When you invest in an instrument and spend time playing it, the last thing you want is to see it get damaged. A simple safety feature like a guitar strap is all that’s necessary to help prevent accidents. Moreover, having a strap on your guitar makes it more comfortable to play. Better weight distribution will allow you to practice or perform longer, with far less pain and fatigue. Whether you’re sitting or standing when you play, a strap is common sense. Moreover, they come in plenty of beautiful patterns and colors to help add to your style. I have played without a strap, and it’s not worth the risk or added pressure on the musician. It only takes a second to put it on, and it will take a lot longer to fix your guitar if you drop it.
Is a guitar strap necessary? A guitar strap is necessary. Having your strap attached will help prevent accidental damage to your instrument and save you money. Moreover, it will also help distribute the weight so you can play more comfortably. Although many musicians don’t feel the need, using your strap is always a wise decision.
What Are Guitar Straps For
Have you ever noticed those odd little nobby things on the bottom of guitars? You will. All guitars have them because guitar straps are necessary. That button is where your strap ataches. Some models have a second button on the top of the body as well.
The guitar strap is like a safety net for your instrument. However, it also serves a couple of other purposes. Comfort is more important than you think when you practice or perform for long periods. The weight distribution gives you more range of motion and less fatigue.
A High-quality, wide, padded strap will help keep you comfortable as you strap several pounds of an instrument to your body. The width helps distribute the weight more evenly on your shoulder, so the strap isn’t cutting into your skin. Moreover, a good strap should never rub uncomfortably.
If you don’t think you need a strap, you probably haven’t played much yet. Securing your instrument to your body takes weight and pressure off your hands. This frees your fingers for playing and lowers the strain on your arms since you don’t have to heft the guitar everywhere you go.
Less mentioned, but still important, a strap can help prevent theft. An instrument in a case or on a stand is easy to swipe. On the other hand, one that is attached to the musician isn’t such a good target. Since guitars retain most of their value and can become more valuable over time, they are all too easy to resell for a fair profit.
A high-quality Amumu Guitar Strap from Amazon is a great way to carry your instrument and look good at the same time. The embroidered suede has a sun and vines pattern that stands out against the dark leather. Best of all, this adjustable strap fits acoustic and electric guitars and electric basses. To read the excellent reviews, click right here.
Can You Attach A Guitar Strap To Any Guitar
You cannot instantly attach a strap to every guitar. Although straps are necessary, some companies, like Martin, don’t attach the strap button before shipping. This helps avoid damage in transit. However, you will find the button inside the case or package.
That said, any guitar can have a strap. The method of attachment varies. Depending on whether your guitar has one button or two, you might attach the strap as a loop to a single point. With two ends and two strap buttons, the setup is more obvious.
It’s important to know that any guitar can be modified for two-button straps. I don’t recommend drilling holes yourself, but most music shops can install a second button quickly.
Are Guitar Straps Universal
Do you need a special strap for your type of guitar? Surprisingly, no, you do not. Guitar straps fit acoustic, electric, and classical guitars. Furthermore, the same straps work for bass guitars as well.
Since all straps connect via one or two buttons, the buttons are universal as well. You can easily change out your straps or use the same one for different instruments. Plus, it’s a good idea to carry a spare.
A broken strap means wrist pain and getting tired faster when you play. Always choose a good quality strap so you don’t need to worry about poor craftsmanship ruining your jam session.
How Can I Make My Guitar Strap More Comfortable
For many musicians, adjusting the strap buttons or adding a second button is the best way to make those necessary guitar straps more comfortable. However, there are other problems you may encounter as well. The type of strap you use matters.
For example, a narrow strap can cut into your shoulder after a while. You solve this problem by trading up for a wider strap. Alternately a too-wide strap on a narrow shoulder might rub the neck or fall off, and you’d change it for a more narrow option.
Lack of padding is another common strap issue. Again, the solution is to level up. Ditch that annoying strap and get one that has more padding. It’s hard to concentrate on playing when your shoulder hurts.
For comfort and style, I recommend a Levy’s Leathers Right Height Guitar Strap. The unique split design sits just right on your shoulder. Moreover, it has ergonomic padded leather and RipChord Technology for easy height adjustment. You’ll love this comfortable strap. Get yours from Amazon when you click here.
How Long Of A Guitar Strap Do I Need
Your strap length depends on your height and the size of your guitar. Since they’re necessary for everyone, guitar straps usually adjust from around forty to sixty inches. That’s plenty of length for most musicians.
If you are unusually tall or you need a shorter strap, both small and extra-large versions exist. Many bass players prefer a sixty-seven to seventy-inch strap for a lower play style.
To get your adjustable strap to fit, sit down and hold your guitar. Set the strap length to hold the guitar in this position. Yes, this goes for stand-up players as well. From there, you can add or subtract an inch at a time to get the most comfortable strap fit for you.
If you need to know in advance, you can check your strap length with sewing tape or even a string. Sewing tapes are flexible plastic tape measure strips. You can easily throw one over your shoulder and measure out how long you need your strap before choosing one.
When you don’t have a sewing tape or can’t get one, any non-stretchy string or twine will work. However, it’s best to use a light color. Wrap the string around the strap button and mark it where it touches the guitar. Then wrap it around you and measure a length of string to ‘hold’ the guitar on. Cut it at the right length.
When you finish, unwind the string and measure from the mark to the other end of your string. Keep in mind that a stretchy string won’t give an accurate measure.
You’ll love a Jeereal Padded Soft Leather Guitar Strap. These outstanding, adjustable straps range from forty to fifty-nine inches long for players of any height and style. Not only are these straps elegant, but you can choose from ten different color patterns. Better still, these straps are designed by professional musicians who understand the needs of fellow guitar players. Get yours from Amazon by clicking right here.
What Are The Best Guitar Straps
The best guitar straps, like most things, depend more on the quality of craftsmanship than any particular brand name. It would help if you had a wide strap with rounded edges. Furthermore, good padding is important to prevent shoulder pain.
How adjustable your strap is can also factor into its quality. You want to adjust them so they suit your height, reach, and style. A good strap should always be easy to adjust and stay firmly in place once it is set to your desired length.
Look at the material of your strap as well. Cotton or other cloth straps may look nice, but it’s not as durable. Instead, choose a leather strap. They not only last longer, but they’re more professional looking. Leather is also typically easier to wipe off when you sweat or someone spills a drink on you.
The Legato Guitar Strap from Amazon is superb and incredibly comfortable. Since it is three inches wide, you get outstanding weight distribution. Not only is this strap versatile, but it is also easy to adjust. Moreover, the rounded edges make this strap less likely to rub on skin in unpleasant ways. Have this excellent strap delivered to your door when you click here.
Final Thoughts
When you get your guitar out to play, you should always put the strap on. Taking a moment to do this simple activity creates a lifelong good habit that can save you a lot of time, money, and trouble. Moreover, you will be more comfortable as the weight is better distributed, freeing your hands to play.
Every guitar has strap buttons for a reason. This piece is more than a fashion accessory. However, you can use your strap to compliment your outfit, guitar, or even an ornate stage. Choose a strap you like that is comfortable for you.
Musicians are often expressing their style and rebelling when they play guitar, which is fine. However, doing this by unnecessarily risking your expensive instrument and your body is silly.