into the guitar.The screw on the drill bit won't hold the strap securely if it's the same size.It's a good idea to measure the strap buttons even if you've done it before.Use a 64 in (0.28 cm) drill bit if the diameter of your button, including the threads, is less than the shaft's diameter.
Step 13: Use a marker to mark the depth you want to drill.
You could accidentally put a hole in the other side if you drill too far into the guitar.The screw could crack if you don't drill in far enough.To determine the depth you can drill, hold the drill bit up to the guitar and mark the spot on the bit.If you watch carefully, you can use whatever color you have on hand, even a red marker.If you have a guitar with a hole in it, you probably won't need to drill more than 2–1 in.
Step 14: Countersink the hole with a screwdriver.
You can drill the bit into the guitar by using a drill.The hole is called a pilot hole.Countersinking should help prevent the wood from splitting or the finish from chipping if you slip a Philips-head screwdriver into the hole and rotates it to about the same depth.
Step 15: Place the strap button on the washer.
Place a button against the hole and then place a felt washer over it.Don't force the button into place.If the button seems to be stuck or going in at an angle, you should remove it.You could split the wood.There is a small felt washer in most strap buttons.You can either buy one from a craft store or skip it entirely.The strap button can be damaged if it rubs against the finish on the guitar.
Step 16: The process should be repeated for the other strap button.
If you want to install two buttons, you need to find the location of your second mark, drill and countersink the hole, lay down the washer, and install the second button.You're done if you only install 1 button.
Step 17: If you're installing a strap lock, attach the metal bit to the strap.
The same way as a button, a strap lock offers additional stability.Two pieces of a strap lock are attached to the guitar and the strap.Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the lock on the strap and install the button the same way you would a strap button.The lock will snap into place when you attach the strap.The quick-release button is usually on the side of the lock.If you have an expensive guitar, this is a good option.
Step 18: Put the plastic locks over the knob.
You can keep your strap from slipping off of the buttons with strap locks.The locks are usually made of small discs with holes in the middle and ridges on the rotating upper portion.To install them, push the guitar knob through the central hole and twist the lock into place.The strap should stay in place even if you twist or pull it.You don't have to install buttons for these locks.You can use them over your strap buttons.
Step 19: If you don't have regular locks, use rubber washers.
There are free alternatives to strap locks.One easy trick is to put a rubber washer over the top of each knob after placing the strap on the guitar.The rubber washer makes it more difficult for the strap to fall off of the guitar.There are rubber washers at your local hardware store.