A guitar can get heavy after a long time of holding it, 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 of the body.If you don't have any 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.
Your guitar strap needs to be long enough to allow you to stand up.If you want the material to not dig into your neck or shoulder while you're playing, 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 matches your style.
Step 2: The guitar's body has strap buttons on either side.
The buttons on the strap look small.The bottom of the guitar is where the first of these is located.Depending on the 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 need to install a strap.If the guitar has a single button on the body, you can either tie the strap onto the neck or install a button.
Step 3: The guitar has a button on the bottom.
The buttonholes are usually made to fit over the button since you can drop your guitar and crack it if your strap isn't secure.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 guitar's weight will be supported by these holes.If you slip the strap hole over the knob, it won't dig into your shoulder.
Step 4: The second strap button should be pushed over the other hole on the strap.
The knob can be found near the neck of the guitar.The second buttonhole should be over the knob.The other end of the strap should be on this knob.
Step 5: Make sure the strap is secure.
Attach the strap securely with a tug on it, then 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 - 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.sling the strap over your right shoulder if you are left-handed.If the strap slips off of the buttons, don't use it.Either get a new strap or install a strap lock.
Step 6: As necessary, adjust the strap's length.
When playing with a strap, you want your playing to be as easy as possible.The guitar should be able to hang at such a height that you can strum and fret as you normally would.You can change the length of the strap as needed for 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 decide to 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.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 button.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: The music shop sells strap buttons and washers.
The strap button kits have washers included.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 because they will keep the button from wearing away the finish on your guitar.Look for a design that will look 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 varies depending on the style you choose.Purchase locking strap buttons.The metal piece that fits onto the strap will keep it from falling off the button.
Step 9: The guitar needs to be held.
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 assistance, this part will be easier.If you have a cushion on your shoulder, drape the ends of the strap down so they can 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.Some guitars have a strap button on them.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: Place a mark on the guitar where you want the buttons to go.
The first strap button should be located 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 ensure 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.Use string to tie the strap in place if you don't want to.
Step 12: Pick a drill bit that's slightly smaller.
The buttons need to be put into the guitar.The screw on the drill bit won't hold the strap securely if it's the same size as the one you use.If you've done this before, it's a good idea to measure the strap buttons even if they aren't the same as 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: To mark the depth you want to drill, use a marker.
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 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 much more than 2–1 in.
Step 14: Countersink the hole with a screwdriver.
Use a drill to get the bit into the guitar.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 rotate it to about the same depth.
Step 15: Put the strap button on the washer.
Place a button against the hole and then place a felt washer over it.Do not put the button in place.If the button seems to be stuck or going in at an angle, you need to remove it.You could split the wood if you didn't.There is a small felt washer in most strap buttons.You can either buy one from a craft store or skip it entirely if yours didn't come with one.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 have to find the location of your second mark, drill and countersink the hole, lay down the washer, and install the second button.If you only install one button, you're done.
Step 17: 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, then install the button the same way you would a strap button.The lock will come into place when you attach the strap.The quick-release button can be found on the side of the lock.If you have an expensive guitar, and you tend to move around a lot while playing, this is a good option.
Step 18: Plastic locks can be put 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 a rotating upper portion.To install them, push the guitar knob through the central hole and use the ridges to 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.They can be used over the strap buttons.
Step 19: If you don't have regular locks, use rubber washers.
There are alternatives to strap locks that are free.One easy trick is to put a rubber washer over the top of the knobs after placing the strap on the guitar.The rubber washer makes it harder for the strap to fall off of the guitar.At your local hardware store, you can find rubber washers.